A light panel includes an outer layer, a first proximity switch, an
electroluminescent element and a base portion. The outer layer includes a
translucent portion. The first proximity switch is disposed beneath the
outer layer and has first and second electrically conductive switch
portions that are arranged to form an electric field that emanates
through the outer layer when the first proximity switch is energized. The
electroluminescent element is disposed beneath the outer layer to
provided backlighting to the outer layer. One of the first and second
electrically conductive switch portions of the first proximity switch
forms at least a portion of an electrode of the electroluminescent
element. The base portion is disposed beneath the electroluminescent
element and the first proximity switch.