We’re happy to share another “Why I give” member profile today! Here is Ellen Shakespeare, who says she loves feeling like, “part of the process that restores and preserves the visual history of Las Vegas.”
Q & A with Ellen Shakespeare, The Neon Museum Member
Q: When/how did you get involved with The Neon Museum?
A: I visit Las Vegas several times each year. I heard about The Neon Museum from friends and decided to stop by.
Q: What attracted you to the museum?
A: I work in advertising and love typography, so I was really interested in the signage.
Q: Why do you give to The Neon Museum? What motivates you to stay involved?
A: I want to be part of the process that restores and preserves the visual history of Las Vegas. Since I visit often, I see a lot of change in the museum’s collection. It’s interesting to see a newly acquired sign in its original and discarded condition and then see how it looks when it’s completely restored. I enjoy walking among the large signs; it’s a unique feeling to be able to walk among massive art pieces. I enjoy the docent comments and hearing different takes on the same work.
Q: Do you have an anecdote about the museum you would like to share?
A: Originally, I visited the Neon Boneyard during afternoon tours and then decided to go at night. When we started that tour it was golden hour, with some sunlight, and then it became dark. The colors of the neon and contrast against the dark sky were amazing.
Q: In your opinion, what is the most important work that The Neon Museum does?
A: The Neon Museum provides a visual history of the signage and typography that is unique to the Las Vegas area. For many visitors the first thing that comes to mind with Las Vegas are the gorgeous, luxurious casinos. The Neon Museum focuses on all the careful planning that first took place to create signage that communicates the look, tone and feel of a destination from many miles away.
Q: What do you hope the organization will achieve over the next ten years?
A: Expand the collection. If available, perhaps have some of the sign designers give talks on what inspired them and how they use their materials. Have more working neon artists create installations through the museum’s Artists in Residence program.
Q: Who do you think would enjoy a visit to The Neon Museum?
A: Everyone J
Q: What’s your favorite sign and why?
A: I have different favorite signs at different times. My current favorite is the Anderson Dairy milkman.
Catch the oral history interviews of Jack Dubois, AD-ART designer who considered neon signage “the most honest form of advertising.”
