CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Ken Saunders has owned a glass sculpture gallery in West Town for 36 years. Now, he's the director and curator of the newest pop-up museum in River North.
"We are one of the leading galleries in the world for glass sculpture. A few years ago, I started to include a bit of neon. I did a one person show and had really a great response," he said. "My collectors got a kick out of something more jazzy and sexy. The leap from neon to glass sculpture was pretty seamless. It's all about often, mostly about the visuals and visual effects. It's so important to the glass artists and the neon artist."
The neon sign industry was a staple of the ‘40s, ‘50s, and ‘60s. Now the commercial signage is turning up in more homes and galleries as art.
The Neon and Light Museum, located at 325 West Huron, showcases the work of up to 18 artists in neon, light, and the digital art world. Saunders said it's perfect for the pandemic weary art lover.
"Yeah, people want to get out, but they also want to be safe. These pieces invite you to interact with them. There are so many Instagrammable moments. For that romantic picture that says 'wowy, where were ya for that one?'" he laughed. "We are finding safety in the routine of making a reservation, having a specific time to enter an exhibition. It gives us a sense of safety. We can control our environment that we couldn't before."
Related
Other highlights of the Neon and Light Museum collection include a massive 14-foot-tall neon sculpture by artist John Bannon that changes based on your angle of view. On one side, a woman smelling a rose, and on the other, the face of a man with a mask.
"You can stand on the x and see different perspectives. It's really an amazing piece," Saunder said.
Saunders said the exhibit appeals to all ages.
"I've had 75-year olds digging the show. I've had 5-year olds marching their parents through the museum, 'gotta see this, gotta see that.' The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive," he said.
Saunders said the immersive exhibition features breathtaking sculptures and interactive light shows both kitschy and nostalgic, ironic and literal.
"Edgy, right?" he laughed. "It's aluminum,and neon. The aluminum sorta carries the day. Big, dramatic wings. All this marvelous, intricate color. As you walk around, more is revealed," he said while describing several neon wings hanging from the ceiling.
His favorites include some neon words and the light tubes that look like lightsabers. Saunders said more people want more experiences and less stuff these days and hopes the museum fills that need.
"With neon, it's color, it's form. It's something that we all can enjoy. When the color is just right and the form is just beautiful it's just an uplifting experience. We want people to feel they've had a fun experience. If people walk out and say thanks with a smile, we've done our job," Saunders said.
Individual tickets, priced at $25 are now on sale for the limited eight-week run through Oct. 31. A VIP package, priced at $50 per person, includes a neon-themed swag bag and private tour of the exhibition.
Hours of the museum are Thursdays and Fridays from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m; Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For more information and tickets, log onto neonandlightmuseum.com
Related
