Abstract: A controlled stratified random area illuminator is constructed of a base comprised of alternate layers of conductive and insulating material and a plurality of illuminating devices adapted to be positioned in a predetermined array on the base to provide an illuminating display. Each illuminating device comprises a light source and a post which carries a pair of leads for supplying current to the light source, one lead being adapted to make electrical contact with a common layer of conductive material and another lead which is adapted to make electrical contact with one of the other conductive layers. The illuminating devices and the base are constructed so that the illuminating devices can be installed by pushing them into the base material to penetrate the conductive and insulating layers to a predetermined depth. A selective switch controls the supply of electrical current to the conductive layers for illuminating a predetermined array of illuminating devices.