Wayne Strattman
In 2008 Wayne Strattman received from the University of Sunderland in the UK the world's first PhD in the Glass and Neon Arts.
The PhD recognized his many years of work, making sculpture, researching, writing,
and advocating for neon and other advanced forms of lighted glass sculpture.
His background degree in mechanical engineering coupled with his work as a researcher, teacher,
and artist combined in the production of over 100 articles. He wrote the industry standard and
best selling textbook, "Neon Techniques". Strattman holds a number of innovative
lighting patents and products that feature techniques beyond conventional neon to make lighted
sculpture.
For decades, his Boston based studio, Strattman Design, has been a leader in making custom
sculpture, hundreds of architectural installations worldwide and innovative lighting products.
The PhD also highlights his advocacy work in promoting lighted glass sculpture as a board
member for the Glass Art Society. He endowed a continuing lecture series for the Glass Art
Society called "Critical Dialogue" examining the state of glass art today.
Strattman started and helped promote an annual neon show at each annual Glass Art Society
conference since 1997.
Dr. Strattman has been previously honored with the American Business Press Associations
award for journalism for his monthly column and was chosen to give the keynote address
to the first World Neon Conference in Weisbaden Germany.