Krypton Neon Offers Rare Course

By Megan Montalvo

It’s a bird, it’s a plane – No, it’s a neon sign. Krypton Neon, that is.

For the month of March, Kenny Greenberg, owner of the LIC-based, Superman-inspired neon sign studio, Krypton Neon, will be offering a rarely-scheduled workshop where avid artists and wannabe’s alike can create signs.

“I began my business by making signs for local stores,” Greenberg said. “Through the years, I’ve had the opportunity to create stage work for movies and Broadway plays as well. I’ve always called myself an enabler for artists. I help make the concept come to life.”

In addition to creating the lightning effects for the production of “Young Frankenstein,” Greenberg, along with his glass-blowing partner, Tom Unger, has also created neon designs that have appeared in films such as “Men in Black” and “The Producers.”

Although the shop is often flooded with work, Greenberg, who once worked as a school administrator, said that he wanted to begin offering hands-on courses to fulfill his love of interacting with people.

Before moving to its current location at 526 46th Ave. in Long Island City, the 32-year-old neon studio was situated close to one of the neighborhood’s most heavily traveled streets: Vernon Boulevard.

“When the shop used to be on Vernon, I would always enjoy when people would randomly walk up and become interested in what I was working on. Now, I’m sure that we are more productive because we are not out in public view, but I do miss being able to interact with people,” Greenberg said with a chuckle.

Pursuing his interest to once again connect with the public, Greenberg began offering sign-making workshops in 2011 and has since tried to schedule additional ones every year.

“It’s a lot of fun,” he said. “Whether you are a beginner or have taken one of our workshops before, everyone gets to enjoy something that I get to do every day. It’s an amazing experience.”

While the upcoming classes for 2013 had initially been scheduled for Feb. 16-17 and March 16-17, Greenberg said that he will be pushing back the dates in light of the recent blizzard.
The new dates will be posted to Krypton Neon’s website, www.neonshop.com, within the coming weeks.

Of the two courses offered, The Neon Experience I gives newcomers a taste of all aspects of neon by acting as the starting point for those who want to learn how to make neon and learn how neon can be used in their own projects while the Neon Experience II will build on the intro course and allow participant to take their glass bending skills to the next level. Both courses will take place over two days, costing $395.

For more information, contact Greenberg directly at info@neonshop.com or call (718) 728-4450.

Reach Reporter Megan Montalvo at (718) 357-7400 Ext. 128 or mmontalvo@queenstribune.com.