Frequently Asked Questions
Classes
Q: I want to try neon but where do I start?
A: That depends on the type of experience you’re looking for! Are you a try-every-craft kind of go-getter? Then a Taster Session is for you! Are you a serious artist or have a deep obsession with neon? The Intro to Neon Intensive is for you! Are you looking for a beautiful art piece and a unique private experience? Neon Night for Two is here for you!
Q: What is a Taster Session?
A: Taster Sessions guide neon-newcomers through making a simple design which varies by class. Each student leaves with a light up piece of their very own neon art, mounted on plexiglass and ready to be admired for years to come!
Q: What should I bring to class?
A: Staying hydrated and comfortable is key. Bring a water bottle, there is a communal fridge to store anything you’d like to keep cold. Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toed shoes.
Q: What is the difference between an Intensive class and a Module?
A: An Intensive class is a long-form learning experience that includes 8-10 hours of total class time. Students learn about the neon-making process from start to finish, and can take home a lit piece the same day. Modules split the lessons into separate classes which students can take in any order. To move on to intermediate classes, students must complete the three intro modules which are - Behind the Burner, Bending Basics, and Stick It!
Q: What should I sign up for if I have taken a neon class already somewhere else?
A: That also depends on the type of experience you are looking for. For our already skilled customers and you are looking for a place to work on your own art without instruction we offer bench rentals by the hour. Materials and electrification are available for purchase for anyone wanting to work on any personal projects. For those who are looking to take any next steps in their bending journey, we offer advanced level classes such as lettering and in-depth pattern work.
Q: Will I be able to make a predetermined shape in the Intro to Neon class?
A: We recommend coming into any intro level class with an open mindset about what you leave with. Bending can have a certain learning curve that makes it difficult to create a predetermined idea right off the bat. Our intro level courses mainly focus on getting comfortable with the craft and new skills. Beginner students usually leave with an abstract design that is the combination of various learned bends. Intermediate classes are when students go more in depth on more specific designs and closed shapes.
Q: Does this class involve working with fire?
A: Yes! We use various types of fire burners combined with pressurized air to bend neon tubing. It’s fun, and we will teach you how to do it safely!
Q: Does this class involve working with electricity?
A: Yes, neon combines glass, fire and electricity to make a glowing piece of art. The main process of lighting a neon piece is known as the bombardment during which very high levels of electricity are used. However students only watch this process done by our experienced instructors. Students are usually taught how to wire a piece in which electricity is only present once everything is safely put together.
Q: Do I get to choose what color my neon comes out?
A: Yes, there are a variety of choices for each level of class. The color of a neon light depends on both the gas inside of a unit or the colored glass or phosphor coating inside the tubing. In intro-level classes students use clear glass where the color of the gas inside is visible. Our gas choices and color include: Neon, which is a bright red-orange, Argon which is a soft violet, and Krypton which is a soft white. In upper level classes students have the choice to buy phosphor coated glass for which most colors such as blues, greens, pinks and more are available.
Q: Do I need any experience in neon to take a class?
A: Taster Sessions, Intro to Neon, Neon Night for Two, and Mini Classes are all open to students without prior experience.
Q: What happens if I have to miss a class during a 4-week session?
A: If you are unavailable for a week of the 4-week sessions students are more than welcome to make up the class during any bench rental time or a Wednesday Night Practice session. It is recommended to check in advance to ensure an instructor or TA monitor will be there to help catch up students on what you have missed.
Q: What if I would like to make more than one piece within one class?
A: Students are provided with one lit piece that comes with the class. However if there is more than one piece that you would like to be processed, students are more than welcome to do so for an additional fee.
Q: I took a Taster Session and I’m hooked, what’s next?
A: If a student completes every taster session there are two options for next steps. The first is to continue to practice their new skills during bench rentals which the student will now be eligible for. The other option is to move onto more intermediate and advanced bending classes that we have to continue on your neon journey!
Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A: Our refund policy is a full refund if you cancel at least 5 days before the class begins. Reach out in advance if you would like to reschedule or switch to a different class. If a student has to miss a class during a 4-week session we recommend making it up as soon as possible to not fall behind. If a student misses Week 4 specifically they have a month to come in and finish their final piece.
Bench Rental
Q: What is Bench Rental?
A: In addition to being the only place in the Chicago area to offer classes to the public for making neon art, Lightwriters Chicago is also the only place that allows students and other experienced neon benders the opportunity to rent time on our neon benches to work on their own projects and practice their skills. Bench Rental is available by the hour during designated times and is offered at a base rate of $30/hr plus materials. Bench Rental time will have a shop monitor and will usually have appropriate staff on hand for processing but will not include dedicated instruction time.
Q: What are the requirements in order to rent bench time?
A: In order to be eligible for Bench Rental time, students must do ONE of the following:
Complete an Intensive Level One class (4 week or All-Day)
Complete a Level One Taster class plus at least TWO Skill Builder classes
Submit to a basic skills test with one of our instructors to demonstrate knowledge from other neon instruction sources
Q: What additional materials fees are there for bench rental time?
A: Our standard 10mm clear glass tube is available at $1.50 per stick with other colors and types of glass available at higher prices. Electrodes are $2.00 per pair and transformers are $40-60 each. Processing costs to pump and electrify your piece range between $20-50.
Q: What is Wednesday Night Practice?
A: Wednesday Nights we host half-priced bending hours! They are for students who have completed all modules of the intro level basics and are intended for practice time. During bench rental time students can buy whatever materials they wish to work with and can practice whatever skills they would like to perfect.