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BORN
1945
DIED
2018
Brian Coleman Obituary
June 30, 1945-July19, 2018
Pahoa, Hawaii
When Brian Coleman died on July 19, 2018 in Hilo, Hawaii the art world lost one of its most significant neon artists and his many friends lost their wild, funny and irascible friend, and brother. Brian Coleman was born June 30th, 1945 in New Jersey, he graduated from Briarcliff High, New York. He graduated from Pratt in Brooklyn, 1968 in industrial design. He began his design career in NYC, then in 1972 Coleman experimented with neon glass blowing in San Francisco and NYC. Brian was an integral figure in the 70's re-emergence of neon and an early contributor to Rudi Stern's Gallery in SOHO. Brian's neons are featured in all 3 of Rudi Stern's books on neon art. Coleman received a NEA grant to work in neon and showed his work at the "Contemporary Art Glass Group" in NYC, the Museum of Neon Art in L.A., the American Light Art Exhibit in Tokyo, the Corning Museum of Glass, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Santa Cruz MAH, and was part of a group exhibition, "Carpe Diem Gallery" in Paris where he created a neon sculpture for the train station in Rouen. His studios were on the West Coast, where he grew abundant gardens and kept bees. He was an active raconteur, never hesitating to share his knowledge of life. Brian is survived by his brother Stephen Coleman, a step-sister Carol, two half-brothers Mark and Thomas Coleman. In lieu of flowers please plant a tree in his honor. We will celebrate his life in Santa Cruz. Contact [email protected] if you'd like to celebrate Brian's life later this year.
808-961-6051
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Memories and Condolences
for Brian Coleman
Sponsored by santacruzsentinel.com.
Brian Miller
June 20, 2025
I really loved Brian's art. It wasn't just neon. As I remember it was aron and other gasses and some would move slowly through the glass chambers and tubeways he created. They were simultaneously warm and cool media. Some pieces were mesmerizing. I am glad to see that Ann was involved in this celebration of life. I'm sure Brian had many friends and supporters here in Santa Cruz as well as many other parts of the world where unique and highly aesthetic art and artisans are appreciated.
rian jarvis
July 4, 2019
rian jarvis
July 4, 2019
rian jarvis
July 4, 2019
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rian jarvis
July 4, 2019
Brian the pirate and my son Shion
David Svnson
January 10, 2019
Brian my "HERO"!
Chris Brightman
December 5, 2018
Thanks for your goodbye call from Hilo. Glad you knew we loved you.
Chris
Mikki Michaud
August 19, 2018
Into the Light
Brian, you were one of a kind. Look for your friends on the other side!
Linda Mc
August 6, 2018
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. May the fond memories of your loved one sustain your family at this time. May you also receive comfort from what is stated at 1 Peter 5:6,7.
August 4, 2018
Sincerest condolences for your loss. May precious memories of your dear loved one, along with encouraging words such as those found at John 11: 25,26 be of comfort to your family.
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