SAVE THE DATE: Art Institute of Chicago Neon Workshop and Symposium October 14-15, 2025

The Art Institute of Chicago is hosting "The Persistent Glow: The Conservation and Continuity of Neon Artworks" a two-day workshop and symposium bringing together collections care professionals and neon artists/fabricators to cover the multi-faceted challenges when installing and caring for neon artworks and signs. There is an optional third day option for those attending the workshop.

October 14: An all-day workshop will be led by Taylor Healy, Meryl Pataky, Joy Bloser, and Ellen Moody. The workshop leaders will present a brief lecture to familiarize participants with neon technology and terminology. Following the lecture, participants will be guided through neon assessment and documentation and participate in hands-on installation. The workshop is free. It will be limited to 13 participants and priority will be given to collections professionals tasked with installation and care of neon objects institutions or collections.
October 15: An all-day symposium will include presentations from neon experts to share their experiences with the preservation, restoration, and installation of neon artworks. The presenters will participate in a panel discussion to talk about the networks of care that are required to keep neon objects and the craft alive. Q+A to follow. The symposium is free and open to anyone interested in the past, present, and future of neon creations.
October 16: Local neon studio, Lightwriters will host a special half-day neon bending event in their space for participants to gain first-hand exposure to the process of bending glass and the decision-making/skills that goes into creation. Participants will leave this event with a bent glass unit, packed for travel. The bending demo will be limited to 8 participants, with priority given to those attending the workshop and symposium. Participants are expected to cover the costs of the event $420 for a bent glass object (does not light up) or $600 for a functional neon artwork.

REGISTRATION AND PROGRAM DETAILS WILL FOLLOW WITH THE FORMAL INVITATION