One Sunday morning, as David and I were reading the Sunday Blade, we came across an article about a man named Kory Sherer and his custom neon shop called Bent Neon. Prior to this article, I knew absolutely zilch about neon and the workings of bending tube and how one got those pretty, pretty bright lights to be so bold and captivating. After reading the article, I still knew zilch, but something about the man behind the art made me want to know more.
Why would I want to know more? Well, every time I see a neon sign, it stirs up a sense of nostalgia. There is something intangible and magical about it. The bright light, the comforting buzzing, and the awe of seeing the gas moving inside, are things that stir up a longing in me of something that was lost over time. It’s hard to explain.
Before I get into Kory and his gallery, here’s a little history lesson on neon signs.
Show neon sign history break (it's worth it)...
Neon first lit up the U.S. at the turn of the 20th century, shortly after French engineer Georges Claude debuted the concept at the Paris Auto Show of 1910. His combination of physics and chemistry sent a voltage through electrodes in a sealed glass tube that held a noble gas, resulting in a “glow discharge.” By shaping the tubes, glassblowers (sometimes called “benders”) created letters, lines, and elaborate forms.
This “liquid fire” inspired U.S. glassblowers to fashion advertisements both big (“Vegas Vic,” a 40-foot-tall cowboy still blinking in Las Vegas) and small (motel signs lit to say “vacancy” or “no”). Neon became particularly emblematic of lonesome highways in the American West, drawing weary travelers to a soft bed, a warm meal, or a hot blackjack table.
Neon featured in some of the 20th century’s most rollicking architectural styles, frosting the Art Deco hotels and apartments of Miami’s South Beach and outlining the Space Age-y diners and drive-ins of Los Angeles.
But by the 1970s, neon had fallen out of favor. At some point, it became associated with tackier things, like tattoo shops. It didn’t help that, as movie marquees and hotel signs went “modern,” neon glimmered on pawn shops, adult bookstores, and even in the typography for lurid films.
Since neon requires some maintenance (keeping it clean, lit, and free of damaging bird poop), many businesses found it was easier—and cheaper—to pitch their Broadway shows, pizza parlors, or air-conditioned motel rooms with backlit plastic signs. A universe of neon disappeared, getting scrapped or just going dark as mass-produced billboards and TV-like displays proliferated.
Bent Custom Neon is located off W. Sylvania Ave in Toledo, OH. It’s easy to miss, considering there’s no big flashy sign out front, which is a little strange given it’s a custom neon business. However, when I got closer, I did see he had some of his custom work displayed in the windows, but it being daylight still, it was hard to see.
We had to park around the back of the building and I walked into what is best described as the workshop. Where “the magic happens” so to speak. I announced my presence and in a couple of moments, the man himself popped his head out and greeted me.
Upon first impression of Kory, the words that popped in my head were “seasoned” and “experienced”. He has long salt and pepper hair that was pulled back in a ponytail and beard. He sported a backwards cap. His hands were black from working all day, his eyes were behind glasses looked tired but had a glimmer of excitement. He had a kind smile. When he started talking to me, The enthusiasm when he talks about his work pours out of every fiber of his being. Then the next words that popped into my head about Kory were “very cool”.
He brought me to the other side of his shop to his gallery and started answering my questions.
Born and raised near and in the Toledo area, Kory discovered Neon at the age of 9. This business was started with his parents over 30 years ago, and is still very much a family operation. It’s very cool to know that Neon has been his passion for pretty much all his life. I can’t think of one thing that I’ve been passionate about for that long. He started out working at a shop in Detroit and worked extremely long hours to perfect the craft.
You might have seen some of his custom designs around town such as the Bar Louie and Funny Bone signs in Perrysburg as well as the Super Fitness on Reynolds Road.
The gallery was a sight to see, a simple space but also one that was bursting of color, art, and architecture. My favorites were the mushrooms lined on the wall, kind of reminding me a little of a psychedelic version of something I’d see in Wonderland. There were also a couple pictures that I found to be endearing because they were painted by his children. Like the one of Grogu (or Yoda, I’m not sure which one.) He then went and laid the neon on over it, making the picture pop and extra special. Kory also pointed out a table he made based off the colors of Miami Vice, which was very cool for any fan of the show.
The gallery can also be rented for private events for $125 an hour. That is such a cool venue if you think about it! When it’s dark and your only source of light are these amazing and unique pieces, adding an element of fun and class to your party.
The gallery wasn’t all I saw. He also showed my his current pride and joy that I had completely missed when I had walked in earlier. Kory is currently working on a 3-D Jeep that has been making waves on social media. Clueless me had no idea about it prior to coming there, but let me tell you, this thing is COOL. The detail, the colors, the skill required, the techniques, all of it blew my mind. He posts updates about it regularly on his Facebook and Instagram pages.
Kory wanted to emphasize that Neon signs are extremely impactful to one’s business or event. Using neon signs for events is an excellent way to incorporate a visually striking feature into the event decor as well as highlight the venue. A well-placed neon sign can draw attention to a specific area or feature in the room, such as a fireplace or artwork.
A neon sign’s bright, colorful glow can also add a touch of personality and character to the room. Adding a personal touch to your party with the help of custom neon signs can make the atmosphere even more memorable and unique. They are customizable, letting you freely express yourself with a unique design or message. You can personalize it by adding your name, initials, or an extraordinary detail to the sign.
Kory and his team make one of a kind pieces, or they can also replicate a classic that one may have dreamed of having. Their attention to detail, service and quality makes Bent Custom Neon the ideal choice to bring your vision to life.
Going to the shop fulfilled a nostalgic longing for a simpler time that I didn’t even know I needed until I was in there. Neon has a personality of its own, its own soul, and its own story to tell. Kory told me everyone who comes to Bent Custom Neon has a deeper appreciation for Neon and the skills required to create neon signs when they leave. And I have to tell you, he was absolutely right.
Bent Custom Neon
- bentcustomneon.com
- 2746 W Sylvania Ave, Toledo, OH 43613
- (419) 460-0683
- Benderman
- Benderman
- Bent Custom Neon
