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Step into the glow of neon and learn how to turn light into form in the inaugural class of Columbus Glass Art Center's Neon Shop. In this weeklong class, students will be introduced to the fundamentals of designing and bending neon tubes in a hands-on, studio environment. You’ll develop core skills like shaping glass, understanding pattern layouts, and safely working with heat—while also getting an introduction to the neon pumping process that brings your work to life.As the week unfolds, students will build confidence through guided projects and personal experimentation. Depending on time and studio access, students may also explore techniques like tube pulling, digital pattern design, simple programming or animation, and creating specialty or effects-based tubes. These optional pathways are designed to spark curiosity and open up new creative directions beyond the classroom.
Open to all experience levels, this class is ideal for artists, makers, and curious beginners alike. Whether you come in with a clear concept or just a desire to try something new, you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of neon as both a craft and an expressive medium. With practice, many of these techniques can translate to a home studio setup—making neon an accessible and rewarding addition to your creative toolkit.
By the end of the week, students will not only have foundational neon skills, but also a new way of thinking about light—pushing it beyond traditional signage and into something more personal, playful, and a little bit magical.
Instructor: James Akers
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Event Venue
892 Scott St., Columbus, OH, United States, Ohio 43222
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