Taming Lightning LLC

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✨ Pilchuck Glass School: 2027 Neon & Plasma Workshops

August 10, 2026

PercyEcholsII

Hello Lightning Tamers,

A first look at our Neon and Plasma-focused workshops for the upcoming 2027 season at Pilchuck Glass School! Registration officially opened September 22, 2026, but we wanted to give you a head start on planning your summer for 2027.

Important Application Dates

September 22, 2026 2027 Program Applications Open

October 31, 2026 – 11:59 PM PST Deadline for: Seasonal Staff • Teaching & Artist Assistantships • Residencies • Scholarships • Priority Workshop Placement

November 2, 2026 Regular Workshop Enrollment Opens Payment plans available
December 18, 2026: Notifications for:
- Seasonal Staff positions
- Priority placement for 2027 workshop applications submitted before 11:59 PM PST on October 30, 2026
- Merit-based scholarships
- Need-based financial aid
- Workshop & Artist Assistantships
- Pilchuck Fellowship
January 4, 2027: Acceptance Deadline
March 5, 2027: Payment Deadline (excluding special cases and payment plans)

Featured Neon & Plasma Workshops

Each of these workshops offers a unique lens into the world of light-based glass art. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your practice, there’s something here for every level.

See Pilchuck Neon & Plasma Classes

From Figment to Firmament — neon workshop at Pilchuck Glass School

Beginner

Session 4 · Best Coast | Jun 17–28, 2027

From Figment to Firmament

Guest Artist: Leticia Maldonado

A beginning-level introduction to neon — tube bending in open flame, wiring, and installation, aimed at three-dimensional expression. Students explore neon as a personal language through poetry, sketches, and freestyle experimentation, moving past traditional signage toward emotional and sculptural storytelling.

View Workshop →

The DNA of Neon Art — neon workshop at Pilchuck Glass School

All Levels

Session 6 · Chroma | Jul 29–Aug 9, 2027

The DNA of Neon Art

Guest Artists: Jacob Fishman & Zoelle Nagib

A father-daughter duo teaches traditional neon bending — lettering, skeleton frames — centered on color as sculptural language. Students explore the available palette, how glass colors behave in the flame, and how they interact once lit, blending Jacob’s engineering rigor with Zoelle’s light-as-aesthetic approach.

View Workshop →

Plasma Playground — plasma sculpture workshop at Pilchuck Glass School

All Levels*

Session 7 · Body Electric | Aug 21–Sep 1, 2027

Plasma Playground

Guest Artist: Angela McHale

Hollow borosilicate sculpting for plasma lighting — shaping, texture, and proper seals, plus advanced encasements and phosphor inclusions. Finished vessels go under vacuum and are filled with noble gases, closing with a group plasma light show on the last day.

*Prior hollow-borosilicate seal experience required despite the “All Levels” tag.

View Workshop →

Whether you’re illuminating ideas or electrifying your practice, Pilchuck’s 2027 Neon and Plasma offerings are designed to spark your imagination. Stay tuned for more updates—and mark your calendar for Summer 2027!