Wheaton Conversations:
James Akers & Jacob Willcox
Watch the Oct. 20, 2022 recording above
Join us for a brilliant conversation with artists James Akers and Jacob Willcox. Both artists have experience working with glass and neon through commercial and artistic approaches. They will explore that in a discussion as they explain their flashy process, glass education, inspiration, and lighting a bright future!
This event is part of “Wheaton Conversations,” a virtual series highlighting select artists with ties to WheatonArts!
To see the full schedule of conversations, Click Here.
Thank you to our sponsors, PNC Arts Alive! and the Art Alliance for Contemporary Glass.
Attracted to short attention spans, total artistic freedom, electricity, tech, and advertisement, James Akers is an artist, educator, and neon bender. He sculpts with neon, glass, electronics, and various interesting materials found in thrift stores and industrial suppliers. Born in Maryland (USA), he received a BFA degree from Alfred University in 2015. He became captivated by the notion of “the wild one” and people breaking the rules.
Traveling and exhibiting nationally and internationally since graduation, Akers now resides in Brooklyn, New York. With his partner, Ali Feeney, James co-runs the neon company, Nebula Neon, fulfilling his desire to create and letting him focus on new exciting ideas and thought-provoking projects.
Jacob Willcox is a glass and light artist from Tacoma, Washington. He is an alum of the Hilltop Artist program. Willcox has been working with glass since 2012 and is a recent graduate of the Sculpture-Dimensional Studies program at Alfred University. He has worked and studied at various institutes, such as Pilchuck Glass School, Haystack School of Crafts, and the Museum of Glass. He now resides in Seattle, Washington, where he works as a commercial neon bender while maintaining his artistic practice.
