Two cowboys stand next to each other, their arms
crossed, their legs spread, and their brightly colored neon chaps overlapping,
the right leg of one merging with the left leg of the other.
The shine didn't last. When the Mapes closed in
1982, it was so out of date, the elevators still were human-operated. Still,
there's plenty of nostalgia for the old place, as well as for other Reno
landmarks that became regular stops for tourists. Those memories are the main
attraction of "The Light Circus: Art of Nevada Neon" at the Nevada
Museum of Art through Feb. 10.
Reno collector Will Durham has worked for the
past decade to build the collection. He and the museum joined forces to
restore, rewire and neon light the pieces that truly represent Reno's and the
rest of Nevada's appeal through the mid-part of the 20th century.
Neon was essential. Most of the best-known images
are gone now, but the exhibition includes yet another cowboy, this one in the
shape of the state itself, cowboy hat worn tilted on the side, hand raised in
greeting, and chaps ablaze; he stood over the entrance to the Nevada Club, now
incorporated into Harrah's Reno. There are images from Harolds Club, also now
incorporated into Harrah's, and signs from other businesses, most notably
Parker's Western Wear, a destination in and of itself.
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