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Turn a blank canvas into a blacklight-lit neon piece during this 75-minute Glow Workshop at Studio W.I.P. in Chicago. Beginner-friendly instruction, all supplies, and a social studio vibe make it an easy, memorable night out.
Turn a blank canvas into a blacklight-lit neon piece during this 75-minute Glow Workshop at Studio W.I.P. in Chicago. Beginner-friendly instruction, all supplies, and a social studio vibe make it an easy, memorable night out.
The lights dim and a slow wash of ultraviolet spills across the studio; neon pigments that looked ordinary under room light snap awake and begin to hum. You stand at a 12x16" canvas, a brush heavy with fluorescent magenta, watching color take on a new life under blacklight.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Studio W.I.P. · Chicago, Illinois
The lights dim and a slow wash of ultraviolet spills across the studio; neon pigments that looked ordinary under room light snap awake and begin to hum. You stand at a 12x16" canvas, a brush heavy with fluorescent magenta, watching color take on a new life under blacklight.
Studio W.I.P. sits inside Chicago’s creative neighborhoods where street art, mural culture and a long history of commercial neon converge. The technique you use borrows from graffiti and sign-painters — fast strokes, bold outlines, layered fills — while the blacklight reveal is pure nightlife spectacle. The room’s concrete and exposed beams are part of the story: Chicago’s industrial past supplied the raw surfaces that turned into galleries and studios.
Expect an upbeat, social session led by street-art instructors who guide composition, color blending, and acrylic handling for fluorescent paints. The workshop lasts about 75 minutes: briefing, hands-on painting, and a final reveal under ultraviolet lamps. It’s accessible to beginners — no prior art skills required — and suitable for dates, small groups, or solo creatives wanting a hands-on urban experience.
Practical notes: wear clothes you don’t mind getting paint on or use the studio apron, arrive 10–15 minutes early for check-in, and plan light transit — public transportation options are nearby. The studio supplies all paints and a 12x16" canvas; finished pieces dry to touch but firming times vary. Bring a camera (without flash) to capture the glow, and carry a small bag for any wet supplies on the trip home.
easy.
1–1.5 hours.
No special fitness required; suitable for most adults and teens
No — instructors lead you through composition and techniques suited for beginners and experienced painters alike.
Yes — the studio provides neon paints, brushes, and a 12x16" canvas as part of the workshop.
Yes — Studio W.I.P. lists wheelchair-accessible facilities and surfaces; contact the provider for specific assistance needs.
Painted canvases may be tacky at session end; allow additional drying time at home and avoid stacking or packing while wet.
Chicago’s neon and sign-painting traditions grew alongside its commercial streets; modern studio spaces reclaimed former industrial buildings where artists repurposed urban materials.
The studio uses water-based acrylics and encourages proper disposal and recycling of paint waste; consider carpooling or transit to reduce urban congestion.
Studio W.I.P. operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
The lights dim and a slow wash of ultraviolet spills across the studio; neon pigments that looked ordinary under room light snap awake and begin to hum. You stand at a 12x16" canvas, a brush heavy with fluorescent magenta, watching color take on a new life under blacklight.
The lights dim and a slow wash of ultraviolet spills across the studio; neon pigments that looked ordinary under room light snap awake and begin to hum. You stand at a 12x16" canvas, a brush heavy with fluorescent magenta, watching color take on a new life under blacklight.
Studio W.I.P. sits inside Chicago’s creative neighborhoods where street art, mural culture and a long history of commercial neon converge. The technique you use borrows from graffiti and sign-painters — fast strokes, bold outlines, layered fills — while the blacklight reveal is pure nightlife spectacle. The room’s concrete and exposed beams are part of the story: Chicago’s industrial past supplied the raw surfaces that turned into galleries and studios.
Expect an upbeat, social session led by street-art instructors who guide composition, color blending, and acrylic handling for fluorescent paints. The workshop lasts about 75 minutes: briefing, hands-on painting, and a final reveal under ultraviolet lamps. It’s accessible to beginners — no prior art skills required — and suitable for dates, small groups, or solo creatives wanting a hands-on urban experience.
Practical notes: wear clothes you don’t mind getting paint on or use the studio apron, arrive 10–15 minutes early for check-in, and plan light transit — public transportation options are nearby. The studio supplies all paints and a 12x16" canvas; finished pieces dry to touch but firming times vary. Bring a camera (without flash) to capture the glow, and carry a small bag for any wet supplies on the trip home.