Entry No. 191 — the Denver file — filed under: hands-on
Nomad Neon
Nomad Neon is a working neon studio that runs a six-hour beginner workshop where you actually melt and bend glass tubing over open flames, then fill and light it. Pairs get to shape an abstract neon sculpture in their choice of light blue, orange-red, or light purple and walk out with the glowing piece. The two-person rate is built right into the booking, so it's structured for going in together rather than taking turns watching.
The story
Most people assume neon signs are either factory-made assembly-line relics or flexible LED imitations. In reality, real neon demands an artist holding clear glass tubing over an open gas ribbon burner, softening and bending it by hand before evacuating the line, filling it with gas, and wiring high voltage to the seals. Nomad Neon is run by commercial tube bender Kaelyn McGowen, who logged thousands of miles across the West Coast mastering the craft before founding Colorado's first woman-owned neon shop. When she isn't crafting custom signage or co-leading neon fabrication for Burning Man's Man Pavilion, she opens her private working studio to civilians.
This isn't a superficial craft night. Over six hours, you learn the physics of thermal glass bending, melting clear tubes over open flame, and shaping an abstract table sculpture in your choice of light blue, orange-red, or light purple. Once bent, the tubing is bombarded, filled with noble gas, and sealed. By the time you leave, you wire up a power transformer and walk out the door carrying a buzzing, glowing piece of real hand-bent glass.
What it's like
Arriving at Nomad Neon feels like stepping into a closed-door trade workshop rather than a commercial classroom, with the exact studio address revealed only after you book. Expect intense ambient heat, the persistent hiss of gas torches, safety eyewear, and a focused six-hour session handling hot glass. The price is structured specifically for two people working side-by-side, so pick a partner who isn't faint-hearted around fire. Tip: skip synthetic fabrics that melt near open flame and wear 100% cotton sleeves with closed-toed shoes.
The move: Spend an afternoon torch-bending raw glass tubing into your own glowing neon sculpture and carry the finished, lit piece home that night.
📍 Before you go Beginner workshop runs Fri/Sat/Sun 12-6PM, ~$575 for two; booking required, no drop-in.
- 📍 Denver
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: Denver, CO (studio address by booking)
Hours: Added 2026-06-23 — confirm current hours before you go.
⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.
Pair it with
- Hardy & Fuller — Pair open-flame glass bending with anvil hammering and metal forging at 900 W. 1st Ave for a complete high-heat craft weekend.
- Recollect Records — Dig through rare vinyl crates at a hidden Delaware Street row-house before settling in for a six-hour glass-melting session.
- Fleur — Contrast gas-torch tube fabrication with cold copper-foil glass cutting at Capitol Hill's half-day stained glass workshop.
- Ember & Stitch — Trade gas torches and electrified tubing for leatherworking and hot branding irons down in the Santa Fe Arts District.
Good to know
How much does the beginner workshop cost and what does it include?
The workshop costs around $575 for two people and includes six hours of instruction, glass tubing, bending tools, gas filling, and a dedicated power supply so you leave with a working light.
Do I need prior experience with glassblowing or flame work?
No prior experience is required. The six-hour abstract sculpture workshop is tailored specifically for complete beginners.
Can I visit or drop by the studio without a reservation?
No. Nomad Neon operates as a private studio with no drop-ins allowed; you must book a class to receive the address and entry.
What light colors can I choose for my sculpture?
Standard tuition includes your choice of light blue, orange-red, or light purple gas glows, with an optional $30 upgrade for custom colors.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site
last checked: 2026-06-23