The Neon Struggle

Rio is a third generation sign maker bending glass tubes in a small shop in Southern California. He learned the art of making delicate glass tubes glow in vibrant colored signs from his father and grandfather. He has taught the art to his son, but he spends most of his days repairing old signs as no one is ordering new ones. His son is looking for other employment. As a result of new technology that is touted as being more energy efficient and longer lasting, mom-and-pop shops that make neon are being forced out of business. Through our interviews with historians, cultural experts and neon sign makers in Southern California and Nevada we will explore this once vibrant and now dying art form.