The Neon Museum Las Vegas | The history of Las Vegas through neon - Karl Orozco, Impressions of an Artist Residency, Part 1 (2024)

After each week of his residency at the Neon Museum’s Ne10 Studio, artist Karl Orozco sat down with Arts Programs Coordinator Jo Russ to reflect on developments.

Karl Orozco recording impressions after residency week 1:

“The studio space was very overwhelming at first because it’s such a huge space and there’s a lot going on, and it’s in many ways different than how I work. Coming from New York where space is such a high commodity, I’m forced to work at a scale where I can manage the space. It’s why I work with such small linoleum tiles and why a lot of my work to this point has been digital or print-based. I also think it’s been empowering and given me other ways to think about my work. For example, I’ve been starting some sculptures today and this is like the first time I’ve done a real deep dive into that. I don’t think this is a medium that I would tackle back home.”

Recorded after week 2:

”As far as my studio practice is going, I’m starting to settle into a groove. Alongside where I’ve started doing some sculptures, I’m testing a third process where I’m working on paper pulp as the first layer of a sculpture and then over it I’m working with butcher paper-mâché and then from that I’m going to be carving designs out of that second layer and I’m pretty confident that this will be the final run.

We went to the James Turrell "Akhob" exhibit today which was really special. I think people were saying that it’s a very introspective exhibit and it’s probably the first bit of long introspection I’ve had since being in Las Vegas and very different from being out in the landscape where there are ads and large monuments and large signage that are telling you to do things and telling you to do these experiences. To be in a space where there’s none of that and it’s just color and light and no sound pumped in was really, really cool. I want to go back again by the end of my time here.”

Recorded after week 3:

“It’s been a really busy week for Mahjong. Whereas for I think the first two weeks I hadn’t even opened it up or like set it up anywhere, I have set it up in at least four, or even maybe five locations both here in Las Vegas and in Los Angeles where I was over the weekend with a variety of groups. The first major session we held was last week here with the staff at the Ne10 Studio and it was a good practice run to test the space.

When I went to LA with my family it was like a big family reunion. We played about five games. One thing that has happened with this project over the summer is that I’m at least trying to become less rigid with the rules of it. It was already a hard sell to get my family to play with this new set with new symbols, at least my grandma in particular. So I conceded to let them play Philippine rules. Whereas most of the bills are staying true to the traditional rules I’ve been following, I’m starting to have more fun with them and playing around with them and letting people share their experiences and their rule sets and more kind of like cultural histories that they and their communities have with this game.

Now I’m going to transition to Shade Tree where we had two groups of young people coming in. Ages ranged from about six to about twelve. I thought it was really successful. A lot of the older boys were really into the idea of being immortalized, like being in the Hall of Fame. They got really into it! And then there was another young girl who wasn’t so much into the game but was really into making books. I could tell she took a lot of care in printing the cover and back cover of her book. I asked her a little more about that and she told me she planned on using that book to write some poetry and some songs. That was amazing! That was not something I would have foreseen coming out of this project, but I think it’s still very much in line with this practice.”

Recorded after week 4:

“Sculptures are progressing. I’ve got two bases of two sculptures ready. Before I go on to the third, I think I’m going to do a final layer on these ones that are dried and ready to go, and see if this method is going to work out the way I expect it to.

As far as the workshop and the mahjong practice is going, we’ve played a lot! Right now I think the tally is at 76 games and I have a self- established goal of getting to 100. As far as Sunday is going, Elyse is on board to do some tea serving and small educational workshops around tea. We’ve got Jim Prather at the Las Vegas Review-Journal working on an instructional video which is a really big help and quite a load off of me. We’ll see how effective it is at speeding up the instructional process but here’s to hoping it helps! I think this Friday will just be completely devoted to cleaning the space and making sure it’s up to snuff for Friday. And regardless of where we’re at, I think it’s going to be a really good event! I think people have been responding really well to the game."

To be continued...

The Neon Museum National Artist Residency takes place for eight weeks over summer in the Ne10 Studio warehouse and is accompanied by programming to engage the community. This project is funded in part by a grant from the Nevada Arts Council, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. During his residency, Karl Orozco has conducted Mahjong Play and Print workshops for both community groups and the general public and will host a free Open Studio event on Friday, August 24, 6-9 p.m.

The Neon Museum Las Vegas | The history of Las Vegas through neon - Karl Orozco, Impressions of an Artist Residency, Part 1 (2024)

FAQs

What is the Neon Museum known for? ›

Founded in 1996, The Neon Museum is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to collecting, preserving, studying and exhibiting iconic Las Vegas signs for educational, historic, arts and cultural enrichment.

How long does it take to go through the Neon Museum in Las Vegas? ›

My wife and I took the guided tour and it took about 1 hours to 1.5 hours. One thing I can tell you to not forget is your camera. They do allow you to take pictures for your own use. In our opinion, we would go there again because there is so much history to be seen and to hear about with the tour guide.

How much does the Neon Museum cost in Las Vegas? ›

Prices
Adult$20
Child (7-17)$10
Child <6 years (ticket required)$0
Military w/ ID$15
Museums for All (EBT/SNAP/WIC) *Maximum 4 tickets per card*$3
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How many signs are in the Neon Museum Las Vegas? ›

How many signs are in the Neon Museum collection? The easiest way to approach this question from a Collections standpoint is to note that there are 800 sign pieces in the collection from around 200 Las Vegas properties.

Is the Vegas Neon Museum worth it? ›

Visiting the Neon Museum will decode Las Vegas for you. It is a beautiful and immaculately clean outdoor museum with passionate docents who personalize the tour which makes it truly top notch, so much more than a memorized speech or a robotic headphone tour you might get at a museum that cares less about excellence.

Why is neon so famous? ›

One of the reasons why neon signs are so popular is their artistry and brightness. The colored lighting of neon signs creates an attractive effect that attracts people's attention. This makes neon signs an effective advertising tool and a unique piece of art.

What is the dress code for The Neon Museum? ›

Shirts and shoes are required in the Visitors' Center, when on a tour and during General Admission and Brilliant! Guest assumes all risk of injury. We recommend visitors wear closed-toe shoes and museum-appropriate attire. Going over the stanchions/rock border or touching the signs/collection is strictly prohibited.

Can you take pictures at The Neon Museum? ›

Portrait Hours ($35-$75)

Portrait Hours are once a week, are pre-scheduled, and allow up to 15 guests (including photographers) to shoot portraiture with their chosen equipment (drones are not permitted). Pictures taken during Portrait Hours are for personal use only.

Is The Neon Museum inside or outside? ›

The Neon Museum's outdoor exhibition space, where all of our reilluminated signs live!

Does The Neon Museum light up at night? ›

Through the neon signs glowing in the night, learn of the inception of the Strip and Downtown.

Is there free parking at The Neon Museum Las Vegas? ›

Free parking for guests is located next to The Neon Museum on McWilliams Ave.

Does the deuce bus go to The Neon Museum? ›

These bus lines stop near The Neon Museum: 113, DEUCE.

What is the best time to see The Neon Museum? ›

The Neon Museum is an all-outdoor venue under the Las Vegas sun. The best time to visit is early evening if you want to catch the bright neon lights and experience the immersive augmented reality projections. If you visit during the day, dress to the conditions as the neon boneyard is outdoors.

How long is The Neon Museum tour? ›

A:General admission tickets to the Neon Museum include access for one hour. For most visitors, that's plenty of time to check out the open-air Neon Boneyard that houses the museum's collection of more than 250 signs, including some from the 1930s. Guided tours of the Neon Museum take 45 minutes.

What is brilliant at The Neon Museum? ›

AN AUDIOVISUAL IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE

Brilliant! Jackpot, takes place in our North Gallery and is the largest augmented reality experience of its kind. The show utilizes 24 3D-sound speakers and eight projectors to create a 360-degree audiovisual experience.

What is neon best known for? ›

The largest use of neon is in making the ubiquitous 'neon signs' for advertising. In a vacuum discharge tube neon glows a reddish orange colour. Only the red signs actually contain pure neon. Others contain different gases to give different colours.

What is the dress code for the Neon Museum? ›

Shirts and shoes are required in the Visitors' Center, when on a tour and during General Admission and Brilliant! Guest assumes all risk of injury. We recommend visitors wear closed-toe shoes and museum-appropriate attire. Going over the stanchions/rock border or touching the signs/collection is strictly prohibited.

What is brilliant at the Neon Museum? ›

AN AUDIOVISUAL IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE

Brilliant! Jackpot, takes place in our North Gallery and is the largest augmented reality experience of its kind. The show utilizes 24 3D-sound speakers and eight projectors to create a 360-degree audiovisual experience.

What is the history brought to light tour of the Neon Museum? ›

This tour uncovers not only the history of Las Vegas but the Neon Boneyard space's curation in 2012. Through the neon signs glowing in the night, learn of the inception of the Strip and Downtown. Explore their history through the neon signs glowing on the properties of Downtown Las Vegas and the Strip.

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