My Spark Denver Provider

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

 

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

Course 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. 

Students are guided every step of the way in an intimate studio setting to create their own one-of-a-kind light sculpture. Marc will do the construction for any step if requested.

You will learn how to electrify your art work using LED bulbs/LED strips, depending on your project, learn what shop tools are required, and how to use them. You will add your creativity to the art work to bring it to completion on the final session.  We photograph your light sculpture when completed. 

 

The Lumonics School of Light Art is a My Spark Denver provider, and also a Community Partner with Denver Public Schools.  My Spark 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 MySparkDenver.org. After you’re approved, My Spark will mail you a
$1,000 debit card to use to participate in My Spark Denver programs through August 2024.

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 My Spark Denver! Help us spread the word and connect every child to enriching youth activities!

 

 

Fernando’s cube (work in progress) with Instructor/Coach Marc Billard

 

Fernando (14) made this lighted cube through the My Spark Program

 

 

Clara, next to her cube in progress through the MySpark Program

 

Clara (12), Gemma (10) 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.

If you have interest in taking a class, send us an email: lumonics@gmail.com 
or call 303.568.9406
There is also a form on this webpage to enroll.

 

Cube Class $375

1-session class is 7 hours in one day with a lunch break.
Available during the week or on a Sunday!
Our preference is for a Sunday.

 

Cube Class

We pre-build the cube  and you”artify” it.

 Professional assistance is  always  available every step of the way.

1-day class from 9am to 4pm 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 art materials available for you to use. You take home your new light sculpture at the end of the day.  Each class is limited to two students.  A minimum of 5 days notice is necessary so we can build your  cube  in advance. Cost: $375 with all materials included. (7  hours). Not all students can finish in one day, so you may have to come in for another session of 1-2 hours.

 

Consider taking the class with family members.
* if you have to miss a class we always arrange make-up sessions.

You are welcome to visit the School before enrolling.  For more info, call 303.568.9406 or email. You can also register on the phone.
Use the form below to select your class, all materials included:

One-session Class

One-session $375.00 USD

Choose a Sunday to take the class. Provide your phone/email.

 

You can also send in a form:

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

BEST LIGHT-ART INSTRUCTION
Lumonics School of Light Art

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

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. 

Students are guided in an intimate studio setting to create their own one-of-a-kind light sculpture. Some knowledge of shop tools is recommended although not required. Students do what is comfortable for them. Marc will do the construction for any step if requested.

You will learn how to electrify your art work using LED bulbs/LED strips dependent on your project, learn what shop tools are required, and how to use them. You will add your creativity to the art work to bring it to completion on the final session.  We photograph your light sculpture when completed. 

 

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 just today completed the third of my four class sessions. So great! Marc is a wonderful teacher, and happy to assist with any operations with which the students aren’t comfortable. Beyond that, just being in the space where Dorothy and Marc have created such spectacular art pieces is in itself very inspiring. If you want to get your creative juices flowing, I wholeheartedly recommend this course!   And with Marc’s guidance, your artist self will burst forth in this really fun medium. Totally delightful! 
– Foster Brashear

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.

Fifteen minutes after attending Lumonics Immersed, my husband and I decided we had to visit again. Imagine our delight when we discovered they offered art workshops! We spent a wonderful day building and decorating our own piece of light art, while learning more about the Lumonics Gallery and the artists who made this special spot what it is today. Our cube is now home with us, and we are planning a trip to attend the more intensive workshop in the near future. This is a unique experience not to be missed, truly the highlight of our trip to Denver.
– Bridget 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.”