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.