Before we get too far into 2024, I want to take a look back at some highlights of 2023, the biggest one of which was the trip I took to Casper Wyoming to attend the opening of Neon In The High Desert, at the Nicolaysen Art Museum. It was an exhibition of (mostly) neon art and included the artwork of some fellow neon artists that I admire. The exhibition was up from September through the end of the year, and it was co-curated by Connie Morgan and Tayler Drattlo. As if being in this show wasn’t amazing enough, I decided to move way out of my comfort zone and travel alone from Philly to Wyoming to attend the opening. What a great adventure it was!
I flew from Philly to Denver (my second time on an airplane since 2002) then drove from Denver to Casper, Wyoming. I’ve never been to that part of the country and was blown away by the landscape. So much land and sky!
On my first night there, Connie hosted a BBQ for the artists at her neon shop, GLOW Neon Lights. Although we’ve been friends online for a few years, this was our first time meeting in person which was so fun, and I loved her funky neon space.
Me and Connie 
Me and Tayler
The second night of my trip was the opening reception for the show. I got there early and recorded a little walk-through video before the crowds arrived.
The opening night reception was so much fun! It was well attended and had an incredible spread of yummy food and delicious drinks and everyone was having a blast. Several people who I know virtually from the neon business traveled out from other states just to come to the opening and it was great to meet them for the first and have a chance to talk. The Nicolaysen Art Museum is an amazing gallery space and the neon reflected off the floor which made the whole exhibit even more magical!
Toasting the show with Michael Flechtner 
Sara Ficklin, Craig Uggerholt, Eve Hoyt, Michael Flechtner, Kendra Hypes, Alissa Eberle, Connie Morgan, Tayler Drattlo, James Akers, Jeremy Bert, Bing Reising, Leticia Maldonado
Connie and Tayler worked so hard to make this show happen and it showed! I have so much gratitude for these two women.
Connie Morgan and Tayler Drattlo
Below is a selection of some of the artwork from Neon In The High Desert. All of the work in this show was created by the hands of the artists.
Tom Zickuhr 
Jeremy Meikle 
The Neon Trenches 
Kendra Hypes 
Alissa Eberly 
Tayler Drattlo 
Perry Pfister 
Michael Flechtner 
Bing Reising 
James Akers 
Jeremy Bert 
Connie Morgan 
Richard Marvill 
Shawna Peterson 
Leticia Maldonado 
Katy Meehan 
Craig Uggerholt 
Clif Eddens 
Sara Ficklin 
Eve Hoyt
For the last day of my Wyoming adventure, I explored a local waterfall and went thrifting with Leticia, and then spent the evening with Connie and Tayler, enjoying hamburgers and a few beers at Connie’s house before heading out the next day to travel back home to Philadelphia.
Me and Leticia
What a wonderful trip it was! I saw beautiful scenery and art, had great conversations, met up with old friends, and made some new ones. I arrived home feeling energized, connected, and extremely grateful.
