THE STUDIO
The studio is located in a creative arts warehouse at the edge of the SOMA and Potrero Hill neighborhoods in San Francisco. Originally part of the historic Hamm’s Brewery, which operated from the 1930s to the 1970s, the site once brewed beer for the Bay Area and beyond. In the 1990s, my landlord retrofitted the old brewery silo into artist studios, preserving its industrial charm and creating a haven for about a dozen artists—primarily painters and welders.
In a city where creative spaces are becoming increasingly rare, we’ve managed to hold onto this unique space through many changes in San Francisco’s landscape.
By booking workshops at my studio, you’re not only learning a unique craft but also supporting creative spaces like this in San Francisco. Your participation helps preserve these rare, vital spaces, where working artists can continue to thrive and share their passion with others.
YOUR TEACHER
My name is Meryl Pataky, and I am a neon artist who has been bending glass for 15 years. I've been working in education for over a decade in various roles, including teaching neon workshops in my San Francisco studio on Bryant Street for about 9 years. I also serve as an elective arts teacher at Synergy School, where I’ve been teaching middle schoolers for the past 11 years. I’ve enjoyed helping students enhance their skills and creativity.
My creative and curatorial work revolves around fostering a love for neon and ensuring its stewardship into the future. I founded an organization called She Bends, which centers women and underrepresented artists in neon. Through She Bends, we facilitate residencies and exhibitions at museums across the country, creating opportunities for diverse voices in this field.
THE WORKSHOP | Safety and important info
The neon-making process involves bending glass tubes in specialty fires. While there is a risk of minor cuts or burns, safety is a top priority. Each student will work under strict supervision, and safety protocols will be thoroughly explained before any hands-on activity. The teacher-to-student ratio will be 2 instructors for every 5 students if all slots are filled. For groups of fewer than 5, I will be the sole instructor.
Students are required to wear long sleeves, closed-toe shoes, and safety glasses, which will be provided. All cotton clothes, no synthetic fabrics. Bring a water bottle, you’ll get dehydrated working in fire!
The studio is housed in a shared building with other artists, including painters and welders, so care will be taken when moving through communal spaces. By participating in the workshop, students acknowledge the inherent risks involved with glass bending and agree to follow all safety guidelines.
A waiver will be provided and must be signed before participation.