Drawing with a Beam of Light: Illustration in Neon!

Using images from the world around us and from the many worlds within us (and within our sketchbooks), students will learn techniques to heat, bend, and blow glass tubing to create their own neon artwork! Students will turn their drawings into neon designs, learn the techniques behind both the artistry and science of handmade neon lights, and achieve a variety of different colors in their neon work. 

This course is geared towards both beginner and intermediate neon benders. Our first day of class will be spent learning strong foundational neon bending skills, taking a look at neon artwork and signage being made in the world today, and learning how to translate drawings into neon designs both by hand and with digital creative software. As the week progresses, students will receive guidance and feedback for their unique illustrative projects, with demos on intermediate neon bending techniques spread throughout the week, including but not limited to: bending circles and geometric shapes, compound bends, tricky splices, managing complex patterns, and installation techniques. Plenty of work time will be spread throughout the week, especially during our last couple days together, leaving us plenty of time to learn from our mistakes and solve the glassy puzzle that is neon! All students can expect to come away with 1-3 pumped neon tubes that incorporate a variety of colors, as well as basic installation hardware and the know-how to use it.

What to expect: All students can expect to come away with 1-3 pumped neon tubes that incorporate a variety of colors, as well as basic installation hardware and the know-how to use it. Read more about how to prepare for class on our Registration Info page.

With neon work, participants primarily engage in standing activities such as bending and assembling neon tubes over a torch flame. Working with glass materials requires a certain level of dexterity. Learn more about accessibility on our website.

Additional work time for intensive students: Students will also have access to additional hours in the hot shop, without instruction, on Wednesday - Saturday from 12-4pm. Students must be able to work safely in the studio, and be able to set up their area without needing instruction. Students participating in student hours will need to be approved by the instructor and TA’s.

Eligibility: No previous experience required. Open to ages 14 and up.

Pick-up: Neon tubes may be bombarded during class, however should processing take additional time, students will have to return to UrbanGlass once notified to pick up their work.

This is an in-person class taking place on-site at UrbanGlass. Health and safety guidelines will be emailed to you upon registration.

We recommend registering for classes early to reserve your spot! We base materials, and teacher needs off of student enrollment. Early registration not only guarantees your spot in class, but also helps to ensure the class will run. Classes with low enrollment may be cancelled within two weeks of the start date of class. Contact our Registrar of Education, Ari Eshoo, at arianna@urbanglass.org if you have questions about the class or would like to arrange a payment plan.

Class Schedule

• 5 Sessions: January 14 — January 18
  Tuesday, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm