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Pittsburgh Glass Center



Neon

in Type of Glassmaking

Neon 101: Introduction to Neon

$495 MEMBER PRICE: $495

with Percy Echols

Calendar Next session starts Jan 22, 2026 at 9:30 am, runs for 8 weeks
Discover the art of Neon Bending as we delve into the world of soda lime (soft) glass tubing. This hands-on class will equip you with essential techniques using a range of specialized tools to heat and shape the glass, enabling you to craft your very own neon sign or captivating sculpture! Throughout the course, you'll be guided through tutorials that cover glass bending, pattern design, wiring, and installation. Witness the mesmerizing process of filling a glass tube with gas to bring forth the captivating glow of light. Unleash your creativity and illuminate your world with the magic of neon! No experience necessary.

Additional Class Materials Fee: This course requires a blow hose assembly kit. If students need to purchase: Kits are available for purchase on site the first day of class for $40.

Class does not meet 3/5.

Ages 16+

Full Course

Neon: Next Steps

$495 MEMBER PRICE: $495

with Percy Echols

Calendar Next available session starts Jan 22, 2026 at 1 pm, runs for 8 weeks
Take your neon skills to the next level in this follow-up to Neon 101. This hands-on class is designed to refine your technique, improve control, and develop your neon art through troubleshooting. You'll build confidence by practicing and improvising with fundamental bends including L-bends, U-bends, drops, and rises while learning how to adjust and correct mistakes along the way.

Beyond bending, this course emphasizes pattern accuracy and assembly, guiding you through the process of completing a fully functional neon piece. You'll gain experience with essential hardware and mounting strategies, ensuring your work is ready for illumination. To bring your creations to life, up to two completed signs will be filled with gas at no additional charge.

Continue honing your craft, troubleshoot with confidence, and illuminate your creativity!

Class tuition includes 2 hours of open-studio time to be used during the 8-week course period. This will help you become familiar with the studio and learn the process of studio rental beyond class hours.

Prerequisite: Neon 101 or 24 hours similar class experience with instructor permission is required.

Additional Class Materials Fee: A blow hose assembly kit is required. Kits are available for purchase on-site on the first day of class for $40.

Class does not meet on 3/5.

Ages 16+

Waves Through Space: Color Theory and Suspended Forms

$950 MEMBER PRICE: $950

with Kacie Lees

Calendar Next available session starts Jun 8, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

Light is energy in motion—electromagnetic pulses that radiate through space. In this immersive, hands-on neon intensive, you will explore light not just as a physical phenomenon, but as a material for glowing, sculptural expression.

After an introduction to the physics of lightwaves and the chromatic composition of neon phosphors and gas, we will move into the lab to shape vibrant colors into fluid forms on the ribbon burner. Students will explore motion, energy, and spatial presence and learn how to safely install their sweeping gestures suspended from above. Basic sign-making techniques, including traditional bends, wall-mounting, and wiring, will be covered.

This five-day class is ideal for both beginners and experienced makers seeking to expand their practice.

Additional Class Materials + Fees

  • $60 for neon transformer
  • A blowhose is required is required for this class. Students may bring their own or blow hose kits will be on site for purchase for $40.

Evening Open Studio

Studios are open until 9:30PM for students to practice. Depending on the class, process, and techniques, this time might be highly suggested by instructors for students to use. In other classes, this time might be considered optional.

For more information, please review Summer Intensives.

Learn more about Kacie Lees at kacielees.com





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