Images(6)

Artwork

Object number2023.3.1

Artist Jim Fedasz (died 2021)

OriginMcKeesport, PA

MediumWood; Metal; Coated wire; Glass; Neon; Paint; Plastic; Adhesive

Credit LineGift of Anna Fedasz

DescriptionCrucifix artwork with neon. Brown wood-paneling backer in the shape of a cross surmounted by gold metal cross. Crucified figure of Jesus Christ "nailed" to the metal cross; figure is created using coated metal wire; figure wears a crown of thorns and is nude except for a short wire garment around waist; red painted blood drips from chest wound, hands, and feet. White glass neon tube frames the wood cross and has two gray painted tubes at top for electrical connection. Four wood strips mounted to back of artwork affix the neon to the wood backer using glue and wire. Hole on back of wood backer, likely for hanging purposes.DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth: 35.25 x 25.625 x 4.5 in. (89.5 x 65.1 x 11.4 cm)
SignedViewer's bottom right corner of brown backer has light brown plastic label maker strip with raised white text "JIM FEDASZ".
MarksWhite glass neon tube has black text repeated in multiple locations: "BL6500° H WHITE".
Historical NotesNeon artwork by local artist Jim Fedasz. Jim Fedasz had a neon shop on Walnut Street in McKeesport, Pennsylvania for over 50 years. He took commissions to fabricate predesigned signs for various local businesses as well as designed his own signs. Fedasz created neon artwork, wood carvings, plastic and bronze sculptures, and paintings for his own amusement, often referring to his Catholicism, animals, WWII, and the American southwest as themes. Some of his more well-known neon commissions are the “O” Original Hot Dog Shop, the green “M" on the Mellon building downtown, an American flag commissioned by Marlboro on parkway West, the McKeesport High School cafeteria and tiger mascot, and possibly the pouring ketchup neon sign that now hangs at the Heinz History Center Jim was a lifelong McKeesport resident and attended Carnegie Tech. He served in WWII and afterwards used the GI Bill to further his education at the North West School of Neon (now the Oregon Polytechnic Institute). He returned to McKeesport after school and opened his shop. Fedasz passed in 2021 at the age of 94,

Related institution Carnegie Mellon University

Related institution Oregon Polytechnic Institute

Related person Jesus Christ

Related institution Jim Fedasz Signs

Subjects