The Supplyframe DesignLab is pleased to host "Neon Tube Bending & Beyond," taught by David Svenson, neon-bending extraordinaire on Saturday, May 6th from 12:00pm to 4:00pm. This will be the first installment of the DesignLab's Pilot Light Program.







About the Workshop

This is a hands-on workshop introducing beginners to the fantastic world of neon tube bending, a precise and complicated art. The workshop will demonstrate firing techniques for the bending of neon tubes and will also discuss the steps necessary in making neon pieces from start to finish. Attendees will have the opportunity to practice bending glass with supervision by David. Because this is a hands-on workshop, please make sure to wear closed toed shoes and tie back long hair. We will provide the safety glasses!









David Svenson

David has been incorporating neon in his work since the mid-80's. Often the glass/neon is the dominant material. Other works express just the subtle glow of colored light combined with carved wood or other sculptural materials.

Growing up on an orange grove in the rural citrus country of Southern California, yet just a mile away from classic examples of State Route 66 neon signage left an early impression of multi-colored light isolated by the darkness of the night. This childhood of juxtaposition, combined with witnessing breathtaking displays of the Aurora Borealis in Alaska while studying Tlingit art and culture in his mid teen’s set David on the path of light.

Learning, teaching, sharing skills and knowledge about glass, neon, art and Pacific rim culture’s are important aspects of David's life today.

Aside from working in his studio, David teaches at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, taught past classes at the Pilchuck Glass School, Washington State, Corning Museum of Glass, NY, Urban Glass, NY and has given workshops internationally. He is an active board member of MONA (Museum of Neon Art) and works periodically with a team of Alaska Native totem carvers on large commissions.













Supplyframe DesignLab's Pilot Light Program

The Pilot Light Program is a hands-on workshop series the DesignLab will host monthly, introducing the community to a wide variety of art, design and technology topics and techniques taught by experts in the field.





Upcoming topics will include:



Introduction to Modern Fabrication

Crafting with Lasers

Designing Electronics with KiCad

Learning To Solder



Class sizes will be held intentionally small to allow greater interaction with the instructor and most Pilot Light Program classes will be held at no cost to the attendee.





FAQs

What's the refund policy?

Unfortunately, we will not be able to refund purchased tickets.





Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?

There are no age restrictions for attendees, although anyone under 18 will not be able to participate in the hands-on portion of the workshop.

What are my parking and transportation options for getting to and from the event?





Parking

The DesignLab is located at 30 E Del Mar Blvd, Pasadena, CA. You probably won't find street parking nearby, but please see this Google map showing the Supplyframe DesignLab location and nearby parking structures:

• Del Mar Station Parking Structure (2 min walk), 198 South Raymond Avenue. 626.817.0827

• Schoolhouse Park & Walk Structure (7 min walk), 33 East Green Street. 626.577.8963

• De Lacey Park & Walk Structure (10 min walk), 45 South De Lacey Avenue. 626.577.8963





Public Transportation

Using the Metro Goldline trains is quick and easy. It takes about 20 minutes from Union Station in downtown LA to Del Mar Station, which is less than 2 minutes walk from our front door. Trains run about every 10 minutes during the day and 20 minutes at night from 11:00pm-2:00am.

There are also buses that serve Old Town Pasadena. The nearest intersection is FAIR OAKS/DEL MAR BLVD, PASADENA, CA 91105. You can find timetables or use the Metro Trip Planner at metro.net.

