Meet Ruby, the neon waitress at the entrance to the Science Museum of Western Virginia’s exhibition-in-progress, “In the Glow: The Science Behind the Art of Neon.”

You walk into the darkness of the fifth-floor room, and there she is — blond hair, short skirt, tight blouse, stiletto heels, a smear of red lipstick on her mouth.

And she’s 9 feet tall.

Meet Ruby, the neon waitress at the entrance to the Science Museum of Western Virginia’s exhibition-in-progress, “In the Glow: The Science Behind the Art of Neon.”

The exhibit, conceived by the museum and curated by Los Angeles artist Lili Lakich, includes work by some of the country’s top neon artists. It will remain open until — well, until. The end of the school year at least, museum development director Fran Ferguson said.

Hurriedly opened in time for the Roanoke Arts Festival two weekends ago, it is still awaiting some of its planned interactive exhibits, which will likely heighten its appeal to youngsters.

As it is, and despite the playful spirit of many of the works, this may be the most grown-up exhibit this kid-centric museum has ever done. And that’s not just because of Ruby, the Amazonian drive-in waitress, with her milkshake and sundae and legs up to here.

In choosing works for the exhibit, the museum elected to focus on artwork over signs — the gas’ better-known use. Thus, the exhibit includes abstract sculpture and other works that might interest grown-ups more than kids. It’s also very fragile, in a hands-on museum world.

The exhibit is a spinoff of the city’s arts festival, held earlier this month. The festival included two performances of Slash Coleman’s one-man play, “The Neon Man and Me,” at the museum’s MegaDome Theatre on Oct. 5-6. Coleman is a longtime friend of Roanoke’s own “Neon Man,” Mark Jamison, who died on the job in Salem. Museum officials decided to put together an exhibit, which includes some of Jamison’s own equipment, to complement the play.

“In the Glow” includes a whimsical piece (starring Marvin the Martian) by Roanoke’s other neon artist, Michael Wood, as well as works by nationally known artists such as Candice Gawne, whose creations are collected by celebrities Robin Williams and Paula Abdul; Larry Albright; and Lakich, exhibit curator and founder of the Museum of Neon Art in Los Angeles.

Visitors to the museum’s fifth-floor gallery will find a giant neon arch that changes color when they walk through it; Abraham Lincoln with neon angels circling his stovepipe hat; a dinosaur with moving neon jaws; — and, yes, a few signs, some of them by Jamison.

And, of course, Ruby. “She’s a nice ambassador,” Ferguson said.

The museum hopes to turn the show into a traveling exhibit, said Ferguson — its first. Call (540) 342-5710; or visit smwv.org.

Finalists chosen

Four finalists have been chosen to submit complete proposals for a planned public artwork at the Roanoke Civic Center, public art coordinator Susan Jennings said.

The finalists, chosen from 89 applicants from 26 states and the District of Columbia, are Rodney Carroll of Baltimore; Cheryl Foster of Temple Hills, Md.; Craig Kraft of Washington, D.C.; and Roger Stoller of Portola Valley, Calif.

The target date for unveiling a completed artwork is fall of 2008.

Fall road trip?

Agnes Moorehead’s dress and hair rollers, from the ’60s TV show “Bewitched.” Bela Lugosi’s bear-tooth letter opener, resting on Alfred Hitchcock’s tea towel. An ashtray Jimmy Hoffa used to hand out to his pals, before he disappeared, and a shirt collar worn by Boris Karloff.

The weather notwithstanding, it is approaching Halloween — and Abingdon’s Star Museum is helping set the mood with an assortment of spooky celebrity artifacts and a special “Haint Tour.” (Ages 15 or older for the tour, please.)

The museum, located at 170 East Main St., features a collection assembled over decades by Robert Weisfeld, former editor of the Abingdon Virginian weekly newspaper.

You might also take in Barter Theatre’s production of “Dracula” while you’re there. For museum information, call (276) 628-2962 or e-mail star@eva.org. For theater information call (276) 628-3991 or e-mail barterinfo@bartertheatre.com.

Another new gallery

Pamela Jean Gallery at 115 Salem Ave. S.E. (directly across the street from the new Art Museum of Western Virginia) will celebrate its grand opening from 6-9 p.m. Friday. Light refreshments will be served. Everyone is welcome. There will also be a ribbon cutting at 5 p.m. The gallery is one of several galleries and studios that have recently opened or will soon open downtown.