Skilled artisans shape glowing neon signs by expertly bending heated glass tubes into precise designs ... long-lasting signs that light up storefronts, streets, and landmarks around the world.

Ben Kenealey of Dillon is a 'neon bender,' a craftsman who fabricates and restores neon signs. He restored the landmark M&M sign in Uptown Butte. It was relit March 16.

And when I over-heat the glass tubes by mistake ... "But neon signs still have an edge." He said neon lights are "more durable; typhoon, humidity and salty wind-proof; and easily repaired".

a 38-year-old artist who also represents the new breed of younger neon light benders. Together they work glass to near melting point, bending and blowing the tubes into remarkable shapes over blue ...