Neon Glass Bending Workshops

Our neon workshops provide insight and experience into a world of unique, high-skilled craft and design; well-suited for the beginner, enthusiast and seasoned professional artist alike.

Each workshop has space for four students and they tend to fill up quickly. A deposit of $250.00 is required to reserve your spot. Your deposit will be applied toward the final cost at the conclusion of the workshop.

Workshops are conducted at our shop in Raleigh, NC. We can also perform glass-bending demonstrations at your location, contact us for more details.

*Open studio hours may be granted to those who have taken one of our classes and wish to continue their neon journey. This opportunity will be assessed on a case by case base. Please inquire with Lightship Neon management for more info*

During class you will:

  • Meet and learn from our talented and knowledgeable instructors,

  • Hear an overview of the history and science of neon illumination and how we’re keeping this art form alive in the face of new technologies,

  • Establish safe studio practices and become accustomed to the tools of the trade,

  • Understand the importance of neon patterns and design your very own,

  • Be introduced to the methods of bending neon tubes in both the ribbon burner and crossfire torches,

  • Watch and discuss the bombarding process,

  • Take home your very own neon masterpiece!

Cubs! A piece from our four week Build-a-Neon class.
The bleeding heart, a piece from a 4-hour Neon Lite class
A neon Loch Ness monster created during a class.
A neon hot dog sign created during a workshop.
A neon guitar pick created during a workshop.
A neon camera created during a workshop
A neon flower created during a workshop.

Neon Lite - $475.00

Designed for those with no prior neon experience or have a busy schedule and want to explore the world of neon, these Lite classes are a one time, four hour session held Mondays from either 12-4pm or 5:30-9:30pm. Your workshop will include an overview on the history and science of neon sign making, demonstrations in glass bending and neon tube processing in our shop, the opportunity to pick out or design a pattern to create, and up to two hours of time in the fires to bend your glass.

Build-A-Neon - $975.00

This intensive neon workshop runs four weeks with classes conducted on Wednesday evenings from 6pm–9pm. We will provide all the tools and materials necessary to create the neon sign of your dreams! You will learn the rich history and intricate science of creating a neon masterpiece, and then utilize that newfound knowledge to design your very own. You will have time to use practice glass to develop your skill, as well as full access to our wide arrange of colored tubes, one neon transformer, as well as our standard background material to create your finished project.

The sky is the limit with this neon course!

Group Events - Contact us for pricing

We also offer one-of-a-kind experiences for small to medium groups looking for an alternative to the standard corporate events or team outings. These are ideal for office gatherings, team-building events, birthdays, family parties, bachelor / bachelorette parties or more. After all, you can go to an escape room, driving range or go-kart track just about anywhere, but how many places will let you bend glass with fire and create your own neon sign?

Want to give the gift of neon this holiday season? We offer gift cards to cover the price of either our Neon Lite and Build-A-Neon class.