Neon sign designed by Liz Shattler for Salt Lake City’s Life on State program. Image by Steve Coray.

Once known for its dazzling array of neon signage, State Street played a defining role in shaping Salt Lake City’s urban identity. In a nod to that legacy, artists Alexander Billany, Verónica Pérez, Chuck Landvatter, Emma Ryder, Liz Shattler, Valerie Jar, Kalani Tonga, and Ryan Perkins have created neon-inspired designs that reimagine the street’s past while adding a fresh, artistic touch to its future.

Commissioned by the Salt Lake Art Design Board, each of the eight designs was transformed into a 4-foot neon artwork, fabricated by YESCO, the longtime neon artisans behind many of Salt Lake City’s historic signs. Mounted on four steel posts, with two designs displayed back-to-back on each, the installation adds a new visual layer to the city’s streetscape between 600 South and 700 South.

“The ‘Life on State’ public art project not only honors a defining element of Salt Lake City’s past but also illuminates its future through the creativity of local artists,” said Felicia Baca, Executive Director of the Salt Lake City Arts Council. “By offering a platform for emerging artists and providing hands-on support throughout the process, this project represents the heart of what public art can achieve: creating accessible, meaningful artworks that connect communities and celebrate our unique stories.”

The project is especially notable for providing public art opportunities to artists with little or no experience in large-scale commissions. Several of the participating artists are making their public art debut, thanks to the Salt Lake City Public Art Program’s efforts to create an accessible entry point for local creatives.

For YESCO, which has been a part of Salt Lake City’s neon history for decades, the project represents a meaningful bridge between past and present. “This project allowed us to merge our rich history of neon craftsmanship with contemporary artistic vision, bringing light and vibrancy to one of Salt Lake City’s most iconic streets,” said Jeff Young, executive vice president of YESCO.

The neon installation is part of Salt Lake City’s broader Life on State Implementation Plan, which aims to revitalize the corridor through economic development, transportation enhancements, and improved pedestrian safety. Expanded walkways and new landscaping will help reestablish State Street as a dynamic, pedestrian-friendly gateway to the city—one that embraces both its cultural heritage and its evolving future.

Neon sign designed by Emma Ryder for Salt Lake City’s Life on State program. Image by Steve Coray. Courtesy of Salt Lake City Corp.

In Plain Site

With our In Plain Site byline we feature publicly viewable art, both official and street art, throughout the state of Utah.