women* in neon*

SHE BENDS IS An ORGANIZATION AND TEACHING STUDIO MAKING neon MORE ACCESSIBLE TO ARTISTS, INSTITUTIONS, AND THE PUBLIC.

We support a worldwide network of women who work with glass, noble gases and electricity to further neon as a studio craft and contemporary art form.

Through exhibitions, education, and research we continue the transmission of neon as a living legacy.

“A Bad Man is Hard to Blind” + logo by the talented Kate Hush

*We use “women” to refer to all who identify as women or beyond the binary.

*We use “neon” to refer to the combination of glass and ionized noble gases.

  • A glass vase is knocked over on a dark surface, with a candle flame lying on a white cloth nearby, lit and reflecting on the vase.

    Exhibitions

    Browse our exhibitions history or Submit your portfolio.

  • Neon sign on window advertising 'Artist in Residence' with rainbow-colored border, a person giving a peace sign inside, and curtains in the background.

    Residencies

    Read about our past Residencies, Submit your proposal or help Support our program.

  • Group of women at a vibrant party, exchanging a gift, with neon signs and colorful lighting.

    Neon WORKSHOPS

    Make neon with us in our SF shop or Browse our directory of workshops across the country.

  • A woman in a white t-shirt and black pants standing in front of a large neon pink sign that spells 'NEW' with additional text 'AS SOULCR' underneath.

    Custom Neon

    Commission a neon sign or artwork

  • A yellow banana with brown spots inside a pink neon sign shaped like a shield on a white background.

    The Shop Shop

    Shop the Shop! Tees, bending kits, books, glass and more ;)

  • Blue glass sculpture resembling a candlestick and a tall illuminated blue glass tube art piece on a white pedestal.

    Artists

    Discover the 50+ international roster of artists that we have worked with across Exhibitions, Residencies and Public Programs.

  • Indoor event with four women panelists sitting on stage with neon signs reading 'KEEP' and hearts behind them, and an audience seated facing the stage.

    Public Education

    Explore our material-driven educational experiences, including talks, presentations, film screenings and hands-on activities.

  • An educational poster titled 'Neon Color' showing how different gases such as Helium, Neon, Argon, Krypton, and Xenon glow in various colors when energized. It also depicts the role of phosphors, coatings, and the impact of electrical current on brightness with illustrations of test tubes and color gradients.

    The Living Archive

    Dive into our Archive of videos, books and podcasts covering neon history, skill-building and artist features

  • A woman with glasses and tattoos creating a flame with a flame-throwing tool in a dimly lit room filled with people.

    Live Glass Bending

    Book us to bring the fire to you. Our specialty torches and neon ephemera bring the 120-year-old craft of glass bending to life.

  • Art installation featuring two large blue neon letter A's with neon piping inside, standing on a concrete floor in an industrial-style gallery with brick and textured wall background.

    The Periodical

    Explore this evolving record of neon’s contemporary field—featuring artist profiles, critical perspectives, studio methodologies, history and more.