By The Pattern - An Illustrative Approach to Neon

From signage to quilt squares to comic book characters, neon art starts with the same step as making a commercial neon sign: making a detailed neon pattern. Well-planned patterns are necessary for neon benders to replicate the 2D image in 3D glass. This introductory neon bending class will go through all the basics of neon tube bending and assembly, with a focus on hand making simplified illustrative patterns from a student’s chosen inspiration. Students will learn how to read and utilize neon patterns to best plan their approach to shape, without bending themselves into a tangled mess. Outside of fabrication there will be lectures and discussion around the conceptual weight of neon as a material. Primarily focusing on Its connection to signage and advertisements and how those topics can inform your designs.

What to expect: Bombarding and electrode attachment for 5 units of neon are included in this class, as well as a transformer (power) and wiring kit. Past 5 units, students will be charged for electrode attachment and pumping at these rates. The process of bombarding will be explained, but students will not process the neon units.Read more about how to prepare for class on our Registration Info page. 

Additional work time for intensive students: Students will also have access to additional hours in the neon studio, without instruction, on Wednesday - Saturday from 1-4pm.

Eligibility: No neon (or drawing) experience is not required but recommended. Complexity of the bending pattern and design will scale with student experience. Open to ages 14 and up. 

Pick-up: You can expect to bring some work to fruition during class that can be taken home at the end of the week. If anything is made on the last day of class, students will have to return to UrbanGlass once notified to pick up their work. 

Class Schedule

• 5 Sessions: March 19 — March 23
  Tuesday, 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm