[TCML] Sculpture with Tesla coils

[Mary Jane Mansfield <mjm_oceanwave@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hello Tesla coilers — 
I am an artist using water and electricity to create sculpture. Often using light bulbs under water in buckets and jars. There is a new concept I have in mind that I would love to bring to life. 
This will require building or buying 2 Tesla coils capable of generating 4 to 5 foot arcs. The coils would be in a glass house. (Likely to be constructed with SnapGlas™ patent-pending
polycarbonate glazing panels lightweight for rapid assembly and less
fasteners. SnapGlas™ is as clear as glass, but it features 100% UV
protection and is virtually unbreakable.) 
The piece is designed to be built at Franconia sculpture park in MN.
One upgrade to my design would include a safety fence around the glass house. The park is a family oriented environment where children will be present. Safety is my #1 concern.
I started a research page to make communicating with you on the message board more efficient.  
The installation I wish to create is called Tornado Sky: Sunrise. Please use this link to learn more about the project and research into Tesla coils I have already done:
http://tornadoskyresearch.blogspot.com/

Although I have considerable knowledge of electrical safety with the work I do, this will be my first association with high voltage and electronics.
The foremost questions on my mind are as follows;
• Do you feel this concept is possible?
• How much would it cost for the 2 Tesla coils:
A — To buy them ready to install, or...
B — To build them?
• If I were to familiarize myself by building a small Tesla coil over the next couple of months, would it be reasonable to believe I could build them myself by next summer?
• I have read the Tesla coil safety info online. Is there a formal training coarse available for high voltage safety certification?

Thank you in advance for your consideration in this matter. Your assistance will be an invaluable resource to me in generating a budget and project proposal. 
The submission deadline is February 13 2010.
Best regards, 
Mary Jane




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