I recently travelled out to Ohio to attend a get-together for neon makers. It was sponsored by the Neon Makers Guild, an organization that I helped found 3 years ago. Neon sign making isn’t a very common occupation; often neon tubebenders work in solitude, or with only one or two people, so having the opportunity to get together and talk shop with other folks who do the same kind of work is a rare and special treat! When I first started working in the neon industry, back in 1989, there were gatherings similar to the one I attended in Ohio. They happened once a year and coincided with the annual trade show for the sign industry, taking place after hours at a local neon shop, Plasma Graphics . I only attended one of them back in the day, but the vibe was similar to the ones that the Neon Makers Guild has sponsored for the past few years: good times, community, and camaraderie.
This year’s “Bender’s Bash” was hosted by Navcour, a scientific glass blowing facility and neon shop located in Lorain, OH. They make hand-blown glass products like beakers, bottles, distillation apparatus, and funnels, etc..as well as neon signs. It is a really cool facility! And the owner, Doug Navalinsky, was so friendly and welcoming.
Surprisingly, this was my first time in Ohio, and the city of Lorain is right on Lake Erie. My husband and I arrived early to get settled into our Air Bnb and take in some of the local scenery.
The Benders Bash was a two-day affair, with the first day being a meet and greet with pizza and beer. I was excited to see some of my neon friends, whom I had met before, and also meet some of the Neon Maker’s Guild board members, whom I had only spoken to via Zoom. Nothing beats face-to-face interaction and conversation!
Day 2 was the main event, consisting of glass blowing and neon demos, and a materials swap/sale. I brought several things to sell (cheap!), which were a hit, and I came home with only a few things that no one wanted.
The demonstrations were great. It was cool to see the scientific glassblowing and the tools they use in the process, and I always find it interesting to watch other neon tubebenders and how we all have different approaches and techniques.
A master at work, our host Doug Navinski, giving a demo on how to make a diffusion pump.
I was also excited because my neon teacher and mentor, Haley Ryane, was in attendance and I hadn’t seen her in well over a year, so it was great to hang out. We even collaborated on a little glass welding project.
As always seems to happen at these gatherings, the day went by way too fast, and before I knew it, it was time to give hugs and say my goodbyes. I left Navcour and Ohio feeling refreshed, inspired and connected to my neon community. I’m already looking forward to the next one!
