The Museum of Neon Art (MONA) & Circa presents an LGBTQ+ exhibition titled Light in the Dark: Queer Narratives in Neon. Although the exhibition opened on October 28, 2023, you can still view the exhibition through March 3, 2024.
It is launched in conjunction with Circa: the first LGBTQ+ histories festival in the United States, presented by One Institute in the month of October.
MONA, Circa LGBTQ+ Exhibition
The exhibition features notable items in MONA’s collection including architectural lighting from Man’s Country, Chicago’s longest running gay bathhouse; LA-based bathhouse Midtown Spa; Body Builders Gym which served LGBTQ clientele through its 45 years of existence, Neon lips inspired by the Rocky Horror Picture Show, as well as the signage for Circus of Books, an L.A. bookstore and important gay cruising spot and Artworks made by LGBTQ artists and craftspeople past and present. The exhibition will also take place on the multimedia mobile and web-based guide Bloomberg Connects.
The 90-minute free program on October 29, 2023 invites audiences to explore the galleries with artists, activists, donors, and also MONA community members to learn the fascinating queer histories behind this radiant medium. This program will feature short readings, performances, and presentations speaking to LGBTQ connections to neon art, signage, the Glendale community, and the museum as well.
Neon is a medium that has been pushed forward by lesbian, gay, and transgender artists. “The Museum of Neon Art (MONA) would not exist without the leadership of trailblazing artists, craftspeople, and preservationists from the LGBTQ community. We are delighted to participate in the Circa Festival because throughout our 42 years of existence, MONA has held strong queer leadership,” states MONA Executive Director Corrie Siegel. For many, neon is a nostalgic marker of Americana.”
Admission
Be aware there is admission which helps keep MONA running. Tickets range from $3-$10, children under 12 and military are free
Parking Info
Public parking structure with 90-minute free parking is at 120 Artsakh Avenue, Glendale, CA 91209
Brand Boulevard street parking in front of MONA is $2 per hour at pay station
Metered parking in the alley behind MONA (accessible from Harvard or Colorado) is $2 per hour at the pay station
About The Museum of Neon Art
Established in 1981, The Museum of Neon Art exhibits cutting-edge electric, kinetic, as well as light-based artworks. This historic signage illuminates the past, present, and future through permanent and rotating exhibitions. MONA, one of the country’s oldest continually artist-led and founded museums, preserves electric, kinetic, and neon art. The Museum’s collection includes contemporary neon art, vernacular signage, and also electrical and technical equipment. Throughout its 40+ year history, MONA has fostered an awareness of historic neon signage through its LUMENS project with the City of L.A. Via this project, many signs across the city skyline, restored and relit. Furthermore, once can see this through its popular bus tour, the “Neon Cruise.” In addition, MONA has sustained and celebrated a community of artists. It also has preserved specialized skills and knowledge in order to carry neon, plasma, kinetic, electric, and glass arts into another generation.
About Circa
ONE Archives Foundation presents Circa, the first and only LGBTQ+ histories festival in the United States. This year celebrates seven decades of service to the LGBTQ+ community. Kicking off at the start of LGBTQ+ History Month, October 2023, the month-long programming series will showcase the trailblazing histories and vibrant cultural contributions of LGBTQ+ communities. This all happens through the lens of present-day challenges and triumphs. Circa will feature queer and trans thinkers and doers leading the movement for LGBTQ+ liberation.
On view: October 29, 2023 – March 3, 2024
What: Light in the Dark: Queer Narratives in Neon, group exhibition
Where: MONA, 216 S. Brand Blvd., Glendale, CA 90039
When: Running through March 3, 2024
Website: https://store.neonmona.org
CLICK HERE for additional upcoming art exhibitions, along with performances and foodie events.
