Neon Talks with Jenna: Gas Filling Tube Suckers
Dani Kaes, Galen Turner, and Jacob Willcox in front of installation If one doesn’t work, we got two to spare: a GFTS mixtape. Photo courtesy of Dani Kaes.
EPISODE SUMMARY:
Neon is a master-apprentice trade; those holding the knowledge control to whom it is passed. She Bends: Redefining Neon Legacy features artists of historically underrepresented communities in neon alongside the women who taught them, telling the story of the evolution of the medium playing out in real time, as custodians of the craft become more intentional about how, and to whom, they pass their torches.
In celebration of this current exhibition, Frit City Host Jenna Canals interviews Tacoma-based neon collective Gas Filling Tube Suckers (Dani Kaes, Galen Turner, and Jacob Willcox) about their inspirations, artistic practices, and love for their local community.
“The gang goes to Pilchuck.” Photo courtesy of Gas Filling Tube Suckers. Artists pictures left to right: Dani Kaes, Jacob Willcox, and Galen Turner.
GAS FILLING TUBE SUCKERS
Dani Kaes, Galen Turner, and Jacob Willcox founded the neon glass artist collective Gas Filling Tube Suckers (GFTS) in early 2022. They visited Museum of Glass for a Visiting Artist residency in the Hot Shop in May 2023. Their installation If one doesn’t work, we got two to spare: a GFTS mixtape (2023) is on view in the Museum’s front window through January 2024.
JENNA CANALS
Jenna Canals is an emerging professional in the museum field with a focus in museum development, DEAI work, and community programming. She receiver her BA in the History of Art from University of Florida in 2018 and currently works at Museum of Glass in Tacoma, Washington. As the daughter of an educator, Canals’ sincere regard for the powers of learning, community, and creativity drive and inspire her work.
Photo courtesy of Jenna Canals.