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NEON & LIGHT
Radiant light technology has developed materials and processes that greatly expand the possibilities and palette for light design. Whether incandescent, fluorescent, neon, LED, plasma or electro-luminescent wire produce the illumination, these classes introduce and explain techniques, tools, properties and adaptability of luminous materials. Finished projects can either stand alone or be combined with many of the other processes taught at The Crucible.
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Neon Student Gallery...
Neon Faculty Gallery...
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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 provided.
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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. Class work 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.
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Techniques in Neon Sign Design
Previous experience required.
Prerequisite: Intro to Neon and Continuing Techniques or consent of the instructor.
This exciting course will be an in depth exploration into the elements of neon and light to create fine sign design. You will learn advanced skills in manipulating hot glass tubing to create letters, shapes, and designs for 2D projects. This unique course also covers how to measure and create neon patterns and techniques for mounting and wiring finished neon.
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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.
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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.
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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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Plasma Sculpture (Biannually)
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 vessel 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.
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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.
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OTHER CLASSES YOU MAY ENJOY . . .
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Soft Circuits (Kinetics & Electronics)
Entry-level class
Soft Circuits is combining a basic electronic circuit to an existing garment. The concept behind this class is to take any wearable such as helmets, jackets or messenger bags and incorporate an electronic circuit with LEDs. The class will include electronics, adapting used garments, and adding a new function to any garment. The class will teach hands-on skills such as hand sewing with conductive thread, how to use craft material for electronic use (such as snaps as switches). At the end of the class each student will have a functional product made from their own garment, learned how to deconstruct garments, and make wearable technology for fun or as safety gear for cyclist or urban environment. Stuent must bring own helmets, jackets or messenger bag.
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 shape, bend and manipulate glass tubes into letters and figures. Colored sand will be substituted for neon gas in the final project to create a brightly colored sculpture that you can display with pride.
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Winter 2010 Class Schedule (3817)
