Join Museum of Neon Art Executive Director, Corrie Siegel to learn about the fascinating world of neon and the first museum dedicated to preserving neon signage, the Museum of Neon Art (MONA). Siegel will share about how neon signs are made, what makes them glow and the way a small group of artists and preservationists started a global movement to preserve these community beacons. Audience members will be able to have hands on experience with phosphorescent minerals and a neon sales suitcase. Siegel will also share some Pasadena treasures that are part of MONA collection and that still glow in the crown of the valley.  

The Museum of Neon Art (MONA) was established  in 1981 and has been sustained by a community of artists and preservationists for 45 years. MONA exhibits artwork in its galleries, located in Glendale, California, showcases historic signage from the 1920s–1980s at Universal CityWalk, and maintains its archive of signage and art in its Pomona, California warehouse. The Museum has revived historic neon signage by assisting with the relighting of over 100 significant signs across LA County. MONA advocates for the preservation, study, and advancement of electric and kinetic art. The Museum’s groundbreaking exhibitions have launched careers and inspired generations of artists. MONA makes a human connection to science, history, and art, encouraging visitors to reexamine their built environment. The Museum fosters dialogue and ignites the creativity of a new generation through hands-on neon classes. MONA’s team of preservationists, historians, and artists sparks curiosity through innovative programming and collaborations, demonstrations, bus tours, and neighborhood-based walks.

Corrie Siegel‘s (she/her) work as a museum professional is rooted in collaboration, creativity, and pedagogy. Siegel’s community-based approach is informed by her experience as a gallery director, exhibit curator, museum educator, museum administrator, and artist. As Co-Founder and Director of Actual Size Los Angeles, Siegel championed contemporary art and audience engagement for over a decade. In addition, she worked in museum education and administration at LACMA, The LA Philharmonic, The Armory Center for the Arts, The Norton Simon Museum, The Fowler Museum, and The Corita Art Center. Siegel received her BA from Bard College and her MFA from UC Irvine. She was a fellow at the Armory Center for the Arts, Six Points, and DreamLab. In her role as Executive Director of the Museum of Neon Art, Siegel deepens community connections, supports new artistic production and experimentation, and safeguards historic signage and art through new educational, artistic, and funding initiatives