top of page
Greg & Sharon Keshishian (2017)
What We Do
Ion Art, Inc. was founded by the husband and wife team Greg and Sharon Keshishian in 1986, with the intent of creating and selling neon art. However, over time it has grown into something far greater than that. While our scope of work has increased dramatically, we feel that our original intent is still our backbone; creating art. Ion Art is comprised of a team of talented individuals who take great pride in their work. Each of our employees shares in their passion for being creative, and we feel that is what sets us apart from other companies. Ion Art is a “design-build” shop, which means that we employ a wide range of skill sets and personalities, all of whom share the same goals and drive to work as a team. Greg and Sharon maintain their own high level of expertise in glass and metalwork. Their combined talent, along with the talents of their team, enables Ion Art to produce truly unique neon and custom signage, architectural lighting, and extraordinary environmental solutions.
Since its inception, Ion Art has become an Austin landmark in its own right, expanding into the design and custom fabrication of sculpture, and architectural décor. Having gained over 37 years of experience along with an ever-increasing list of high-profile clients, we are confident in our ability to tackle every aspect of your project, large or small, and we are always ready for a challenge!
Meet Our Team
The Owners
Sharon Keshishian
Founder & CEO
Sharon Keshishian is a multidisciplinary artist based in Austin, TX. As one of the few female neon benders in practice, Sharon is best known today for her annual interactive neon art event: The Surreal. Her academic background consists of a degree in Biology, which fuses her love of nature with science, and her artistic endeavors continue to push the relationship between nature and science as Neon is fundamentally Chemistry as art. In the early 80’s Sharon began her practice in neon which developed into the creation of her company Ion Art, a company she shares with her husband Gregory Keshishian who has greatly aided in Ion Art’s success. Throughout the span of her artistic career, she has worked to elevate neon by incorporating an ever-growing list of additional mediums including steel, aluminum, paint, and stained glass. If one were to describe Sharon’s work with a single word it would be Whimsical; for her art continuously strives to elevate the viewer through the use of an abundance of color and biophilic references. In 2017, Sharon hosted her first Surreal event to celebrate the invention of neon turning 100. The interactive art show, which hosts dozens of neon sculptures and a new theme each year, has since become an annual event enjoyed by thousands of Austinites. Sharon hopes that this large-scale celebration of Neon will reinvigorate public interest in the dying art form and bring a new generation of benders into the field.
Sharon Keshishian is a multidisciplinary artist based in Austin, TX. As one of the few female neon benders in practice, Sharon is best known today for her annual interactive neon art event: The Surreal. Her academic background consists of a degree in Biology, which fuses her love of nature with science, and her artistic endeavors continue to push the relationship between nature and science as Neon is fundamentally Chemistry as art. In the early 80’s Sharon began her practice in neon which developed into the creation of her company Ion Art, a company she shares with her husband Gregory Keshishian who has greatly aided in Ion Art’s success. Throughout the span of her artistic career, she has worked to elevate neon by incorporating an ever-growing list of additional mediums including steel, aluminum, paint, and stained glass. If one were to describe Sharon’s work with a single word it would be Whimsical; for her art continuously strives to elevate the viewer through the use of an abundance of color and biophilic references. In 2017, Sharon hosted her first Surreal event to celebrate the invention of neon turning 100. The interactive art show, which hosts dozens of neon sculptures and a new theme each year, has since become an annual event enjoyed by thousands of Austinites. Sharon hopes that this large-scale celebration of Neon will reinvigorate public interest in the dying art form and bring a new generation of benders into the field.
Greg Keshishian
Vice President
Greg Keshishian is a jack of all trades with a keen insight in artistry, metal-working, fabricating, and engineering which is evident in his artistic style. His pragmatic mind partnered with his appreciation for the arts allows him to create what he refers to as functional art. Vice President of Ion Art for over 30 years, Greg Keshishian has undoubtedly left his mark on Austin, Texas. It would be near impossible to travel through Austin without seeing an art piece or custom signage that he has worked on. But before he found his home in Austin, Greg Keshishian was born in France and spent his formative years in Stuttgart, Germany. Greg’s burgeoning interest in metalworking and fabrication began in a Stuttgart American High School shop class. After graduating, Greg moved to America and found his way to Austin. In 1985, he met neon-bending artist and Founder of Ion Art Sharon Gaisford who would later become Sharon Keshishian. Since then, the dynamic duo has been creating art that has sparked joy in Texans and art enthusiasts across the country.
Greg Keshishian is a jack of all trades with a keen insight in artistry, metal-working, fabricating, and engineering which is evident in his artistic style. His pragmatic mind partnered with his appreciation for the arts allows him to create what he refers to as functional art. Vice President of Ion Art for over 30 years, Greg Keshishian has undoubtedly left his mark on Austin, Texas. It would be near impossible to travel through Austin without seeing an art piece or custom signage that he has worked on. But before he found his home in Austin, Greg Keshishian was born in France and spent his formative years in Stuttgart, Germany. Greg’s burgeoning interest in metalworking and fabrication began in a Stuttgart American High School shop class. After graduating, Greg moved to America and found his way to Austin. In 1985, he met neon-bending artist and Founder of Ion Art Sharon Gaisford who would later become Sharon Keshishian. Since then, the dynamic duo has been creating art that has sparked joy in Texans and art enthusiasts across the country.
The Office
Kris Wu
Chief Operations Officer
She’s been called our Oracle or The Czar, but this workaholic is our Compass: she provides structure, support, and challenges for her peers. Able to work with several drastically different ideas at the same time, she maintains a balanced and constructive view of the company’s future—always guiding the company toward the right direction.
Kris feels honored to work with a group of uniquely smart, creative, and fun people, and to give them guidance, gaining wisdom retrospectively. When she’s not here instilling ideas and seeing the big picture for us, our resident vampire can be found enjoying new restaurants, learning botany, exploring self growth, and thinking of doing art but never getting to it.
She’s been called our Oracle or The Czar, but this workaholic is our Compass: she provides structure, support, and challenges for her peers. Able to work with several drastically different ideas at the same time, she maintains a balanced and constructive view of the company’s future—always guiding the company toward the right direction.
Kris feels honored to work with a group of uniquely smart, creative, and fun people, and to give them guidance, gaining wisdom retrospectively. When she’s not here instilling ideas and seeing the big picture for us, our resident vampire can be found enjoying new restaurants, learning botany, exploring self growth, and thinking of doing art but never getting to it.
Wes Mendell
Operations & Accounts Wizard
UT Austin – BA in Theater Arts: Costume Design & Construction
Wes is what happens when you get hired by a small company with 11 employees and then stick around to watch them grow and try to help out where you can. Nine years later, you’ve done a little bit of everything and suddenly find yourself “experienced”. She currently has oversight of administrative operations, management of the accounting & HR departments, and handles new sales and client relations. You don’t get to wear this many hats without being able to say yes to new tasks and challenges: it’s that positive attitude and a dedication to the company (plus the ability to seriously multi-task) that has led to Wes’ success at Ion Art. Despite all of this, she has a passion for fun and works very hard not to take anything too seriously. If she’s not here, she’s probably drinking wine, dressing her family up in costumes, nerding out on sci-fi, or planning her next trip to the beach.
UT Austin – BA in Theater Arts: Costume Design & Construction
Wes is what happens when you get hired by a small company with 11 employees and then stick around to watch them grow and try to help out where you can. Nine years later, you’ve done a little bit of everything and suddenly find yourself “experienced”. She currently has oversight of administrative operations, management of the accounting & HR departments, and handles new sales and client relations. You don’t get to wear this many hats without being able to say yes to new tasks and challenges: it’s that positive attitude and a dedication to the company (plus the ability to seriously multi-task) that has led to Wes’ success at Ion Art. Despite all of this, she has a passion for fun and works very hard not to take anything too seriously. If she’s not here, she’s probably drinking wine, dressing her family up in costumes, nerding out on sci-fi, or planning her next trip to the beach.
Shana Gardner
Operations Administrator
Bachelor of Music from University of Delaware, Certificate of Graphic Design from ACC
Have you seen Pulp Fiction? Shana is basically “The Wolf” but most of the time without the dead bodies…most of the time. She provides organizational support to ALL departments, so is essentially a professional Cat Herder, Gatekeeper, Dispatcher, and Chief-Nagging-Officer, and we LOVE her for it. Shana loves a good challenge and her motto of “I’ll figure it out!” makes her fantastic at her job. She’s very satisfied about being part of a company that has created many of Austin’s most iconic landmarks. Also, it’s fun to work in a place where it’s okay to occasionally curse in front of your boss! In her spare time she sings in an acapella group, bakes bread, sews, does the occasional graphic design project, and watches movies with her soul-mate and life-coach Curtis. If she wasn’t working at Ion Art, she would be a feline language interpreter. Trust us, she knows what your cat is saying!
Bachelor of Music from University of Delaware, Certificate of Graphic Design from ACC
Have you seen Pulp Fiction? Shana is basically “The Wolf” but most of the time without the dead bodies…most of the time. She provides organizational support to ALL departments, so is essentially a professional Cat Herder, Gatekeeper, Dispatcher, and Chief-Nagging-Officer, and we LOVE her for it. Shana loves a good challenge and her motto of “I’ll figure it out!” makes her fantastic at her job. She’s very satisfied about being part of a company that has created many of Austin’s most iconic landmarks. Also, it’s fun to work in a place where it’s okay to occasionally curse in front of your boss! In her spare time she sings in an acapella group, bakes bread, sews, does the occasional graphic design project, and watches movies with her soul-mate and life-coach Curtis. If she wasn’t working at Ion Art, she would be a feline language interpreter. Trust us, she knows what your cat is saying!
Jim Palmer
Estimating Logistics
Three favorite things in life: Dale Earnhardt, the Home Shopping Network, Tacos
Favorite Colors: Burnt Sienna
One phenomenal thing about me: I got tickets to be an audience member on The View in 2009 but I got lost on the way to the studio and ended up being an extra in a Benedict Cumberbatch movie that was filming next door.
One of my goals in life: Break the habit of saying "Boo-Yah!" every time I hear my text message ringtone.
Alternative Dream Job: Soda jerk.
Three favorite things in life: Dale Earnhardt, the Home Shopping Network, Tacos
Favorite Colors: Burnt Sienna
One phenomenal thing about me: I got tickets to be an audience member on The View in 2009 but I got lost on the way to the studio and ended up being an extra in a Benedict Cumberbatch movie that was filming next door.
One of my goals in life: Break the habit of saying "Boo-Yah!" every time I hear my text message ringtone.
Alternative Dream Job: Soda jerk.
Carrie Wood
Senior Project Manager
Carrie is a Professional Muse, sensitive, empathetic, and funny. She is her coworkers’ & clients’ biggest cheerleader, encourager, and nag.
Fun facts: She’s left handed, dyslexic, and can fit her entire fist in her mouth!
Carrie is a Professional Muse, sensitive, empathetic, and funny. She is her coworkers’ & clients’ biggest cheerleader, encourager, and nag.
Fun facts: She’s left handed, dyslexic, and can fit her entire fist in her mouth!
Monica Boulton
Senior Project Manager
What does Alexander Calder’s mobiles, Tabbouleh, Oaxaca, and Thai Tea have in common? I like them all!!
In my spare time I enjoy checking out art exhibits, traveling, running, rock climbing, and hanging out with my kids and Mark.
What does Alexander Calder’s mobiles, Tabbouleh, Oaxaca, and Thai Tea have in common? I like them all!!
In my spare time I enjoy checking out art exhibits, traveling, running, rock climbing, and hanging out with my kids and Mark.
Thomas Hobbs, PMP
Sr. Project Manager & Consultant
Nick Name:
Tommy
Three favorite things in life:
Hanging out with Claire and our two kids, Fox and Max. Figuring out technical death metal guitar riffs. The subcultures of Music and Art.
Favorite Sport:
Trying to keep my ollies level after all these years. Skateboarding, of course!
Phenomenal things about me:
I once took first place in science during the Texas Academic Decathlon. Was once the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist in a crossover punk/metal band. My ability to adapt to change. Owned and operated a local business by age 30.
Favorite Movies:
80’s Horror & Occult, Almost anything A24.
Passion:
I have a real passion for learning and figuring things out.
Favorite Quote:
MST3K has ruined this topic for me.
Favorite Cuisine(s):
Texas BBQ, Vietnamese, Americana
Nick Name:
Tommy
Three favorite things in life:
Hanging out with Claire and our two kids, Fox and Max. Figuring out technical death metal guitar riffs. The subcultures of Music and Art.
Favorite Sport:
Trying to keep my ollies level after all these years. Skateboarding, of course!
Phenomenal things about me:
I once took first place in science during the Texas Academic Decathlon. Was once the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist in a crossover punk/metal band. My ability to adapt to change. Owned and operated a local business by age 30.
Favorite Movies:
80’s Horror & Occult, Almost anything A24.
Passion:
I have a real passion for learning and figuring things out.
Favorite Quote:
MST3K has ruined this topic for me.
Favorite Cuisine(s):
Texas BBQ, Vietnamese, Americana
Design Team
Natasha Keshishian
Art Director
Three Favorite things in life: My community, the ocean, gummy bears.
Favorite Colors: Turqoise
Favorite Radio Station:
99% Invisible
Passion: The Ocean
Resolutions for This Year:
Reduce Personal Environmental Impact
Favorite Cuisine:
Anything in a tortilla
Favorite Word: Wapiah
Alternative Dream Job:
Small Hotel Owner
My Style:
Bohemian
Three Favorite things in life: My community, the ocean, gummy bears.
Favorite Colors: Turqoise
Favorite Radio Station:
99% Invisible
Passion: The Ocean
Resolutions for This Year:
Reduce Personal Environmental Impact
Favorite Cuisine:
Anything in a tortilla
Favorite Word: Wapiah
Alternative Dream Job:
Small Hotel Owner
My Style:
Bohemian
David Boulton
Designer
Only drinks Dos Equis
Only drinks Dos Equis
Tori Marquez
Designer
Nick Name: Tori
Favorite Things in Life: Horrible cheesy jokes, breakfast, & roller coasters
Favorite Movies: Back to the Future, Whiplash, & Requiem for a Dream
Passion: Making colorful murals and exploring as many artistic mediums as she can
One awesome thing about Tori: She loves escape rooms!
Nick Name: Tori
Favorite Things in Life: Horrible cheesy jokes, breakfast, & roller coasters
Favorite Movies: Back to the Future, Whiplash, & Requiem for a Dream
Passion: Making colorful murals and exploring as many artistic mediums as she can
One awesome thing about Tori: She loves escape rooms!
The Shop & Field
Mark Ermis
Production Manager
Favorite Sport: Mountain Biking and drinking beer. Sometimes at the same time.
Favorite Colors: Blue, any shade.
One awesome thing about me: I really care very much about the people that are close to me, even if I don’t always show it.
Favorite Movies: Joe Dirt, Forest Gump, The Big Lebowski
Favorite Quote: Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life.
Resolutions for this year: Do better than last year
Favorite Cuisine(s): Tex Mex, South American, or Mediterranean….it’s kind of a toss up.
Favoriteword: Mellifluous
Alternative Dream Job: International Rock Star
Favorite Sport: Mountain Biking and drinking beer. Sometimes at the same time.
Favorite Colors: Blue, any shade.
One awesome thing about me: I really care very much about the people that are close to me, even if I don’t always show it.
Favorite Movies: Joe Dirt, Forest Gump, The Big Lebowski
Favorite Quote: Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life.
Resolutions for this year: Do better than last year
Favorite Cuisine(s): Tex Mex, South American, or Mediterranean….it’s kind of a toss up.
Favoriteword: Mellifluous
Alternative Dream Job: International Rock Star
Ricardo Gonzales
Senior Fabricator
Nick Name:
Numero Uno (#1)
Three favorite things in life:
Church, family, and work
Favorite Sport:
Soccer
Favorite Colors:
White and blue
Favorite Movies:
Tom and Jerry
Passion:
Watching soccer
One of my goals in life:
Build my own house
Favorite Cuisine(s):
Honduran
Alternative Dream Job:
Professional soccer player
Nick Name:
Numero Uno (#1)
Three favorite things in life:
Church, family, and work
Favorite Sport:
Soccer
Favorite Colors:
White and blue
Favorite Movies:
Tom and Jerry
Passion:
Watching soccer
One of my goals in life:
Build my own house
Favorite Cuisine(s):
Honduran
Alternative Dream Job:
Professional soccer player
Jason Will
Paint Dept. Manager
Nick name: “J-Will”
Passion: Brewing heavy-duty, delicious ales
Favorite quote: “Reality exists in the human
mind, and nowhere else.” -George Orwell
My resolution for next year: To stay alive
Favorite word: Cattywampus
Nick name: “J-Will”
Passion: Brewing heavy-duty, delicious ales
Favorite quote: “Reality exists in the human
mind, and nowhere else.” -George Orwell
My resolution for next year: To stay alive
Favorite word: Cattywampus
Eiby Reyes
Installation Manager
Three favorite things in life: Food, running, and watching sports
Favorite sport: Soccer
Favorite color: Yellow
One thing special about me: I'm very meticulous.
Favorite Movie: Life of Pi
Passion: I like to fix things and sleep.
Favorite Cuisine: Italian and pastas
Three favorite things in life: Food, running, and watching sports
Favorite sport: Soccer
Favorite color: Yellow
One thing special about me: I'm very meticulous.
Favorite Movie: Life of Pi
Passion: I like to fix things and sleep.
Favorite Cuisine: Italian and pastas
Junior Portocarrero
ADA Dept. Manager
Favorite Sport: Soccer
Favorite Color: Black
One special thing about me: I am always smiling.
Passion: Enjoy life to the fullest
Favorite Cuisine: Colombian Food
Favorite Sport: Soccer
Favorite Color: Black
One special thing about me: I am always smiling.
Passion: Enjoy life to the fullest
Favorite Cuisine: Colombian Food
Edvin Aguilar
Fabricator
Favorite Things in Life: Sundays, Italian food, and soccer
Favorite Movie: The Fast and the Furious
Favorite Color: Black
Favorite Things in Life: Sundays, Italian food, and soccer
Favorite Movie: The Fast and the Furious
Favorite Color: Black
Carlos Menchu
Lead Assembly
Three favorite things in life:
God, resting, and family
Favorite Sport:
Soccer and football
Favorite Movies:
Beating Your Giants
Passion:
Serve God
One of my goals in life:
Climb a volcano
Favorite Cuisine(s):
Guatemala Cuisine
Alternative Dream Job:
Soccer coach
Three favorite things in life:
God, resting, and family
Favorite Sport:
Soccer and football
Favorite Movies:
Beating Your Giants
Passion:
Serve God
One of my goals in life:
Climb a volcano
Favorite Cuisine(s):
Guatemala Cuisine
Alternative Dream Job:
Soccer coach
Henry Miranda
Shop Assistance
Nick Name:
Hermano (Brother)
Three favorite things in life:
Reading, resting, and chocolate
Favorite Color: Black
One phenomenal thing about me:
Keeping everything clean in the house
One of my goals in life:
Live life fullest every day
Favorite Cuisine(s):
Tamales
Alternative Dream Job:
Making apparel by hand, sewing, etc.
Nick Name:
Hermano (Brother)
Three favorite things in life:
Reading, resting, and chocolate
Favorite Color: Black
One phenomenal thing about me:
Keeping everything clean in the house
One of my goals in life:
Live life fullest every day
Favorite Cuisine(s):
Tamales
Alternative Dream Job:
Making apparel by hand, sewing, etc.
Sophia Keshishian
Assembly
Chris Squier
Facilities & Logistics
Three Favorite Things in Life: Family, friends, & pets
One Thing Awesome About Chris: He loves nature. He likes to backpack and hike with his wife and dogs.
Passion: Backpacking, hiking, travel, snowboard, adventure, etc.
Favorite Quote: Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines practiced everyday. -Jim John
One of His Goals in Life: Visit as many of the Seven Wonders of the World as he can.
Chris' Style: Relaxed & Determined
Favorite/Lucky Number: 13
Three Favorite Things in Life: Family, friends, & pets
One Thing Awesome About Chris: He loves nature. He likes to backpack and hike with his wife and dogs.
Passion: Backpacking, hiking, travel, snowboard, adventure, etc.
Favorite Quote: Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines practiced everyday. -Jim John
One of His Goals in Life: Visit as many of the Seven Wonders of the World as he can.
Chris' Style: Relaxed & Determined
Favorite/Lucky Number: 13
Lizeth Terrazas
Vinyl Dept. Manager
Three favorite things in life:
Scary movies, spicy food, and my pets
Favorite Colors:
Hunter Green, Forest Green, Olive Green… all the greens
Passion:
Painting, Drawing, Being in a constant state of creating
Favorite Cuisine(s):
Latin American and Asian cuisines
Alternative Dream Job:
Artist / Crime Scene Investigator / Forensics Analyst / Marine Biologist
Three favorite things in life:
Scary movies, spicy food, and my pets
Favorite Colors:
Hunter Green, Forest Green, Olive Green… all the greens
Passion:
Painting, Drawing, Being in a constant state of creating
Favorite Cuisine(s):
Latin American and Asian cuisines
Alternative Dream Job:
Artist / Crime Scene Investigator / Forensics Analyst / Marine Biologist
Tyler Harren
Neon Assistant
Favorite Sport: Kiteboarding
Favorite Movies: Talented Life of Mr. Ripley; Red Dawn
Passion: Glassblowing!
Favorite Quote: "If you ain't first, you're last." - Ricky Bobby
Favorite Cuisines: Japanese and Thai
Favorite Sport: Kiteboarding
Favorite Movies: Talented Life of Mr. Ripley; Red Dawn
Passion: Glassblowing!
Favorite Quote: "If you ain't first, you're last." - Ricky Bobby
Favorite Cuisines: Japanese and Thai
Edy Castro
Shop Hand
Nickname: Castrol
Three favorite things in life: Cars - Food - Family
Favorite Sport: Soccer
Favorite colors: Red
Favorite Movies: Action
Favorite Date: Going out with the Family
Favorite Food: Stew
Nickname: Castrol
Three favorite things in life: Cars - Food - Family
Favorite Sport: Soccer
Favorite colors: Red
Favorite Movies: Action
Favorite Date: Going out with the Family
Favorite Food: Stew
Marcos Gonzales
Shop Hand
Nickname: Sobrino
Three Favorite Things in Life: Church, Work, Talk
Favorite Sport: Futbol
Favorite Color: Rojo
Favorite Movies: Marvel
Favorite Cuisine: Camarones
Nickname: Sobrino
Three Favorite Things in Life: Church, Work, Talk
Favorite Sport: Futbol
Favorite Color: Rojo
Favorite Movies: Marvel
Favorite Cuisine: Camarones
Chris Latiolais
CNC Operator
Nickname: Latch
Favorite Quote: "Oh this is the worst hat I ever saw. I bet when you buy a hat like this you get a free bowl of soup. Looks good on you though!" -Rodney Dangerfield, Caddyshack
Alternative Dream Job: Film Prop maker
Favorite Hobbie: Costume making and cosplay
Favorite Cuisine: Cajun
Nickname: Latch
Favorite Quote: "Oh this is the worst hat I ever saw. I bet when you buy a hat like this you get a free bowl of soup. Looks good on you though!" -Rodney Dangerfield, Caddyshack
Alternative Dream Job: Film Prop maker
Favorite Hobbie: Costume making and cosplay
Favorite Cuisine: Cajun
Max Cornish-Garza
Assistant Painter
Three favorite things in life: Hikes with my wife, Mary, and our chihuahuas, Melody and Barney
Favorite Colors: Yellow, although majority of my closet is black
One awesome thing about me: I'm obsessed with dogs and dog behaviors
Favorite Movies: Current favorite movie — The Woman King
Passion: Reading outdoors with a cup of tea. Current favorite: "Chain Gang All Stars" by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah
Three favorite things in life: Hikes with my wife, Mary, and our chihuahuas, Melody and Barney
Favorite Colors: Yellow, although majority of my closet is black
One awesome thing about me: I'm obsessed with dogs and dog behaviors
Favorite Movies: Current favorite movie — The Woman King
Passion: Reading outdoors with a cup of tea. Current favorite: "Chain Gang All Stars" by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah
bottom of page