Class 1 with Karen Buhler and Marisa Manso

Introduction, comprehensive safety presentation on studio etiquette, industry hazards, and best-practice first-aid solutions. Studio practice presentation covering how a neon tube is created, works, and gets connected to a transformer. Basic curves and heating glass with a ribbon burner. Demonstration of splicing tubes. Introduction of “Squiggle, Square, Silhouette” projects. Clean-up and conclusion.

Reading: Topics in Light-Based Media #1

Studio 1 with William Kirtley and Alanna McBride

Exclusive, self-guided studio time focusing on skills, repetition, and experimentation.

Class 2 with Karen Buhler and Marisa Manso

Pattern demonstration: making a design, common marks, marking glass in relation to your pattern. Demonstration of double backs and 90-degree bends followed by student practice in the fires. Instructor cycles through each student for one-on-one instruction. Students are encouraged to make more than one bend with each 12” stick of glass while storing good examples in their dedicated glass rack. Teachers can gauge student progress and introduce splices, rise and drop turn bends to quick learners. Discuss importance of strong, smooth bends and fully sealed splices important for the final pumping process. Students will use these techniques to work on and complete the squiggle project. Clean-up and conclusion.

Reading: Topics in Light-Based Media #2

Studio 2 with William Kirtley and Alanna McBride

Exclusive, self-guided studio time focusing on skills, repetition, and experimentation.

Class 3 with Karen Buhler and Marisa Manso

Assembly demonstration: standard glass stands, GTO, boots, basic wiring. First light-up of student work. Demonstration of double backs and 90-degree bends followed by student practice in the fires. Instructor cycles through each student for one-on-one instruction. Students are encouraged to make more than one bend with each 12” stick of glass while storing good examples in their dedicated glass rack. Instructor can gauge student progress and introduce splices, rise and drop turn bends to quick learners. Discuss importance of strong, smooth bends and fully sealed splices important for the final pumping process. Students will use these techniques to work on and complete the “Square” project. Clean up and conclusion.

Reading: Topics in Light-Based Media #3

Studio 3 with William Kirtley and Alanna McBride

Exclusive, self-guided studio time focusing on skills, repetition, and experimentation.

Class 4 with Karen Buhler and Marisa Manso

An exploration of colored tubing, phosphor coated tubing, and gas properties with a mercury drop demonstration. Measuring and marking curves, making curves in two parts. Instructor cycles through students giving individual lessons and help with specific bends needed for final designs. Tubes are illuminated and introduction of “Silhouette” project. Clean-up and conclusion.

Reading: Topics in Light-Based Media #4

Studio 4 with William Kirtley and Alanna McBride

Exclusive, self-guided studio time focusing on skills, repetition, and experimentation.

Class 5 with Karen Buhler and Marisa Manso

Review of any material covered in the first weeks and Q&A regarding final projects or general neon-related questions. Demonstration of T-welds. Review and reinforcement of bends while focusing on silhouette project concepts. Students are encouraged to complete final tubes that they want processed. Instructor gauges student abilities, offering help while encouraging confident risk-taking. Students can receive one-on-one help from instructor as needed and will work primarily on their “Silhouette” projects. Clean-up and conclusion.

Reading: Topics in Light-Based Media #5

Class 6 with Karen Buhler and Marisa Manso

Light-up and open studio discussion while students fill out class evaluations. Overview of wiring diagrams, fabrication techniques, and illuminated media-specific tools. Review assembly techniques, light up complete tubes, cover troubleshooting, and discuss “Silhouette” projects. Students pack-up final projects. Clean-up and conclusion.

Reading: Topics in Light-Based Media #6

Class 1 with Kelsey Fernkopf and Marisa Manso

Students will review skills and techniques learned in introduction classes. The instructor will meet with each student to discuss goals for the class. Students will be encouraged to create completed artworks with refined patterns, pursue focused experimentation with glass tubes, or a combination of both. Students will receive a demonstration of correct pattern layout. Students will be introduced to bending phosphor glass. Clean-up and conclusion.

Reading: Topics in Light-Based Media #1

Studio 1 with William Kirtley and Alanna McBride

Exclusive, self-guided studio time focusing on skills, repetition, and experimentation.

Class 2 with Kelsey Fernkopf and Marisa Manso

Students focus on bending phosphor colored glass tubing and receive instruction on splicing phosphor tubing as well as glass bending techniques like European butt welds and glass shearing. Students desiring to make complete artworks will work on perfecting pattern-making skills. Clean-up and conclusion.

Reading: Topics in Light-Based Media #2

Studio 2 with William Kirtley and Alanna McBride

Exclusive, self-guided studio time focusing on skills, repetition, and experimentation.

Class 3 with Kelsey Fernkopf and Marisa Manso

During the course of this class students and instructor will discuss fabrication techniques and supplies for presentation of finished artworks as students work to perfect their bending skills and focus on completion of up to six 4-foot tubes of various colors, 3 of which may be mercury vapor tubes. Clean up and conclusion.

Reading: Topics in Light-Based Media #3

Studio 3 with William Kirtley and Alanna McBride

Exclusive, self-guided studio time focusing on skills, repetition, and experimentation.

Class 4 with Kelsey Fernkopf and Marisa Manso

Emphasis will be on completion of student designs and projects using the cumulative techniques and skills learned in the previous three weeks. Clean-up and conclusion.

Reading: Topics in Light-Based Media #4

Studio 4 with William Kirtley and Alanna McBride

Exclusive, self-guided studio time focusing on skills, repetition, and experimentation.

Class 5 with Kelsey Fernkopf and Marisa Manso

Emphasis will be on completion of student designs and projects using the cumulative techniques and skills learned in the previous five weeks. Clean-up and conclusion.

Reading: Topics in Light-Based Media #5

Class 6 with Kelsey Fernkopf and Marisa Manso

Light-up and open studio discussion while students fill out class evaluations. Overview of wiring diagrams, fabrication techniques, and illuminated media-specific tools. Review assembly techniques, light up complete tubes, cover troubleshooting, and discuss final projects. Students pack-up final projects. Clean-up and conclusion.

Reading: Topics in Light-Based Media #6