Flux capacitor? Nope! This is a processing manifold for working with neon and making plasma.
Teaching “Plasma, Neon, and Beyond” in the Penland glass studio this past week, Wayne Strattman and David Wilson put this new, permanent Penland equipment to excellent use.
Student Kerik Kouklis made some awesome drumsticks!
The manifold was made to spec for this class and future Penland classes by Morgan Crook and studio coordinator Nick Fruin over a period of several years. It’s got valves, gases, gauges, and a kiln for baking out any moisture before glass tubes are evacuated and then filled with inert gasses (neon, argon, xenon, and krypton) that make them glow so beautifully when in their plasma state.
With this sweet setup, you can expect neon classes at Penland for years to come.
David and Wayne have taught at Penland countless times and have been instrumental in growing our neon program. Indeed, David was the studio assistant for Penland’s very first neon workshop in 1993 with Jacob Fishman!
Works from “Studio Practices: Penland 9” by Ian Henderson, Susan Feagin, and Betsy DeWitt
Penland’s team of studio coordinators can generally be found working behind the scenes to support the hundreds of artists that come through our studios every year with their knowledge and skill. But they’re also accomplished artists in their own right, and we’re thrilled that their personal work is on display in the Main Gallery of the Turchin Center at Appalachian State University through June. Studio Practices: Penland 9 includes sculptural, functional, and two-dimensional pieces in a variety of media. The artists address a broad range of themes in their work, from secrecy and family memories to language and play. “Working together to support the practices of other artists at Penland has given the talented coordinators a remarkable synergy,” the show’s curator states. “Their artwork is individually strong and compatible with one another – creating a dynamic and moving installation.”
Studio Practices: Penland 9 features Daniel T. Beck (steel sculpture), Betsy DeWitt (photography), Susan Feagin (ceramics), Melanie Finlayson (printmaking), Jay Fox (paper and print), Nick Fruin (glass), Ian Henderson (concrete and metals), Ellie Richards (wood), and Amanda Thatch (textiles and drawing).
Pieces by Ellie Richards, Daniel Beck, and Amanda Thatch
The show is on view Tuesday-Saturday through June 3, 2017. In addition to regular gallery hours, visitors are encouraged to explore the exhibition further through the following events:
Friday, February 3, 6-9 PM: “Fizzy First Friday” Reception
Come view Studio Practices: Penland 9 and the Turchin Center’s three other new exhibitions while enjoying snacks, drinks, and music.
Friday, April 7, 6-10 PM: Spring Exhibition Celebration
Explore the Turchin Center’s galleries and exhibitions, meet the artists, and have a cocktail or a snack.
Wednesday, April 12: TCVA Lecture Series: Penland Coordinators I
Hear Melanie Finlayson, Daniel T. Beck, Nick Fruin, Amanda Thatch, and Susan Feagin discuss their studio practices.
