DPS Foundation Art Class

The MySpark Program is now part of the Denver Public Schools (DPS) Foundation, and Lumonics is happy to be a community partner.

 

This is an AMAZING class!! I also signed up my other daughter and they both absolutely loved it!  More people should know about Lumonics!!!
– Sammantha Diep-Vidal

 

Studies at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine have shown that the arts and aesthetic experiences measurably change the brain, body, and behavior and
that these practices advance health and wellbeing. 

 

Student Mia’s Cube

No need to think of yourself as an artist to take this 6-hour class, but you will feel more artistic and confident of your artistic abilities when the class concludes!

Class instructor Marc Billard has decades of experience working closely with trailblazing light sculptors Dorothy and Mel Tanner. Dorothy Tanner was the recipient of the Denver Mayor’s Award for Excellence in Arts and Culture in the Innovation category. Just walking into the studio/gallery fires the imagination. 

 

Cube Class: $375
1-session class is 6-7 hours in one day with a 1/2 hour lunch break
You can reserve Monday through Thursday or on a Sunday.
No more than 2 students at a time!
Pay with the debit card issued by the DPS/My Spark Program.

We pre-build the cube  and the student “artifies” it.

 Professional assistance is  available every step of the way.

1-day class from 10am to 5pm with a 1/2 lunch break.  We will provide you with a “ready-made” LED-lighted white cube with a remote control to change colors, and have all our art materials available for you to use. You take home your new light sculpture at the end of the day.   A minimum of 3 days notice is necessary so we can build your  cube  in advance. 

You are welcome to visit before enrolling. 
You can pay for the class using the debit card on the day of the class, online, or over the phone.
For more info, call 303.568.9406 or fill out the form below. 

 

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

 

 You are welcome to pay online by clicking this link.

 

 

Student Sandy’s Cube

Click on this Link to see more examples of completed cubes

 

See students’ cubes that were on exhibit at The Storeroom, 1700  Vine St., Denver through Dec. 31, 2019.

The Lumonics School of Light Art is a DPS Foundation provider, and also a Community Partner with Denver Public Schools.  It gives Denver Public School middle school students $1,000 to spend on youth activities like taking a class at our school.

Children in a DPS middle school student are eligible to participate.

Learn more and apply at  DPS Foundation. After you’re approved, DPS will mail you a
$1,000 debit card to use to participate in DPS Denver programs.

Research shows that students who participate in activities outside of school develop stronger
social skills, experience improved mental health, and are more academically successful in school.

We encourage you to sign up for! Help us spread the word and connect every child to enriching youth activities!

Denver Public School Teachers can apply for field trip grants c/o the DPS Foundation.

 

Are you in need of financial assistance? If your child is enrolled in 6th-8th grade at a DPS school and qualifies for free or reduced lunch, apply for My Spark through the Denver Public Schools Foundation to receive up to $1,000 on a restricted, virtual card that can be used to pay for our programs. 

We are a proud member of the My Spark program, which provides up to $1,000 to eligible middle school students to participate in youth activities. If your child is a DPS middle school student that qualifies for free or reduced lunch, apply for My Spark through the Denver Public Schools Foundation and use your restricted, virtual card for any of our programs.

 

Through the Denver Public Schools (DPS) Foundation

 

Through the Denver Public Schools (DPS) Foundation

 

Cube (work in progress) with Instructor/Coach Marc Billard
Through the Denver Public Schools (DPS) Foundation

 

Cube when completed

 

 

Through the Denver Public Schools (DPS) Foundation

 

Students with Marc Billard and Barry Raphael

 

“The Lumonics School of Light Art, the educational wing of light-art genius Dorothy Tanner’s Lumonics Studio”
Denver Westword

“Any human anywhere will blossom in a hundred unexpected talents and capacities simply by being given the opportunity to do so.”
—Doris Lessing, novelist and Nobel Prize recipient

 

The Lumonics School of Light Art is part of the Maker Movement, a national trend that focuses on workshops that teach people how to work with their hands, and how gratifying the process is.  Read our blog about the Maker Movement.

 

Lumonics School of Light Art

BEST OF DENVER® // ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT// WESTWORD

BEST LIGHT-ART INSTRUCTION
Lumonics School of Light Art

“If you haven’t seen the light art of Lumonics, a working studio and homage to the colorful illuminated works of nonagenarian Dorothy Tanner*  and her late husband, Mel, Google it now. Though best seen in person in a dark room, you’ll get an idea of the magic being made there. Inspired? Now you can make your own light sculpture from Plexiglas and LED lights, with expert instruction at the Lumonics studio. Taught by Tanner associate Marc Billard, the  classes are an opportunity to bring the wonder of light to your own living room; no experience or artistic talent required. Let there be light!”

*Dorothy Tanner died in 2020 at the age of 97.

 

ABOUT THE CLASS:

You will be working with acrylic glass and other materials, and LED lighting.

No need to be an artist to take this course, but you will feel more artistic and confident of your artistic abilities when the class concludes.  If you are an artist without experience working with acrylic glass (plexiglass) and LEDs, this is a great opportunity to broaden your skill set.

Course instructor Marc Billard has decades of experience working closely with trailblazing light sculptors Dorothy and Mel Tanner. Dorothy Tanner is the recipient of the 2018 Denver Mayor’s Award for Excellence in Arts and Culture in the Innovation category. Just walking into the studio/gallery fires the imagination. 

DUETS
At classes, teams of 2 have successfully worked on a single cube together as well as individually.  There is no additional charge for the second person to create one light sculpture together.

Approximately 80% of our students did not think of themselves as artists before enrolling!

 

 

 What students have written about the class:

Having fun in our light sculpture class @lumonics.lightart.school. It really allows you to appreciate the art even more when learning more about the process. Lumonics are masters at their craft! 
– Tim Vacca

I had a lovely experience making my first light cube at Lumonics. I had really no idea what it would be like but I learned so much and had such a great time. It’s a relaxed, warm and supportive atmosphere.   I highly recommend Lumonics for learning really cool light art from very knowledgeable and kind people!
– Dianne B.

I love Lumonics! I still can’t believe that I had the chance to learn this art. Marc is a great teacher and allows us to use our own creativity. Every week I looked forward to the class and time at the studio. 
– T.l.d.

This was a wonderful and exciting class!  Every one of us shared delight at each step of the way as Marc demonstrated one cool technique after another.  All of the colors, textures, and creativity made for a wonderful (and too short!) experience, with the best part being the exquisite piece of art we each got to take home.  I can’t wait for the next class!
 – Sandy Maschan

If you’re looking for something NEW to do, check out Lumonics School of Light  Art. Awesome art studio that allows you to test your creativity in a brand new medium. LOVE THIS PLACE ❤️🙏
– Todd Ross

I so enjoyed taking this course! I was able to construct my piece with Marc’s unwavering support and guidance, even though at times I think he thought I was nuts. I requested some interesting modifications, and he was able to meet me where I was; I’m so appreciative of that because I really love the final product! Thank you for helping me find my inner artist and for providing such a cool  space and opportunity!
– Rene’ DeAnda

The class was so amazing, I learned so much and am very excited to start my next piece.
– Jordan Baumgardner

 It’s a beautiful and inspiring gallery for everyone to visit, too 🙂  but i’m so excited to be taking the class! Thank you!
– Adrienne C.

Great way to explore your use of light and alteration in in your art. Great folks to work with. Wonderful environment to be creative. lots of light color and form for inspiration surrounds you. Marc is AWESOME! I had so very much fun.  Thank you again for your flexibility around my class times! I recommend taking this class 100%.
– Jenny B.

 

Art and Mental Health

The late founder of the Lumonics School of Light Art, Dorothy Tanner, completed a highly acclaimed 8-month art exhibit at the McNichols Civic Center Building in 2018, entitled Lumonics Mind Spa: Stretching the Body, Mind and Spirit.  Shanna Shelby, the Program Administrator at the McNichols Building,  nominated  Dorothy for the Denver Mayor’s Award for Innovation in the Arts.  Ms. Shelby  wrote about the increasing awareness of how art and mental health are connected:  “Several panels at the national AFTA (Americans for the Arts) conference this year explored artistic approaches to community health. I believe that Dorothy’s vision is a prime example of how arts and wellness intersect and promote public health goals. I strongly believe that promoting creative arts-based approaches to health and wellness create lasting impact and ultimately lasting change.”