Roadhouse Relics

19 Dazzling Photos of Neon Signs

ToddSanders — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 19:14:01 +0000

Today Todd Sanders’ artwork was featured on Gizmodo as one of the “19 Dazzling Neon Signs”. The one of the gallery was a gorgeous shot by Dan Pino taken in the evening after hours. We love the shot of Stand Up Records’ finished sign.

Dan Pino’s after-hours shot of Todd’s gallery

Get Connected!

ToddSanders — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 23:20:42 +0000

Isn’t it crazy how many ways there are to find Todd and the gallery? Check out these other profiles…

Austin Scene Portrait Series

ToddSanders — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 20:17:59 +0000

I was featured in a photo series by photographer Norman Hera. The Austin Scene Portrait Series was taken in and around Austin in February and March. You can see the complete series here.

Norman Hera’s portrait. Check out his site to see the other local artist featured.

Norman Hera lives and works as a freelance photographer and graphics designer in Leipzig, Germany. After finishing his studies in Media Science, Film, Politics and Intercultural Communications we worked for a number of companies as a marketing expert before starting to work as a freelancer in 2006. His pictures were featured in fashion and University-magazines as well as in advertising campaigns. He teaches photography and Photoshop-Software-Use for groups and individuals among others at Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena.

Norman says, “I’ve always been impressed by the openness, diversity, dynamics and quality of Austin’s art scene and spread the word ever since I first worked in Austin in 2001. I’ve been asked many times to portray the artists to make the scene more accessible for people in Germany. More than that, I wanted to encourage people in Germany to show their art to others and not be afraid to do so. Austin’s scene wouldn’t be possible without the open approach by both artists and audience to embrace new ideas and give them room to blossom. I would like to contribute to implement the same approach where I live. The culture is very much different still – especially in areas outside of the major metropolitan areas – and we need to change that in order to develop the art scene in Germany – there are so many wonderful people here with great talent!”

Thanks again Norman! Keep up the great work. Looking forward to seeing
what’s next…

Neon Signs and the Great American Road Trip

ToddSanders — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 15:26:10 +0000

Ever wonder what catches a neon sign artist’s eye on a road trip? Check out what Todd has found on his trip out West.

Make the Neon Boneyard part of your Vegas trip

Todd Sanders — Fri, 31 May 2013 17:58:11 +0000

Chances are if you’ve been to Vegas, you’ve seen and done a few things.

You’ve seen the Bellagio Fountain, you’ve seen the Talking Statues at Caesars Palace, you’ve lain out at Mandalay Bay’s awesome pool, and you’ve gambled at the Venetian.

But if you get talked into going back to Sin City, which isn’t very hard to do, you may want to travel up toward Old Vegas and check out the Neon Boneyard — part of the Neon Museum.

Right now, for the first time ever, the Neon Museum is offering special evening tours of its open-air Neon Boneyard exhibit. Evening tours start at 7:30 p.m. and run through 9 p.m. during June and July, and from August 1 through September 15, the evening tours begin at 7 p.m.

It’s a great chance to view some old vintage Vegas neon signs that helped make Vegas so great. Caesars Palace, Binions Horseshoe, the Golden Nugget and the Stardust are just a handful of the most iconic signs that now serve as public art. Over 130 signs from as way back as 1930 are at this exhibit.

Hundreds of these larger than life signs sit, un-electrified and retired, giving you a glimpse of what these neon-less signs look like, but also showing you how massive and impressive they are.

Take a look at this video below for a tour and some history of the Boneyard.

Neon Lights to Neon Fashion

Todd Sanders — Sun, 26 May 2013 08:23:04 +0000

Whether it’s a sign in a store front or the bright lights of Las Vegas, neon has always been an attraction and an affixation of the eyes. Maybe this is why so many fashion designers of last year and this year are incorporating neon colors in their clothing lines. Anywhere from Nike running sneakers to Versace gowns to Old Navy Khakis, neon has made quite an emergence in the fashion world over the last two years.

Whether it’s been a full out neon getup like, Katy Perry’s 2012 outfit to the Kid’s Choice Music awards, or as recent as Selena Gomez’s classy Versace gown with neon accents worn to the 2013 Billboard awards in mid-May, neon isn’t just for construction workers anymore.

What do neon signs and neon clothing construction workers wear when on a job site have in common? It’s all about getting noticed. What better way than neon?

Whether it’s in the office or in the park, take a look at the neon that’s around us and think of its roots – neon signs and being seen. Businesses used them to attract clients, now people are wearing its colors to attract other people.

So be bold, be bright, and don’t be afraid to be seen. Neon encourages it.

Behind the Wall

ToddSanders — Mon, 20 May 2013 14:33:45 +0000

Everyone who visits Austin knows our icon Greetings from Austin Mural, but it isn’t as often that you get taken behind the wall in to the gallery.

Enter Camille Styles. Camille is a lifestyle blogger here in Austin, with an inspired site and loyal following. Camille Style’s art director Jennifer Rose Smith and Austin photographer Chad Wadsworth visited the gallery and went behind the wall with Todd.

Check out the full article on Camille’s site.

Con(GRAD)ulations, Mike!

ToddSanders — Fri, 10 May 2013 18:28:44 +0000

Congratulations to our gallery manager, Mike, who will be graduating from Texas State University Saturday!

Mike started as an Intern this January, and we quickly realized that he was well on his way to becoming a permanent addition to the Roadhouse Relics team. Mike is an incredibly talented and we are so lucky to have him. Check out some of his work here.

Here he is at our SXSW gallery opening with his lovely wife, Erin. Have a wonderful celebration this weekend, Mike! You’ve earned it.

New Work from Director OG

ToddSanders — Fri, 10 May 2013 17:11:23 +0000

The past few weeks we’ve been collaborating on a project with the Austin director, OG and Stand Up Records. We can’t wait to share what is in the works with you.

This week OG put out a new music video for another Austin Artist, Gary Clark Jr. Check it out below, and stay tuned for updates on our project.

Great work, OG!

Gary Clark Jr. NUMB Music Video from LUXURY MINDZ on Vimeo.

Fast Co. Celebrates Neon Signs (and Todd)

ToddSanders — Tue, 07 May 2013 19:11:13 +0000

Last week we were thrilled to be featured in Fast Co Design in an article title, “Meet A Modern-Day Master Of The Classic Neon Sign.” If you haven’t had a chance, check out the full article and slideshow here.

There has been a huge resurgence of hand-painted neon signs, noted by Fast Co as “a renaissance of sorts.” We agree and are thrilled that Todd can represent Austin and original hand painted neon signs on that list.

Are you an artist wanting to tell your story? Check out this post about making an artist press kit.