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Classes  >>  Neon



Neon signage is becoming a thing of the past in commercial settings but it lives on artistic applications. Neon signs are produced by bending glass tubes, coated with phosphors on the interior, which are then filed with neon or argon gas and electrified.

Click on the course name to see all class meeting dates, times, and course fee.

If you're looking for a Reheater option, select the class you'd like to Reheat and choose the appropriate fee when registering.

Please read these FAQs for details about what to bring/wear, refund policy, age requirements and more. We've also compiled a sensory rubric with more information about what to expect in a particular type of class. 

Joining a waitlist? Before you add yourself to a waitlist for a class that's full, it helps us if you're pretty certain you'll be available. If a spot becomes available, you'll be automatically registered and given about 24 hours to confirm your registration by paying. If we have a long list of folks who are no longer interested, it can be time-consuming to fill that spot. Thank you!

Upcoming classes

  • Neon Sculpture Workshop: Squiggles and Welds

    • Mon, May 05, 2025
    • Mon, May 12, 2025
    • 2 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 1
    Register

    Neon can be an exciting and incredibly challenging medium. In this workshop, we dive headfirst into artistic neon sculpture by working on welds and squiggles. Using a blow hose, we will jump into the fires and push the boundaries of the glass. Our focus will be on working with commercially available non-leaded glass, so this workshop is intended for students with some experience or at least familiarity with creating neon and using neon tools. You'll leave with your own one-of-a-kind neon sculpture, suitable for sitting on a favorite shelf or mounting on the wall - your choice! All materials and components are included.

    $205 ($105 tuition + $100 materials & tube pumping)  |  2 weeks
    Open to ages 18 and up.

    Instructor: Lila Westreich


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  • Introduction to Neon 1

    • Mon, May 19, 2025
    • Mon, June 16, 2025
    • 8 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    The first commercial neon sign was lit in 1910. More than 100 years later, neon tubes have largely been replaced by LED lighting, particularly in outdoor commercial applications. Still, neon remains a mesmerizing art form of sculpture made from light. In this introductory class, you’ll explore a bit of the history of neon, gain an understanding of safety protocols and the technical aspects of neon tubing, before moving on to practice bending and assembly techniques. Like playing an instrument, bending neon tubing takes consistent practice, so we recommend that you attend all class sessions. In one of the final class sessions, you’ll watch as the instructor uses a bombarder to pump, fill, seal, and electrify your neon tube, so you can take home a finished piece. All materials and components are included.

    $385 ($310 tuition + $75 materials)  |  4 weeks, 8 sessions
    Open to ages 16 and up.

    Instructor: Jon Ault


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CHICAGO AVENUE FIRE ARTS CENTER   3749 Chicago Avenue  |  Minneapolis, MN 55407  |  612-294-0400  |  info@cafac.org 

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