Museum of Neon Art Exterior
Glendale is growing in popularity as it has become one of the trendiest neighborhoods in the Los Angeles area. Glendale offers a lot of exciting activities for locals and visitors to do such as shopping around town, dining in fancy restaurants, and attending plays in the art center. However, if one gets bored or desires to try something different, I would recommend checking the Museum of Neon Art (MONA), located on Brand Avenue and right across from the Americana at Brand. Not only is it a place that provides visitors with excitement and inspiration, but it also offers a nostalgic collection past decades of modern art (with a hint of postmodern) throughout the neon medium.
Although neon signs primarily served as a tool to attract people to their respective businesses such as movie theaters or bars as an attention-grabbing attraction in the 20th century, they became less popular as technology continued to develop and slowly people began to replace their neon lights with other types of signs. As the use of neon became obsolete, MONA became a haven where such abandoned neon pieces were showcased as relics of the past. Fortunately, as of recent neon lights and pieces have been regaining popularity now as an art form as more people begin to appreciate their beauty and rarity altogether.
Although neon signs primarily served as a tool to attract people to their respective businesses such as movie theaters or bars as an attention-grabbing attraction in the 20th century, they became less popular as technology continued to develop and slowly people began to replace their neon lights with other types of signs. As the use of neon became obsolete, MONA became a haven where such abandoned neon pieces were showcased as relics of the past. Fortunately, as of recent neon lights and pieces have been regaining popularity now as an art form as more people begin to appreciate their beauty and rarity altogether.
We had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing Kim Koga, who has been the Director of the Museum since 1998. Koga was a studio artist, who mainly focused on fields including ceramics, glass and neon and has worked with the museum for over two decades. The original MONA in Downtown Los Angeles was closed in 2011, however, the new location reopened in Glendale in 2016. The museum not only offers exhibitions, but also provides people with education in regards to neon through classes and workshops which enhances the sense of community in the area. Koga graciously welcomed us to the museum and gave us some personal insight in regards to the museum and her overall career in the creative field.
"Technology is just a tool like paint is to a painter."
Koga had a curiosity and interest in chemistry and history in high school, but she said that her stronger interest, in art, particularly ceramics, led her to major in it in college. Also, her mom studied art, though mostly painting and drawing, and she thought that could have been a strong influence on her as well. She stated that she grew up “in a very different world --- when the pressures of economics weren’t as strong as they are today….it was a more free spirited time.”
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For those who want to pursue a career in art/creative field, what piece of advice would you give them?
Koga advised a focus on the “old world” arts--- of learning to use your hands to make things—to sculpt, paint and dance, instead of relying on current technologies for creating. She said: "technology is just a tool like paint is to a painter," and that to "go within for inspiration." 
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If you could give advice to your younger self, what would it be? And what moment do you consider the most memorable throughout your career?
Koga told a personal story about following a path that eventually led to her involvement with neon and ultimately the museum work, which, she said, she questioned all along the way--- but at one point, about 15 years into it, she found out that her great grandfather had a lamp factory in Osaka, Japan, from the late 1800s. Also, that the factory produced a “Mame Lamp.” Mame means “bean.” And it turned out that she had used a kidney bean form in her work for many years. For her, this revelation was a confirmation about the circuitous path her life had taken. She said to “trust your life’s path, and enjoy your story.”
Although the size of the museum space is smaller compared to other ones, MONA has a lot of inspiration to offer visitors. Currently, a group exhibition called KINETIC ENERGY: Art That Won’t Sit Still runs for a limited period until March 31, 2019 at MONA. Please visit MONA to support neon art, and further discover the history of neon art and its impact on society and how it has transcended into the art world over time.
Koga told a personal story about following a path that eventually led to her involvement with neon and ultimately the museum work, which, she said, she questioned all along the way--- but at one point, about 15 years into it, she found out that her great grandfather had a lamp factory in Osaka, Japan, from the late 1800s. Also, that the factory produced a “Mame Lamp.” Mame means “bean.” And it turned out that she had used a kidney bean form in her work for many years. For her, this revelation was a confirmation about the circuitous path her life had taken. She said to “trust your life’s path, and enjoy your story.”
Although the size of the museum space is smaller compared to other ones, MONA has a lot of inspiration to offer visitors. Currently, a group exhibition called KINETIC ENERGY: Art That Won’t Sit Still runs for a limited period until March 31, 2019 at MONA. Please visit MONA to support neon art, and further discover the history of neon art and its impact on society and how it has transcended into the art world over time.
MONA Gift Shop
Museum of Neon Art
Address: 216 South Brand Boulevard, Glendale, Los Angeles
Hours:
WED / THUR / FRI / SAT: 12:00PM - 7:00PM & SUN: 12:00PM - 5:00PM
MON / TUE: CLOSED
Ticket Prices:
MONA Members – FREE
General Admission – $10
Senior (65+) – $8
Glendale residents (with ID) – $5
Children (12 and under) – FREE with an adult
Website: http://www.neonmona.org
Address: 216 South Brand Boulevard, Glendale, Los Angeles
Hours:
WED / THUR / FRI / SAT: 12:00PM - 7:00PM & SUN: 12:00PM - 5:00PM
MON / TUE: CLOSED
Ticket Prices:
MONA Members – FREE
General Admission – $10
Senior (65+) – $8
Glendale residents (with ID) – $5
Children (12 and under) – FREE with an adult
Website: http://www.neonmona.org
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