RI Docs Shorts
Nick McKnight-Passing the Neon Torch
3/10/2026 | 3mVideo has Closed Captions
Neon bender Nick McKnight brings light to the visual landscape of Rhode Island.
Nick McKnight is a neon bender and artist working in Providence. From signs, to abstract sculptures, to poetry, he shapes ideas and feelings into glass and gas. In this film Nick discusses the responsibility of preserving the dying craft of neon, while celebrating his place in the lineage of Rhode Island neon.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
RI Docs Shorts is a local public television program presented by Ocean State Media
RI Docs Shorts
Nick McKnight-Passing the Neon Torch
3/10/2026 | 3mVideo has Closed Captions
Nick McKnight is a neon bender and artist working in Providence. From signs, to abstract sculptures, to poetry, he shapes ideas and feelings into glass and gas. In this film Nick discusses the responsibility of preserving the dying craft of neon, while celebrating his place in the lineage of Rhode Island neon.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
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Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship- It feels really good to be a part of the history of Rhode Island signage.
Having my shop in Providence, living in Providence, being in Olnyville, I do have that sense of pride in community that I get to be a part of it.
(easy jazz music) (easy jazz music continues) (easy jazz music continues) Some of the most iconic neon signs in Rhode Island are Wien-O-Rama in Cranston, Baba's Original on Smith Street, New York Systems in Olnyville, Toscano's in Westerly, Riff Raff, and I've had the honor to work on a lot of them.
(traffic humming) (traffic continues humming) To be practicing a dying craft is like a lot on my shoulders.
(laughs) (gentle music) (flame hissing) 'Cause without people like me and my contemporaries, it probably would've died years ago.
(gentle music continues) Back in the day, the whole street was lined with neon signs, even in Providence and Pawtucket.
It just added this beauty.
(gentle music continues) I think neon captures our imagination, 'cause it's alive.
Every single neon piece is made by hand by somebody.
You kind of feel that sense of craft and love.
(gentle music continues) I do have the responsibility to preserve it and have as much knowledge about it as I can, and take from those who came before me, and then pass it on to future generations.
That's what keeps anything alive.
(gentle music continues) (gentle music continues) (gentle music continues) (gentle music continues)
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RI Docs Shorts is a local public television program presented by Ocean State Media