Instructor Biographies:
James Akers
James is an artist, educator, blue collar worker and CEO with an explosive approach to making.
Akers graduated from Alfred University in 2015 with an addiction to glass, neon, and electricity. Thriving on change and fascinated by waves of all kinds: sound, light, and electricity, he is captivated by the notion of “the wild one” and people doing things they are not supposed to. Akers has shown his work internationally, been the recipient of public art commissions has received numerous awards and grants for his practice and is the is Chief Executive Officer of Cold Cathode Compact Fluorescent Light Company.
Currently, Akers is based out of Dallas Texas where is exploring a blue collar lifestyle while teaching neon classes, and packaging ideas on art and life by creating a series of celebratory, reactive electric sculptures.
Website: JamesAkers.net
Instagram: @jamesakers2
Percy Echols II
Percy Echols II is a Pittsburgh-based Plasma artist and technician. He is behind the most extensive podcast and online educational resource on plasma and neon design- Taming Lightning. Percy’s work at PGC and beyond as well as his dedication to this relatively novel craft is propelling him to be a leader in the field of plasma light art. Echols’ efforts at PGC have put the studio on the map of neon and plasma makers worldwide as one of the few hot glass studios in the country with a plasma-focused neon setup.
Website: http://www.percyechols.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glass.percy/?hl=en