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• Introduction to Neon 1

  • Start
    Mon, October 28, 2024
  •  
  • End
    Thu, November 21, 2024
  •  
  • Schedule
    8 sessions
  • Location
    3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
  • Spaces left
    0

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  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 More than 100 years later, neon tubes have largely been replaced by LED lighting, particularly in outdoor commercial applications.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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• Introduction to Neon 2

  • Start
    Mon, October 28, 2024
  •  
  • End
    Thu, November 21, 2024
  •  
  • Schedule
    8 sessions
  • Location
    3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
  • Spaces left
    1

  Register

  As you've learned in Intro to Neon 1, bending neon tubes takes much time in practice. Once you've completed Intro to Neon 1 at least a couple of times, you may be ready to work on advanced skills. In this next level class, your focus will be the more difficult glass bending skills such as combination bends and challenging curves. You'll also learn how to fine tune the torches, draw and follow patterns more precisely, and become adept at glass welding. As in your previous neon classes, you can expect to take home a finished piece. Once you've taken Neon 2, we recommend that you do Reheater to keep practicing those skills.

  Prerequisite: You must have completed Intro to Neon 1 and at least one Neon 1 Reheater with us, and have discussed your readiness with the instructor.

  Note: This class meets simultaneously with Intro to Neon 1 and is limited to one student.

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

  Instructor: Jon Ault was first introduced to neon as a student at MCAD in the late 70's. In 1982, he started Neonistics Custom Neon Designs. His company produced thousands of feet of neon, both custom and commercial, through 1996. He has been working as a freelance glass bender for other companies since then. He's taught neon classes at MCAD and the American School of Neon. His goal in teaching at CAFAC is to introduce a new generation to the possibilities of the creative use of neon and to pass on the knowledge of the craft.

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