matt dilling is the founder of Lite Brite Neon Studio. They specialize in the production, conservation, and preservation of neon and luminous works of art.
About Lite Brite Neon: Lite Brite Neon Studio is a collective of craftspeople that specializes in the production of neon art, display, luminous visual props and architectural lighting through a collaborative approach. We seek to transform and transmit the power of light art and display as a viable medium to convey the mystical truths that surround us in everyday life.
Merly Pataky is an artist and founder of She Bends. Through curatorial projects and artist programs, she promotes stories from historically underrepresented artists in neon who are developing handcrafted techniques that elevate the medium to the level of process-driven sculpture. As an artist, Meryl focuses on the relationship between her hands and material. Her work is a physical meditation on the timeless spirituality of craft, manifested by taking materials and imbuing them with meaning.
About She Bends: She Bends are dedicated to building a more equitable future for neon through public education, curatorial projects, and artist programs that foster diversity and sustainability. They are pushing the boundaries of their medium beyond the confines of commercial signage into the realm of fine art.
Joy Bloser is the Assistant Objects conservator at the Menil Collection, where she specializes in the care of contemporary art and treatment of polymeric materials. She is developing collective networks of care across institutions to address the long-term preservation of understudied artists like Chryssa and Niki de Saint Phalle.
