TACOMA, WA.- Museum of Glass is presenting She Bends: Redefining Neon Legacy, on view until October 2023. She Bends explores the evolution of neon teaching methodologies in the traditionally male-dominated art form, and the transition of the medium from an agent of advertising and commercial signage to fine art.

Redefining Neon Legacy is curated by the organization She Bends, led by co-owners Meryl Pataky and Kelsey Issel. She Bends aims to push the boundaries of neon and is dedicated to building a more equitable future for the art form through public education, curatorial projects, and artist programs.

“We want to tell neon’s story, and the stories of those who use it in their art. We want to change the narrative around neon and show that the process is becoming more personal for the artists. The process can be just as interesting as the finished product. It can be magical, and there are so many stories that can be told. And, by supporting and celebrating the artists who are making new and challenging work, we can help continue this story responsibly,” said Pataky.

In addition to the process of neon and the importance of women and gender-expansive artists in the medium’s history, visitors will learn about the intersection between art and science, the commercial history of the material, and its emergence as a more personal art form. Much of the exhibited work is not only a response to neon’s commercial origins, but an exploration of themes of cultural identity, healing, or political activism. Additionally, since neon is a “master/apprentice” craft, the exhibition’s curators are focused on how neon skills are passed on and how the material’s legacy evolves to become younger and more diverse.

“Neon is an outstanding example of what makes glass art so special – a ubiquitous material that transforms in the hands of artists. I am excited for our visitors to see neon, a pervasive material for signage, through the eyes of the electrifying artists of She Bends,” said Katie Buckingham, Museum of Glass Curator.

Exhibiting artists include Sarah Blood, Carissa Grace, Kacie Lees, Stephanie Sara Lifshutz, Victoria Ahmadizadeh Melendez, Meryl Pataky, Lily Reeves, Daniella Thach, and Jude Abu Zaineh.

“Museum of Glass is thrilled to partner with She Bends to amplify the voices, experiences, and identities of current and future artists. We continue to seek opportunities to represent our entire community through the stories told in our galleries, and we can’t wait to share this groundbreaking exhibition. The more we in the glass community have experiences with adjacent art forms like neon, the more we can present an immersive and compelling narrative for our visitors,” said Museum of Glass Executive Director Debbie Lenk.