Go beyond neon. Learn the magic of sculpting with light and glass forms using gas plasma, and capture Lightning in a bottle!

In this class, you'll explore stacking readymade glass and using kiln-fired enamel as a solder to create your own plasma light sculpture.  New to glass? Create your sculpture with found glass vessels like vases, bottles, cups, and bowls. Have some experience in glass making? Bring your own handmade cups, vessels, and blown sculptures and light them up with a mesmerizing and dynamic plasma light. This class will utilize the equipment in the Cold Shop to cut, drill, and grind your readymade glass. Harness the power of the kiln to fire your work together, and use the neon/plasma manifold to fill it with gas, where we will be lighting them up using specialized power supplies. Kiln-fired Glass Solder in courtesy of the Wisdom, Knowledge, and Exploration by Ed Kirshner.

Please bring at least 3 - 4 sets of glasses or vessels to work with. No experience necessary.

This class meets from 9am to 5pm each day, Monday through Friday, with additional studio time Monday through Thursday, from 5pm to 9pm. Materials for participating in the course are included.

Percy Echols II is a Pittsburgh-based Artist, Alchemist, and Educator at the Pittsburgh Glass Center (PGC). Here, he is at the forefront of pioneering the development of a space dedicated to the emergence of plasma and neon light art.

He began working in glass in 2011 at Illinois State University. The spark for plasma came in 2014 at Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood, WA. There, a class taught by Patrick Collentine introduced him to plasma. This ignited both his passion and mentorship.

Throughout his pursuit of a BFA in Studio Glass, plasma remained a constant. After graduating, a year-long apprenticeship at the PGC became his new chapter, where donated neon equipment and a growing network of artists, planted the seed for the emergence of a new medium in the public space.

In 2017, Percy began his podcast "Taming Lightning" where he facilitates enriching conversations with fellow artists, makers, and institutions in this captivating field. In 2019 he joined the Plasma Art Alliance. 

Percy is dedicated to crystallizing the methodologies and insights he's honed, and to disseminating this knowledge. His endeavors reverberate with a drive to make plasma accessible through public art institutions, transforming curiosity into enlightenment and engaging with the transformative possibilities of plasma, glass, and light.

https://percyechols.com/ 

Additional Information

- Participation limited to students 18 years of age and up.
- Lunch is available for an additional fee; $100 for 5-day workshops. 
- Classes meet 9 am to 5 pm each day. Students will have additional practice time, Monday through Thursday, 5 pm to 9 pm.  
- Materials for participating in the course are included. If you have specific colors you are interested in working with please bring them with you.
- Any work from the final day of the course remaining in a kiln will be available for pick up beginning the following Monday. Students may have finished worked shipped for an additional fee. 

Cancellation and Refund Policies  

- Salem Community College is not responsible for non-refundable travel expenses. There is always a chance, due to unforeseen circumstances, that a class could be cancelled unexpectedly. In these instances, refunds on registration will be issued, and Salem Community College will not be responsible for non-refundable travel expenses. 
- Classes are subject to a minimum enrollment policy. In the event that we do not meet our minimum enrollment for a course we will refund your purchase. Students will be notified no later than 45 days prior to their class start date if their workshop is subject to cancellation due to enrollment. 
- Student cancellation/refund policy- Cancellations made more than 45 days prior to the start of the class are subject to a $150 cancellation fee. Cancellations made 2 weeks prior to the start of a course will receive a 50% refund for the registration fee. Cancellations within 2 weeks of the course are not eligible for a refund.  

Discounted Hotel Information

Holiday Inn Philadelphia South - Swedesboro
1 Pureland Dr. Swedesboro, NJ 08085
$129 per night; breakfast included 
Phone: 856-467-3322
Use Block Code "SCC" when calling to reserve.
Book Online: Salem County College

Key Features of the Holiday Inn:  In Hotel Restaurant and Bar - Coffee Maker - Mini Refrigerator - Microwave - Free WiFi - Free Parking - 24-Hour Fitness Center - Outdoor Seasonal Pool - Pet Friendly - Nearby shopping and restaurants
 

Hampton Inn Swedesboro Philadelphia 
2 Pureland Dr. Swedesboro, NJ 08085
$119 per night; breakfast included 
Phone: 856-467-6200
May 26-31 - https://group.hamptoninn.com/ln341c.  Last day to make reservations: 5/4/25 
June 1-7 - https://group.hamptoninn.com/uj02a5.  Last day to make reservations:  5/11/25 
June 8-14 - https://group.hamptoninn.com/a9edqt.  Last day to make reservations 5/25/25 
June 15-21 - https://group.hamptoninn.com/kvsws6.  Last day to make reservations 6/1/25 
June 22-28 - https://group.hamptoninn.com/h7360r.  Last day to make reservations 6/9/25  

Key Features of the Hampton Inn: Free WiFi - Microwaves and Refrigerators in every room - Spacious Guest Rooms - Outdoor Seasonal Pool - Outdoor Grill area - 24/7 Fitness Center - Guest Laundry - Nearby shopping and restaurants