The Crucible: Neon & Light Classes

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Class Catalog (2008-2009)
Fall 2008 Schedule

Neon & Light

Neon can stand alone as a glowing sculpture or transform a work of art created in another medium. The classes in our Neon & Light program give you the skills to build your own neon projects—from adding neon to an existing artwork or creating a glowing plasma sculpture.

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CLASSES

Brian Hord "Short Circuit"	Introduction to Neon Entry-level class Light up your life—and your art--by adding neon to your projects. In this class, you’ll learn all the skills needed to complete a project in neon, and you’ll have the opportunity to complete an illuminated project. In addition to hands-on instruction in tools and techniques, this class includes discussion of design and aesthetic considerations. Necessary transformers are available for class use and purchase.
Michael Curry Single Electrode Piece	Continuing Techniques in Neon Previous experience required. Prerequisite: Introduction to Neon or consent of the instructor Building on the skills developed in Introduction to Neon, this class emphasizes the decisions you make in creating a unique artwork using neon illumination. Classwork includes discussion of the expanded use of color, choice of glass size, bombarding/manifold operation, self-directed sculptural conception, and construction. You’ll have the opportunity to complete two or three illuminated projects.
	Neon Letter and Pattern Bending Previous experience required. Prerequisite: Intro to Neon and Continuing Techniques or consent of the instructor. This course focuses on the specialized skills utilized in basic neon letter and pattern bending. You will build on the knowledge developed in your previous neon classes as you learn specific techniques for letter and pattern bending. Class work also covers how to measure and create neon patterns and techniques for mounting and wiring finished neon.
David Hollister untitled, 16.5" tall, 7.5" diameter photo credit: Kate Cameron	Plasma Sculpture Previous experience required Prerequisite: Introduction to Neon and Continuing Techniques in Neon or consent of the instructor This course introduces the use of gas plasma in glass vessels to create illuminated sculptures. You will learn how to create a simple vessels for gas plasma, how to process and pump plasma, and how to wire the electronics involved in gas plasma sculpture. You will have the chance to complete at least two gas plasma projects.
	Lab: Neon Taking a lab is a great way to practice and perfect the skills you learn in class. In labs, you can work on class assignments or your own projects. Lab time is supervised but does not include instruction or materials.
	Demystifying the Light Emitting Diode (LED) Entry-level class Light emitting diodes, commonly called LEDs, are efficient and inexpensive, last a long time without requiring replacement, can be used in many interesting ways, and come in many colors, shapes, intensities, and sizes. In this course you will learn about LEDs and the basic circuits needed to make them work. You’ll get a complete kit of LEDs and parts to use in class and your future projects.
	EL-Wire Workshop Entry-level class Add sparkly shimmer to sculpture, interiors, and wearable art with electroluminescent wire; also known as EL-wire, it is a decorative, flexible wire that glows very much like neon. This one-day workshop introduces the technology and craft of soldering and working with EL-wire. You’ll learn basic soldering techniques, as well as various ways to assemble and attach wire to fabric, wood, and plastic. Drivers and sequencers for animation and advanced techniques will be introduced.
	Special Effects with EL-Wire Previous experience required Prerequisite: EL Wire Workshop This workshop will take your EL-wire skills to the next level. You will learn about sequencing, which allows you to create simple yet spectacular special effects and animations. You’ll learn how to design for effect and how to combine light and movement in this exciting intermediate class.
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OTHER CLASSES YOU MAY ENJOY . . .

Basic Flame Effects (Kinetics)
Entry-level class
Create a flaming sculpture. Make your art car more noticeable. Or amaze your friends by adding fire to your art. This class covers all aspects of making safe, effective, and beautiful flame effects. The emphasis will be on propane and the burner and accumulator-type effects. Student projects are encouraged.

Youth Glass-Tube Sculpture: Intro to Neon (Youth)
Entry-level class
Ages 12 - 18
Learn the science behind neon gases as you are taught how to bend glass tubes into sculptures. In the final sculptures, colored sand will be substituted for neon gas. You will leave class with a sculpture you can display with pride.

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OTHER INFORMATION

Faculty Bios & Info
Registration Policies
Membership Benefits

Studio Hours & Rules
Studio Access Labs

Youth Forms:
Parental Consent Form
Medical Authorization Form

Non-discrimination policy: The Crucible is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, gender, national or ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation or physical disability.