“If you think you know Los Angeles, then come to my presentation and I’ll introduce you to a side of L.A. you haven’t seen — and make it a lot of fun.” For the past 11 years Eric has been giving talks about Neon as well as hosting MONA’s Neon Cruise™, a nighttime double-decker bus tour exploring neon in Los Angeles.
For his talk, aided by two slide projectors, he explains how radiantly-colored tubes of glass are used to create the alluring signage that we associate so closely with night life in vintage Los Angeles. “Some of L.A.’s most captivating stories are interwoven between those tubes of glowing glass,” says Eric.
Neon also was a key player in the development of Glendale until many of the signs were removed when sign codes were made more restrictive during the later 20th century. However, truly historic neon signage still exists in the city such as that found on The Alex Theatre, Zinke’s Shoe Repair, and the Seeley Building clock. Neon is poised to play a much more visible role in Glendale’s future as MONA prepares to permanently settle into its new home on Brand Blvd as the anchor of Glendale’s growing Cultural Arts District. The building, designed by the Shimoda Design Group, will have at its focal point a dynamic glass light box and soaring iconic Diver sign perched atop it that will become a landmark on Brand Boulevard. MONA expects to open its doors in 2014.