Classes

Gather, color, shape, and blow a bubble of hot glass into a pumpkin and then add a curly glass stem. Create a stunning piece of art glass that you’ll proudly display all year long, not just in autumn!

Design and create your own plate that will adorn your Seder table for many years to come. Learn to work with sheet glass and variety of colorerd frits and stringers to create your own unique design. 

Make a stained glass garden stake to add style to any indoor potted plants or add a burst of creative beauty to your outdoor garden. Learn how to cut and shape glass into pretty petals then adhere them into the perfect flower with solder. 

Didn’t finish your bottle of wine? Use your own elegant, flameworked bottle stopper! Learn how to control, manipulate, and add color to a rod of glass while shaping your own unique stopper. Use this creative piece while entertaining and impress your friends! It also makes a lovely gift.

Fascinated by the intricacies of colorful glass beads and glass jewelry? In this introduction to the flame shop, learn the basic skills of heating glass, applying it to a mandrel, and shaping it with tools. Plus, learn important decorative techniques, such as dots and trails. You’ll make several different kinds of beads that you can take home!

Create a small, blown, double-walled bowl that can be functional—useful for serving small snacks, storing earrings, or holding spare change—or just for display.

This year put a little twist in your holiday ornament! These ornaments will stand out not only in color and uniqueness but also with a texture applied with the use of a steel mold. Great for anyone with an ornament collection or for those just beginning. (is this the correct description?)

Sculpt your own own colorful glass flower to display inside or out. Work with molten glass, frit (colored glass granules), and a variety of tools to color and shape a spectacular floral work of art.

Create a 8" x 8" glass charcuterie board ready to serve your favorite crackers and cheese. Learn the basics of fusing, how to cut sheet glass, and add color and design with frit and stringers to decorate and make a unique board you'll want to use for year to come. Charcuterie not included. 

Learn how to melt and manipulate a solid glass rod into a molten ball while adding bits of colored glass called frit.  Swirl your chosen colors throughout the clear glass as you shape and manipulate material into a beauiful floral glass magnet!  

Learn how to gather molten glass from a 2,100°F furnace, add color, then sculpt it into a solid glass heart-- a perfect gift for a loved one on a special occasion or to display all year round. 

Learn how to turn a piece of traditional window glass into a unique and decorative work of art. With the helpf of an expert artist, you'll learn how to use our specialty equipment in the Coldshop to etch glass with the sandblaster, engrave glass with the lathes and drill holes in glass with a dremel. This workshop is a great opportunity to try out the equipment and create a one-of-a-kind glass suncatcher. 

Have some fun while learning all the steps of the stained glass process. You will choose from pre-determined patterns to create a decorative suncatcher or ornament that fits with the season. No experience is necessary but even those that have taken a stained glass class in the past will enjoy these seasonal creations for years to come.

If you have always wanted to try glassblowing, this one-day workshop is for you. It provides a full day of hands-on time to learn how to gather, shape, and manipulate molten glass. Start with the basic paperweight and progress from there. While creating a variety of amazing objects, gain an entirely new and exciting skill set! Hot glass is addictive. Once you’ve started working in the hot shop, you may not want to leave!

Make your own blown glass ornament to hang on the tree or give as a special holiday gift! Under the guidance of a hot shop instructor, you will be able to select and add color to a hot glass bubble to create a unique glass ornament. You may wish to sign up with family members or a group of friends. Start a new tradition by creating your own holiday memory in glass.

Make one-of-a-kind garden stakes to adorn indoor potted plants or add a burst of creative beauty to your outdoor garden. Create birds, cats, flowers, fruits and veggies, or just have fun with color and pattern while learning to cut sheet glass and incorporate frit (colored glass granules) and stringers (thin, colored glass rods). 

Create your own custom house number plaque or name plate while learning the art of fused glass mosaics. Learn how to cut colored sheet glass and glue individual pieces together to create a solid, fused glass panel you will be proud to display on your house.

Upcycle glass bottles and jars to turn them into functional drinking glasses, vases, or candle holders. Bring 2–4 bottles or jars and then cut, grind, polish, sandblast, or engrave them into decorative and useful items for your home. (Please remove any paper labels from your glass before coming to class.)

Start building a forest of winter pine trees in this hot sculpting workshop. Gather, shape and add color to create your own festive tree.

Create a new and lovely habitat for your air plants! Gather glass, add color, and then blow, shape, and manipulate a glass bubble into an elegant terrarium. Air plants not included.

Make a fun and unique solid glass mushroom to to display inside or outside! Learn to gather glass, add color, then sculpt the material into a one of a kind fungi!  

Bring the crystalline beauty of icicles inside your home! First, learn to use the torch to melt Borosilicate rods. Then twist and pull this softened glass to create your own one-of-a-kind flamecicles. Hang them in a window to catch the light, on a tree to create a festive atmosphere, or give them as a beautiful gift.

Choose from a variety of transparent glass colors and coldworking techniques to transform a piece of flat glass into a fabulous pair of earrings or a pendant. You will learn how to grind, sandblast, carve, etch, and dremel your way to a stunning piece of wearable art.

Cut and combine brilliantly colored pieces of sheet glass, glass granules and thin glass strands to create luminous suncatchers. Once you design it, we’ll fire it, so that all pieces become one. 

Have a sweet tooth? Hop on a torch and creat your own glass jaw breakers! Learn to sculpt small molten balls of glass into colorful hard candies like licorice twists, jolly ranchers, fire balls, and more!  Want to make your own dish to display your awesome candies? Check out our avaialble workshops in the Kiln Studio. 

Interested in trying stained glass? Learn the basics as you create a charming and unique glass dragonlfly. Learn how to cut and shape glass into beautiful wings and work with traditional stained glass lead came and solder to adhere and complete your piece. 

Stir things up with handmade swizzle sticks! Impress your friends and family by explaining how you melted glass rods to create the elegant swizzle stick that garnishes their iced tea or cocktail. A variety of available colors will allow you to design a swanky set of four.

Cut glass sheets into smaller geometric shapes and use these pieces, along with frit (colored glass granules) and stringers (thin, colored glass rods), to design a spectacular pattern. After the initial full fuse, we will fire your tile a second time, slumping it into a form and turning it into a functional dish.

Explore the ancient and intricate art of glass mosaics in this 4-week class. Using pieces of sheet glass on a wooden backing, you will design a pattern or image that will develop into a stunning wall piece.

In the process, learn the basics of mosaic design, glass cutting, and grouting.

Harness the structural power of glass and solder to create a hanging or table top stained glass terrarium to house your small to medium sizedd house plants.

Students will choose from a number of terrarium patterns and learn stained glass techniques such as cutting glass, copper foiling, and soldering, we will also cover how to reinforce a 3D construction so it can hold the weight and last for years.

Explore glassblowing in just 4 weeks! Learn to gather molten glass from the furnace, and then sculpt it into various forms, from paperweights to simple blown shapes, like clear cups and bowls.

Focus will be placed on the team approach to glassblowing and will emphasize safety, proper tool use, basic techniques, and materials.

This class is appropriate whether you have limited hot shop experience or none at all. You will experience the same number of contact hours as students attending the once-a-week, 8-week classes, but in a condensed, 4-week format.

Learn to work with Borosilicate (hard) glass over the torch. Borosilicate is very resistant to shock which makes it perfectly suited to scientific applications. It's also appropriate for countless artistic projects. Explore the creation of Borosilicate beads, marbles, and pendants while learning new methods for applying color to your glass objects.

Sculpt a perfect expression of love in this one-of-a-kind heart pendant workshop. Learn how to operate a torch, melt a rod of Borosilicate glass, and manipulate it with tools into a wearable pendant for yourself or a loved one.

Join us for an opportunity to learn more about PGC’s many educational programs, artist residency opportunities, interactive tours, and hands-on activities. Educator Open Houses are not only for teachers. Principals, administrators, and PTA/PTO representatives are also welcome! The event includes a tour of the PGC facilities as well as glassblowing demonstrations. Make your own fused glass tile and earn an hour of Act 48 credit. 

Explore glassblowing in just 4 weeks! Learn to gather molten glass from the furnace, and then sculpt it into various forms, from paperweights to simple blown shapes, like clear cups and bowls.

Focus will be placed on the team approach to glassblowing and will emphasize safety, proper tool use, basic techniques, and materials.

This class is appropriate whether you have limited hot shop experience or none at all. You will experience the same number of contact hours as students attending the once-a-week, 8-week classes, but in a condensed, 4-week format.

Learn to create depth using layers of sheet glass, colorful glass powders and enamels.  In this class students will explore the art of creating imagery and pattern and push their knowledge beyond a two-layer fuse. Students will learn line drawing and mark making techniques while exploring different textural effects. The knowledge learned in this class will be relevant to both kiln formers and stained-glass enthusiasts. Have an idea for a stained-glass panel that incorporates enamel details, take this class and register for our 8-week Stained Glass Open Projects in the Spring.

Introduce yourself to the world of glass sculpting in the cold studio. Learn how to operate all of the equipment to cut, grind, drill, engrave, sandblast, and polish glass in this entirely “cold” process. Learn techniques to strategize the best optical placement of cuts and gain experience using special adhesives to chemically bond glass segments together. Create your unique works of glass art with interesting surface textures and shapes.  Leave with a foundational knowledge of coldworking techniques and understanding of the lamination process.

Join us for a private Make-It-Now evening of glass. This unique date-night experience allows each couple to work together to make a sculpted glass heart paperweight. Because it takes teamwork to sculpt a beautiful glass heart paperweight this is definitely a compatibility test! Glassblowing and flameworking demonstrations will take place throughout the night. 

$95 per couple

In this workshop, an instructor will help you gather molten glass, color it with frit (colored glass granules), and blow a beautiful glass ball that you can hang in your garden or float on a pond or birdbath.

Personalize your own beer mug, wine goblet, or drinking glass using sandblasting, glass carving, etching, polishing, and dremeling techniques. We will provide you with two glasses.

SiO2 Mixed and Mashed Up is a hands-on, after-school program specifically for students in grades 6–8. Classes meet after school once a week for 12 weeks. Spend four weeks in three different studios at PGC learning glassblowing, flameworking, and kilnforming. In the hot shop, learn the basics of gathering, blowing, and tool handling. In the flame shop, use heat and gravity to shape molten glass at a stationary bench torch. In the kiln shop, explore the world of kilnforming, including casting, fusing, and the creation of imagery using frit and powder. You can take this class more than once until you are able to jump into our high school classes. 

Ages 11-15

This 12-week, intermediate-level class will build on the fundamentals taught in the beginner class and elaborate on more difficult blown shapes as well as teach new color application methods. If you have already taken the intermediate course, start working with hot glass in ways that go beyond creating vessels. You will also explore a variety of techniques to achieve different shapes and surface textures. Grades 9–12.  SIO2 Glassblowing or equivalent 24 hours previous experience required.

Continue where you left off in Beginning Flameworking. In this 12-week class, fine-tune your skills. The focus will be on color application, sculptures, independent projects, and an introduction to tubing. Use your newly developed skill set to push creative boundaries! Grades 9–12.  SIO2 Flameworking or equivalent 24 hours previous experience required.

Register early for one of PGC’s "hottest" events: Make-It-Now Glass Flower!

With assistance from expert glass artists, sculpt your own colorful glass flower in the hot shop. Other hands-on activites that day include crafting a personalized glass valentine in the kiln shop; or making a heart-shaped pendant for someone you love in the flame shop. All ages are welcome. $30/pendants or valentines, $45/glass flower.

Register early for one of PGC’s "hottest" events: Make-It-Now Heart Pendant!

With assistance from expert glass artists, create a colorful heart pendant at the torch. Other hands-on activities that day include sculpting a glass flower in the hot shop in the hot shop and crafting a personalized glass valentine in the kiln shop. All ages are welcome. 

$30/pendants or fused valentines, $45/glass flower.

Register early for one of PGC’s "hottest" events: Make-It-Now Fused Valentines!

With assistance from expert glass artists, craft a colorful, personalized glass valentine in the kiln shop. Other hands-on activities that day include sculpting a 3D glass flower in the hot shop and making a heart-shaped pendant in the flame shop.

$30/fused valentines and pendants, $45/glass flower

Can’t decide which studio is right for you? Spend a day at PGC working with all things hot! At high temperatures, glass can be manipulated in many ways. You’ll learn three different glassmaking techniques: glassblowing at a 2,200°F furnace, flameworking at the torch, and fusing in the kiln. No experience necessary! Grades 6–12 (ages 12 to 18)

Scholarship Application Deadline: 1/30/22.  APPLY ONLINE

Fused Glass Platter Using colorful flat sheet glass, colored glass granules, and thin glass rods, learn to cut and assemble glass while it is cold. Then fuse your design in the kiln to create your own design! Sizes vary from a 7" x 12", 10" x 10", 8" x 8", and 9" round.

Fast Track Flameworking is a great introduction to the flame shop and working on a torch while creating functional little treasures.  Learn to melt and manipulate Borosilicate (hard or silica and boric oxide glass) while learning the basics of heat, control and safety of molten glass. In the afternoon, the instructor will demonstrate  three different items that can include small sculptures, pendants, marbles, swizzle sticks or wine stoppers.   

Make your own colorful marbles. Create colorful marbles using glass rods and learn basic flameworking techniques. Use graphite molds to shape the glass and ensure symmetry. Explore decorative techniques including twisties, dots, and trails. 

In this 10-week program, focus on skill-building and understanding hot glass. This is a great course if you have taken a PGC workshop or are just beginning your exploration of hot glass. First, instructors teach the basic skills of gathering, blowing, and tool handling. Next, focus on making functional vessels. After that, move into the sculptural world and begin creating larger vessels and learning a variety of decorative bit-work techniques. From there, follow your imagination! A series of group projects will occur throughout the 10 weeks.

Grades 9–12. (Ages 14 - 18)

In this 10-week class, learn how to use the torch, the heat it generates, and gravity to shape molten glass. After a discussion of studio set-up, tools, and safety, demonstrations will alternate with working time. Learn about Borosilicate, a hard glass with a high melting point that can be used to make small sculptures, jewelry and more. Finally, focus on the process most appealing to you.

Grades 9–12. (Ages 14 - 18)

Have you ever wanted to duplicate an object in glass or create a glass replica of your own hand? Learn several casting techniques in this 10-week class. Using clay and wax, shape your own positives, such as a tile or small 3D object, and then learn to construct a mold around this positive. These molds will hold glass that will melt in the kiln and become a positive shape, creating a glass duplicate of your chosen object. You will also explore the processes of fusing and slumping. Learn how to cut pieces of flat glass and arrange them into patterns and forms to create your own suncatchers and platters! Finally, spend time in the cold shop and learn about the equipment as you finish your work.

Grades 9–12 (Ages 14 - 18)

In two nights, make your own distinctive goblet. On the first night, work in the hot shop, where instructors will help you gather, color, and shape molten glass into your goblet’s foot and stem. On the second night, etch and sandblast a pre-made top in a way that makes your vessel truly unique. Finally, cut, glue, and assemble your pieces so they become an amazing and functional work of art.

Join us for a private Make-It-Now evening of glass. This unique date-night experience allows each couple to work together to make a sculpted glass flower. Because it takes teamwork to create a beautiful glass flower this is definitely a compatibility test! Glassblowing and flameworking demonstrations will take place throughout the night. 

$95 per couple

Learn to blow glass now.

In this introductory class, learn to gather clear molten glass from the furnace and shape it into various forms, from paperweights to simple blown shapes, such as cups and bowls. 

Instruction focuses on a team approach to glassblowing, with an emphasis on safety, proper tool use, basic techniques, and materials. You’ll never drink from a glass again without appreciating the energy and detail that went into making it! No experience is required.

You may also wish to take this class a second time in order to continue to develop and refine basic skills before moving on to Hot Glass 2. Each time you take it, your skill level, confidence, and passion for glass will grow.

Class tuition includes 1 hour of open-studio time to be used during the 8-week course period. This will help you become familiar with the studio and learn the process of studio rental beyond class hours.

Enroll in Hot 2 and build on your existing skill set and expand your creative potential. Refine and diverge from the standard cup and bowl shape in the first few weeks before moving on to more complex forms. Explore basic color application methods and learn how to troubleshoot common problems.

It is recommended that all students take this class a second time in order to continue to develop and refine basic skills before moving on to Advanced Hot Glass.

Class tuition includes 1 hour of open-studio time per student to be used during the 8-week course period. This will help you become familiar with the studio itself and learn the process of studio rental beyond class hours. Hot I, 24 hours of hot shop experience, or instructor permission is required.

This specialized technique allows you to easily make complex pieces that would be impossible by any other means simply by bending and welding small diameter rods together.

Design and engineering concepts will be used to build the frameworks for the pieces. You will focus on 1-3 projects over the course of 8 weeks. This is a very tedious technique, but don’t let that scare you. This class will be pure fun. Bring a sketchbook!

Class tuition includes 2 hours of open-studio time to be used during the 8-week course period. This will help you become familiar with the studio itself and learn the process of studio rental beyond class hours.

Explore the possibilities of colorful stained glass.

In this introductory course, you will learn the basics for working with flat glass such as cutting, grinding, foiling, and soldering. Explore the famous Tiffany method of construction and work with provided patterns to create a finished stained glass panel ready for display!

This class is designed for beginners. This class must be taken before Intermediate and Advanced Stained Glass.

Find inspiration from famous American architect Frank Lloyd Wright's evocative stained glass windows. Students will study and apply the same design principles to create and build an original leaded stained glass work in the style of Wright's prairie windows. This class focuses on the process of lead came, a technique necessary to create windows that will withstand outdoor elements. An understanding of this technique will create the foundation for creating larger stained glass windows that can be permantly installed.

Final panel size will be limited to 11'' by 17''. Projects are designed to completed within the class time allotted. Any additional studio time required can be purchased as studio rental time. Introduction to Stained Glass or 24 hours of stained glass experience is required. Class tuition includes 1 session of open-studio time to be used during the 8-week course. This will help you become familiar with the studio itself and learn the process of studio rental beyond class hours.

Curious about the kiln shop? In Kiln 1, you will gain a broad understanding of the vast possibilities of kilnformed glass exploring both fusing and casting techniques.

You will learn how to cut sheet glass and work with a variety of other materials to melt and shape your designs creating an array of functional and decorative pieces.

Then get a bit more dimensional with an introduction to cast glass. Using a found object you will learn how to reproduce the object in glass.

You will also gain an understanding of kiln programming and the properties of glass. No experience necessary.

Open up the possibilities of sculpting with glass! Learn to create mixed media sculptures by laminating glass to found objects using an archival epoxy. You will develop essential technical skills in the cold shop like cutting, grinding, and polishing and will also experiment with new ways of creating sculptures.

Learn to blow glass now.

In this introductory class, learn to gather clear molten glass from the furnace and shape it into various forms, from paperweights to simple blown shapes, such as cups and bowls. 

Instruction focuses on a team approach to glassblowing, with an emphasis on safety, proper tool use, basic techniques, and materials. You’ll never drink from a glass again without appreciating the energy and detail that went into making it! No experience is required.

You may also wish to take this class a second time in order to continue to develop and refine basic skills before moving on to Hot Glass 2. Each time you take it, your skill level, confidence, and passion for glass will grow.

Class tuition includes 1 hour of open-studio time to be used during the 8-week course period. This will help you become familiar with the studio and learn the process of studio rental beyond class hours.

Learn to blow glass now.

In this introductory class, learn to gather clear molten glass from the furnace and shape it into various forms, from paperweights to simple blown shapes, such as cups and bowls. 

Instruction focuses on a team approach to glassblowing, with an emphasis on safety, proper tool use, basic techniques, and materials. You’ll never drink from a glass again without appreciating the energy and detail that went into making it! No experience is required.

You may also wish to take this class a second time in order to continue to develop and refine basic skills before moving on to Hot Glass 2. Each time you take it, your skill level, confidence, and passion for glass will grow.

Class tuition includes 1 hour of open-studio time to be used during the 8-week course period. This will help you become familiar with the studio and learn the process of studio rental beyond class hours.

Learn flame shop essentials and a variety of creative techniques while working with Borosilicate (hard) glass. Begin with a solid rod of glass and melt it into a molten ball that can be manipulated into little treasures, such as beads, pendants, marbles, chains, and sculptures. Over the course of 8 weeks, learn color application, hand control, and annealing. The instructor will also provide one-on-one troubleshooting.

Class tuition includes 2 hours of open-studio time to be used during the 8-week course period. This will help you become familiar with the studio itself and learn the process of studio rental beyond class hours.

After learning the basics of stained glass construction in the introductory and/or intermediate stained glass courses, continue to develop your skills in open projects with guidance from an instructor.  This course encourages you to explore the art of stained glass, practice your skills, and challenges you to create and design more complicated patterns. Class projects will be limited to no larger than 16”x18”. You may be required to purchase additional materials if the studio glass selection does not meet your specific needs.

This course is a great follow up to “How to Design Stained Glass”. You can implement the skills they learned and create a project from the patterns created. 

Class tuition includes 1 session of open-studio time per student to be used during the 8-week course period if needed to complete your project. This will help you become familiar with the studio itself and learn the process of studio rental beyond class hours. Projects are designed to be completed within the class time allotted; therefore, any studio time outside of class will need to be paid for as a studio rental. 

Learn to blow glass now.

In this introductory class, learn to gather clear molten glass from the furnace and shape it into various forms, from paperweights to simple blown shapes, such as cups and bowls. 

Instruction focuses on a team approach to glassblowing, with an emphasis on safety, proper tool use, basic techniques, and materials. You’ll never drink from a glass again without appreciating the energy and detail that went into making it! No experience is required.

You may also wish to take this class a second time in order to continue to develop and refine basic skills before moving on to Hot Glass 2. Each time you take it, your skill level, confidence, and passion for glass will grow.

Class tuition includes 1 hour of open-studio time to be used during the 8-week course period. This will help you become familiar with the studio and learn the process of studio rental beyond class hours.

Enroll in Hot 2 and build on your existing skill set and expand your creative potential. Refine and diverge from the standard cup and bowl shape in the first few weeks before moving on to more complex forms.Explore basic color application methods and learn how to troubleshoot common problems.

It is recommended that all students take this class a second time in order to continue to develop and refine basic skills before moving on to Advanced Hot Glass.

Class tuition includes 1 hour of open-studio time per student to be used during the 8-week course period. This will help you become familiar with the studio itself and learn the process of studio rental beyond class hours. Hot I, 24 hours of hot shop experience, or instructor permission is required.

Learn flame shop essentials and a variety of creative techniques while working with Borosilicate (hard) glass. Begin with a solid rod of glass and melt it into a molten ball that can be manipulated into little treasures, such as beads, pendants, marbles, chains, and sculptures. Over the course of 8 weeks, learn color application, hand control, and annealing. The instructor will also provide one-on-one troubleshooting.

Class tuition includes 2 hours of open-studio time to be used during the 8-week course period. This will help you become familiar with the studio itself and learn the process of studio rental beyond class hours.

Learn to blow glass now.

In this introductory class, learn to gather clear molten glass from the furnace and shape it into various forms, from paperweights to simple blown shapes, such as cups and bowls. 

Instruction focuses on a team approach to glassblowing, with an emphasis on safety, proper tool use, basic techniques, and materials. You’ll never drink from a glass again without appreciating the energy and detail that went into making it! No experience is required.

You may also wish to take this class a second time in order to continue to develop and refine basic skills before moving on to Hot Glass 2. Each time you take it, your skill level, confidence, and passion for glass will grow.

Class tuition includes 1 hour of open-studio time to be used during the 8-week course period. This will help you become familiar with the studio and learn the process of studio rental beyond class hours.

Add to your fusing repertoire and expand your kiln knowledge in this intermediate level course focusing on patterns. Learn a variety of pattern bar techniques and how to incorporate these designs and techniques into fused platters or decorative wall hangings. Build upon your understanding of kiln programming, kiln theory, and glass properties to learn how glass changes form and reacts to different temperatures that will enhance your artistry.

Introduction to Fusing and Slumping or 24 hours of fusing experience with permission of the instructor is required.

Class tuition includes 1 session of open-studio time per student to be used during the 8-week course period. This will help you become familiar with the studio itself and learn the process of studio rental beyond class hours.

NEW! With spring just around the corner, it's time to start preparing your garden! In this introductory class, you will create your own custom three-dimensional stained glass garden trellis. This project can be accomplished by a focused beginner and is also a great class for those with stained glass experience. Choose from a selection of flowers, birds, and butterflies to adorn your layered trellis. Projects are sure to add sparkle to any garden or home.

Learn to blow glass now.

In this introductory class, learn to gather clear molten glass from the furnace and shape it into various forms, from paperweights to simple blown shapes, such as cups and bowls. 

Instruction focuses on a team approach to glassblowing, with an emphasis on safety, proper tool use, basic techniques, and materials. You’ll never drink from a glass again without appreciating the energy and detail that went into making it! No experience is required.

You may also wish to take this class a second time in order to continue to develop and refine basic skills before moving on to Hot Glass 2. Each time you take it, your skill level, confidence, and passion for glass will grow.

Class tuition includes 1 hour of open-studio time to be used during the 8-week course period. This will help you become familiar with the studio and learn the process of studio rental beyond class hours.

Spark your appetite for fusing by cooking up some food-themed creations. You will start with the basics of glass fusing to make functional dishes that can be used at any meal. 

Then we will explore the use of sheet glass, frit and stringers to dream up fun foodie creations. Working with progressively more challenging techniques we will produce tasty concoctions such as cupcakes, veggies, bacon and eggs, with some room in the schedule for your own recipe. Your foodie creations can be decorative plates, garden adornments or wall art. 

What if you could create beautiful glass art AND save materials from going to the landfill? Spoiler alert... YOU CAN! That’s just what we’ll do in this 8-week intensive class. During this course, we’ll focus exclusively on creating one-of-a-kind glass vessels from the remnant glass left from previous courses at Pittsburgh Glass Center. We’ll work with the material in the manner of Wabi-Sabi, allowing slight imperfections to remain and be beautiful while discussing fundamentals of kilnformed glass such as heat work, compatibility, and annealing. All you need to bring is your imagination and creative spirit! 

This introductory Borosilicate (hard glass) class will cover the basic skills needed to build a solid foundation as a flameworker.  Safety, effective tool use, molten glass control and manipulation, and proper seal formation will be the focus. Begin with a solid rod of glass and walk away with solid glass miniature sculptures. From turtles and fish to birds and trees, create a menagerie of imaginative glass figures. Bring your sketchpad to plan your ideas! 

Class tuition includes 2 hours of open-studio time to be used during the 8-week course period. This will help you become familiar with the studio itself and learn the process of studio rental beyond class hours. 

Learn to blow glass now.

In this introductory class, learn to gather clear molten glass from the furnace and shape it into various forms, from paperweights to simple blown shapes, such as cups and bowls. 

Instruction focuses on a team approach to glassblowing, with an emphasis on safety, proper tool use, basic techniques, and materials. You’ll never drink from a glass again without appreciating the energy and detail that went into making it! No experience is required.

You may also wish to take this class a second time in order to continue to develop and refine basic skills before moving on to Hot Glass 2. Each time you take it, your skill level, confidence, and passion for glass will grow.

Class tuition includes 1 hour of open-studio time to be used during the 8-week course period. This will help you become familiar with the studio and learn the process of studio rental beyond class hours.

Enroll in Hot 2 and build on your existing skill set and expand your creative potential. Refine and diverge from the standard cup and bowl shape in the first few weeks before moving on to more complex forms. Explore basic color application methods and learn how to troubleshoot common problems.

It is recommended that all students take this class a second time in order to continue to develop and refine basic skills before moving on to Advanced Hot Glass.  

Class tuition includes 1 hour of open-studio time per student to be used during the 8-week course period. This will help you become familiar with the studio itself and learn the process of studio rental beyond class hours. Hot I, 24 hours of hot shop experience, or instructor permission is required.

Learn flame shop essentials and a variety of creative techniques while working with Borosilicate (hard) glass. Begin with a solid rod of glass and melt it into a molten ball that can be manipulated into little treasures, such as beads, pendants, marbles, chains, and sculptures. Over the course of 8 weeks, learn color application, hand control, and annealing. The instructor will also provide one-on-one troubleshooting.

Class tuition includes 2 hours of open-studio time to be used during the 8-week course period. This will help you become familiar with the studio itself and learn the process of studio rental beyond class hours.

Learn the art of glass beadmaking and make an array of colorful beads for necklaces, drop earrings, bracelets, or for a unique art display. Over the course of the 8 weeks, you’ll learn the basic skills of heating colorful rods of glass with a torch and how to use gravity and tools to form and mold it into unique beautiful beads. Once you’re practiced at creating forms, learn how to add decorative color and designs with dots, frit, and trails, to create intricate designs. Suitable for all levels: experienced beadmakers will focus on more advanced decorative techniques. Class tuition includes 2 hours of open-studio time to be used during the 8-week course period.

Immerse yourself in the ancient and intricate art of glass mosaic making. Throughout this course, you will learn the basics of mosaic making techniques including glass cutting, layout, design, and grouting. Arrange small pieces of sheet glass to create an image, pattern, or abstract design on a wooden or glass backing to create a stunning wall or window piece.

Class tuition includes 1 session of open-studio time per student to be used during the 8-week course period if needed to complete your project. This will help you become familiar with the studio itself and learn the process of studio rental beyond class hours. Projects are designed to be completed within the class time allotted; therefore, any studio time outside of class will need to be paid for as a studio rental.

Explore the possibilities of colorful stained glass.

In this introductory course, you will learn the basics for working with flat glass such as cutting, grinding, foiling, and soldering. Explore the famous Tiffany method of construction and work with provided patterns to create a finished stained glass panel ready for display!

This class is designed for beginners. This class must be taken before Intermediate and Advanced Stained Glass.

Learn to blow glass now.

In this introductory class, learn to gather clear molten glass from the furnace and shape it into various forms, from paperweights to simple blown shapes, such as cups and bowls. 

Instruction focuses on a team approach to glassblowing, with an emphasis on safety, proper tool use, basic techniques, and materials. You’ll never drink from a glass again without appreciating the energy and detail that went into making it! No experience is required.

You may also wish to take this class a second time in order to continue to develop and refine basic skills before moving on to Hot Glass 2. Each time you take it, your skill level, confidence, and passion for glass will grow.

Class tuition includes 1 hour of open-studio time to be used during the 8-week course period. This will help you become familiar with the studio and learn the process of studio rental beyond class hours.

Pittsburgh is synonymous with Andy Warhol who brought screen printing to the forefront of the art world. Whether or not you have a background in screen printing or glass this class will inspire you to create.

You will learn a variety of techniques that can be used separately or together to incorporate imagery into glass such as: painting with enamels, sandblasting, uv resisting, drawing and shading with glass powders, and screen printing with both glass enamels and glass powders. The course covers how to burn your own images onto a screen and explore making multiple prints and layering designs with unique photos and patterns. This class is great for beginners and for students with kilnforming and imagery experience and is great for all glass artists. Glass blowers welcome! 

Learn flame shop essentials and a variety of creative techniques while working with Borosilicate (hard) glass. Begin with a solid rod of glass and melt it into a molten ball that can be manipulated into little treasures, such as beads, pendants, marbles, chains, and sculptures. Over the course of 8 weeks, learn color application, hand control, and annealing. The instructor will also provide one-on-one troubleshooting.

Class tuition includes 2 hours of open-studio time to be used during the 8-week course period. This will help you become familiar with the studio itself and learn the process of studio rental beyond class hours.

Create an Easter egg paperweight that will look gorgeous on either a desk or in a basket! In this workshop, gather molten glass, add frit (colored glass granules), and work with an instructor to shape a distinctive piece of art glass you will want to display all year round.

In this class, you will learn how to turn flat sheet glass into formed blown objects. We will start in the kiln shop with fusible sheet glass, and create a fused glass panel. Several panels will be made, some just as tests or samples, and some designed by you. Design considerations will be discussed on the stack up of the layers used to create the sheets and for how to accommodate the seam.

Kiln loading and firing schedules will be discussed. You will learn simple cold working techniques to prepare the pieces to be ready to “roll up” into a blown shape, sanding the edges and beveling them where the two sides will meet to form a seam.

We will then progress to the hot shop, and form that panel into a simple blown object – a cup cylinder, sphere, or simple shape. More experienced students may be able to create other forms with their pieces if desired.

The goal of this class is the blend both the kilnforming and hot glassblowing forms of glass art. The ideal student will have some experience in one or the other of the two studios, but this is not entirely necessary.  

This class is perfect for novice to intermediate glass artists looking to enhance their glass kiln-casting practice, or non-glass artists wanting to incorporate glass into their portfolio. Explore the transformation of found objects, photography, ceramics, and other sculptures into glass art. First, we will explore the basics of glass mold making, making sure the students understand the process and ideas behind creating a strong, yet breathable mold for the glass to flow and take shape!

Next, we’ll start from scratch with an idea and build it up into wax then a mold and finally, a glass object. Throughout the class and each other’s projects, we will learn how to manipulate wax, pour rubber molds of found objects, and explore various mold making techniques needed to create interesting forms and capture the intricate details of your ideas. 

Come to class with a project or an object or two in mind and work with your instructor to determine how to go about casting it in glass. Due to the nature of glass, this size of objects will be kept smaller, but you will leave with objects to add to your portfolio and gain the knowledge to continue future glass casting explorations.

Fused Glass Platter Using colorful flat sheet glass, colored glass granules, and thin glass rods, learn to cut and assemble glass while it is cold. Then fuse your design in the kiln to create your own design! Sizes vary from a 7" x 12", 10" x 10", 8" x 8", and 9" round.

Register early for one of PGC’s "hottest" events: Make-It-Now 3D Glass Egg!

Celebrate spring by sculpting a luminous, 3D glass egg paperweight in the hot shop. Other hands-on activities that day include designing a 2D fused egg in the kiln shop or making a striking, wearable piece of art glass in the flame shop. All ages are welcome.

$45/paperweight, $30/fused egg or pendants. 

Register early for one of PGC’s "hottest" events: Make-It-Now Spring Pendants!

With assistance from expert glass artists, create a flower pendant at the torch. Other hands-on activities available that day include sculpting a 3D glass mushroom paperweight or designing a 2D colorful fused egg. All ages are welcome.

$30/pendants or fused eggs, $45/glass flower

Register early for one of PGC’s "hottest" events: Make-It-Now Fused Eggs!

With assistance from expert glass artists, work together to make Create a stunning, 3D glass flower in the hot shop; craft a personalized glass love letter in the kiln shop; or make a heart-shaped pendant for someone you love in the flame shop. $30/pendants or valentines, $40/glass flower.

Register early for one of PGC’s "hottest" events: Make-It-Now 3D Mushroom!  

Celebrate spring by making a 3D glass mushroom paperweight in the hot shop. Other hands-on activities that day include making a 2D fused egg in the kiln shop; or creating a wearable piece of art glass in the flame shop. All ages are welcome.

$45/mushroom, $30/ fused egg or pendants. 

Register early for one of PGC’s "hottest" events: Make-It-Now Spring Pendants!

With assistance from expert glass artists, create a flower pendant at the torch. Other hands-on activities available that day include sculpting a 3D glass mushroom paperweight or designing a 2D colorful fused egg. All ages are welcome.

$30/pendants or fused eggs, $45/glass flower

Register early for one of PGC’s "hottest" events: Make-It-Now Fused Eggs!

With assistance from expert glass artists, work together to make Create a stunning, 3D glass flower in the hot shop; craft a personalized glass love letter in the kiln shop; or make a heart-shaped pendant for someone you love in the flame shop. $30/pendants or valentines, $40/glass flower.

Whether you have never touched flat glass or have your own kiln at home, all experience levels can gain knowledge from this class. Start with tool fundamentals, glass cutting, and basic fusing rules. As the day progresses, explore a variety of techniques and materials. Discussions will cover a wide range of information about kilnforming, mold materials, kiln theory, and firing schedules. You will leave this class with many functional glass plates, bowls, and platters of your own creation, as well as a wealth of kilnforming knowledge. 

Learn about the exciting possibilities of Neon and Plasma in this two-night workshop. Guided by an expert instructor in the hot shop, create an airtight vessel out of molten glass that will be filled with glowing gases that respond to the human touch.  Instructors will help you gather, add color, and shape your globe on the first night. On the second night, watch and learn about the proper technique for filling glass vessels in the Flame Shop to create a glowing work of art.

Work at the torch to melt, control, and manipulate a solid rod of Borosilicate glass into colorful, one-of-a-kind magnets that are themselves works of art.

Learn to create Hawaiian reef vignettes out of soft and Borosilicate glass. We start with 2 days of sculpting soft glass fish with Moretti glass. It's fantastic palette allow us to mimic the Hawaiian fish colors more realistically.Then on days 3 & 4 we create flora like corals, nudibranchs, and starfish out of Borosilicate glass since they are larger and more complex.On Friday we finish assembling the vignettes and making the smaller items like starfish to complete the pieces.

Be ready to immerse yourself in all things aquatic with an emphasis on Hawaiian reefs. Deb loves teaching this series. Even if you are new to it, jumping in at class #3 is completely fine with a minimum intermediate torch skill. "Sea you there!"

This class will focus on the study of cameo glass engraving using handheld rotary tools. Exploring the history of this art form and how the technique has been shaped by modern machines and equipment, you will develop a well rounded understanding of cameo along with other forms of glass carving. With handheld rotary tools such as a ‘flex shaft’ and diamond burrs, you will use these tools along with other machines available in the cold shop to explore multiple forms of mark-making on glass.    

We will begin practicing on small sample blanks of glass to get a feel for the technique and experiment with different machines. We will also discuss what factors to consider when creating our own blanks after finishing the course. Once comfortable, we will begin exploring our own personal imagery and ways we can use the technique in our own style to create something both traditional and completely original. Glass will be provided but you are more than welcome to bring their own pieces to carve. Anything made of glass can be engraved, feel free to bring anything that sparks your curiosity.

There are many different styles in mosaic, from classical to modern/abstract, from whimsical to realistic, and more. Mary loves them all, and the artistry and creativity that mosaicists bring to their pieces. But what she is known for - and what this class is about - is achieving photorealism in mosaics. That is, starting with a photo, and rendering it with sufficient fidelity such that it is the closest representation to the original image that it can be. 

We will focus on the importance of (and techniques for) rendering light and shadow in a mosaic. In so many artistic mediums such as painting, photography, sculpture, and more, the difference between a really good piece and a less-successful one is how the light is treated and how it's translated into the composition. 

We will also explore the role of color in mosaics, and why photorealism hinges on using the entire range of hues, tones, and values. Choice of tesserae size is critical too. We'll practice different cutting techniques to achieve depth of field as well as textural variety.  

You will work from your own photos (pre-approval required). While a wide selection of glass will be available you may not find everything you need in house so you are strongly encouraged to bring your own glass supplies to the class to complete your pieces.

We will work the “direct method,” gluing stained glass directly on to a substrate. Not everyone will finish their piece during the class, depending on your speed and precision, but everyone will leave with a strategy for doing so. This is NOT a class for absolute beginners. You should have a moderate amount experience in creating mosaics and at least basic glass cutting skills.

This one week intensive will cater to various levels of glassblowing and explore both hot glass fundamentals and advanced techniques of glassblowing and hot glass sculpting.  Beginning to advanced students will explore various vessel forms along with how to use tools and torches to manipulate hot glass into sculpted forms.  The class will include demonstrations followed by plenty of work time for you to persevere and conquer your own designs. 

You will learn an unusual style of off-hand flameworking. Working off the end of a blowpipe, learn to build a bubble by coiling successive layers of clear Borosilicate glass and apply colored cane to the surface to create a pattern. Then shape a vessel and a matching stopper or sculptural element.

Suellen Fowler is known for hand mixing her own colored rod from oxide formulas that she has developed over her 50-year career, including the original formula for amber purple. You will have the opportunity to hand mix your own color and learn basic formulas and oxides. You will learn how to hand mix colored rod over the torch, receive basic oxide formulas, and learn a little history about the origins of the Borosilicate color industry.

You will also learn to make solid sculptures in a naturalistic vein, and how to use colored cane to create details for birds, animals and fantasy creatures like dragons. 

In this class we will discover and understand together the possibilities and opportunities that glass engraving and coldworking can give us.

Matteo has been fortunate to work with many artists and designers, and every time it has been a big challenge, but it helped him grow. For this reason he wants to share over 20 years of his experience to let you understand how much you can get from these lessor-known techniques.

Often when someone talks about glass we think immediately about glassblowing and flameworking, but there are also other important and fascinating techniques that can be used to create glass artwork.

During the class matteo will share his passion and love for glass engraving and coldworking.

Together we'll discover the equipment and how to best use it. He'll share lots of ideas. Step-by-step, you will work together and create something unexpected!

Fun will be your travel companion!

Explore the limitless world of kilnforming with recycled glass! In this experimental class, you will be introduced to the technical, visual, and conceptual possibilities offered by recycled and repurposed glass in the kiln. Guided by demonstrations and technical lectures, we will complete a fast-paced series of experimental kiln tests utilizing various types of found and collected glass. Make the most of recycled materials through combining coldworking, stacking, gluing, painting, melting, slumping, and distorting.  

Along with an impressive variety of glass scrap sourced from the Pittsburgh Glass Center and beyond, you are encouraged to bring any found or collected glass that you would like to research during the class. This class is designed for any artists (with or without glass experience) who would like to take chances and reduce waste in their studio.

Our practices and what we make line the history books and take in aspects of the Studio Glass movement. We look forward to refining your glassmaking prowess not just as a maker but also as a thinker and assistant to the material.

Utilitarian wares to sculptural objects will be made and common threads and inspirations will be drawn. We will go over a wide range of techniques from cane to wraps, handles and fades to the many various types of punties and their how's and whys.

During our brief time we will stress the small stuff from good gathers and bubble setups to explaining how to straighten and fix various forms when things don’t go as planned. Teamwork will be stressed. Simply another set of eyes can be refreshing and help insure that the object(s) you collect from the annealer were worth your time.

Janusz brings over 30 years of experience and DH brings over 20 years. They worked together in Seattle on Janusz’s own projects and assisted Dante Marioni, Lino Tagliapietra and others. These shared experiences have developed their own individual practices but most importantly they look forward to making objects together and aiding you in your pursuits during this week.

This class is focused on a specific technique called Networking, connecting rods of glass together in a tight, web-like configuration which eventually creates a hollow form with a defined silhouette.

You will learn how to build a solid foundation for construction technique by bending and welding rods together. You will use life-sized drawings or blue prints to make pieces in two- and/or three-dimensions. We will cover structural analysis, and design analysis to make sculptural pieces by working with small diameter solid rods in sculptural contexts.

Most of the time will be spent working on projects and developing designs. Design and engineering concepts will be used to build the frameworks for the pieces. This tedious networking technique can use any type of constructions from body ornaments to life size sculptures. Focusing on concept and technical skills, we will push ideas from the sketchbook onto the torch. 

In this class the main focus will be the technique. We'll start with cutting blocks of glass using a diamond saw and grinding them on various silicon carbide grits or diamond wheels. Our objective will be to bring the glass to perfect polish using pumice and cerium oxide. 

During the class we'll talk about how to extend longevity of the wheels and grits we are using during in our process. The same thing can be said about the machines we will be using. We will have access the diamond saw, flat grinders, lathes, wet belt sander, and sandblaster. 

Pavel will show several demos of color lamination using Hxtal epoxy. We will mix our epoxy with colored pigments, which will make a lamination our source of color in the final glass piece.

Pavel will also demonstrate how to make lenses using spherical wheels on a lathe machine. 

In the second half of the class we'll explore a few sandblasting techniques. 

Throughout the week Pavel will share his thought process about design and aesthetics. He encourages you to have at least a rough idea about what you would like to try to make. He'll be more than happy to help you achieve your goal.

In this class, you will learn how to design your own fabrics and brainstorm on collective fabric in relation to Covid 19 using Adobe Illustrator and Freehand. You will learn how to program the kiln and fire your own work. Topics include basic and experimental screen development techniques and printing of powders and enamels. You will also study the significance of Kente and Adinkra cloth in history. 

You are the only person that is exactly like you. Fortunately, this is the key to making unique and powerful glass art. We will begin this class by taking a deep look at what draws you to this medium. There are so many wonderful qualities in glass. Aya is curious and excited to learn about which you will choose to emphasize.

Once we’ve explored glass through experimental traditional and nontraditional processes, we will then look into ourselves once more to find something unique to share. This is your accent. Anyone can learn a form or technique. With time and practice we can improve a skill, but it is only when we strive to bring forth ourselves that we find originality. Finding and gaining confidence with your unique accent is the main outcome of this class.

A variation of demonstrations will be given to offer you ideas that will help you interact with the glass medium. You will find many faces of glass in the hot shop by exhaling, inhaling, steaming, working with centrifugal force, and then finally working as a team. Then they will find the best way to express their passion.

This class is an intense focus on sculpting the hollow form. You will learn how a simple bubble of glass can be carefully manipulated to anything you can imagine. There are no secret tricks but it’s amazing what can be achieved with only a blow hose and a few key tools. Patience, persistence and determination will also be needed as failure is inevitable. You will be encouraged to push yourself beyond your comfort zone. Fear rarely produces good results. You control the glass, not vice versa. Let’s take control and have some fun.

You will learn all the basics required for a successful sculpting experience. You will also learn how to attach handles and properly prepare a bubble. From there you will be shown all the tools and techniques necessary to achieve the final product desired. 

Explore and create 3-dimensional forms utilizing Bullseye fusible sheet glass and Susan Taylor Glasgow's unique "Sewn Glass" technique. Individual components are fused, slumped, and then combined by sewing the edges together when cold. You will learn to design and build two 3-dimensional objects during the class with Susan's proprietary techniques.

The first project will introduce you to sizing and fitting pattern pieces to create a 3-D house shape. The second project will include a more complex curved vessel and address the challenges of fitting pattern pieces to a rounded shape, as well as mold building, and firing schedules.

Glass cutting skills are necessary and an enjoyment of building and sewing stuff.

This class is designed to challenge your understanding of the medium of glass. We will start with an overview of the basic techniques used when sculpting glass, and build on that foundation. You will be encouraged to innovate, and problem solve, at the drawing board, and at the work bench.

Chris Ahalt will be teaching simultaneously in the flame shop, and we hope to explore some collaborative concepts, in the hot shop. The cross pollination of the two studios will be an added facet, and present challenges that will illustrate the importance of communication and teamwork in the hot shop. Hope to see you there!

This class will focus entirely on hollow Borosilicate sculptural forms. Through a combination of technical exercises and improvised creative projects, you will practice different techniques for sealing glass components together and adding texture with the goal of creating structurally sound hollow sculptural forms. 

Focused on contextualizing flameworking within contemporary sculpture, this class is geared toward artists crossing over from other disciplines that would like to translate their ideas into glass.

Blending traditional and unconventional flameworking techniques, you will be encouraged to explore the material and expand your artistic vocabulary by adding color, and working with improvised texture tools and temporal blow molds to discover new forms and surfaces.

The class work will include a combination of demonstrations, technical exercises designed to improve hand skills, contextual presentations, and group discussion. We may also venture into plasma filled forms.

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This sculptural class focuses on adapting the kilncasting process to meet the needs of the artist, rather than a singular technique. You will learn easy silicone molds, mother molds, using the lost wax method for the creation of multiples, and creating reusable molds so that you can create multiple relief casts with a single mold! 

This class is designed to show you a variety of mold-making approaches with an eye toward scaling up these processes for larger works and creating multiples in cast glass sculpture. Pattern making, project planning, annealing for large castings, and more will be covered through hands-on projects, demonstrations, and lectures. You will learn how to make reliable molds for kilncasting larger works, easy silicone molds, mother molds, the use of lost wax for the creation of multiples, and creating reusable molds so that you can create multiple relief casts with a single mold! 

Time will also be spent discussing cold assembly techniques, and the use of found objects to create scale and narrative in your finished works. 

Throughout the course there will be presentations of relevant work, and Steven will go over firing schedules, considerations when choosing what process to use, and final presentations of your sculptures. The class will be tailored to your needs and all experience levels will benefit from this class. Students with previous experience are encouraged to bring challenging problems they’ve faced to workshop solutions.

White is a particularly unusual color because it can be seen as the absence of color. White has the potential for unblemished purity, symbolizes calm, peace and neutrality. White can be an information free area, an empty space, a blank canvas, awaiting an imaginative impact, or a decorative execution of an idea. White provides a space where our imaginations can run free. 

In this class we will be using the color white to make experimental glass shapes as 3-dimensional canvases. Unconventional blown and solid sculpted glass objects will give us the chance to explore how storytelling can determine a canvas’ shape. Taking into consideration the chronology of a tale, the visual foreground and background of a narrative will help us to create stand alone objects or actual artifacts from the story itself.

Daily discussions and demonstrations will cover the most effective technical means to arriving at the most narrative compatible shapes possible.  

Due to the time constraints of this short class, the technical application of the actual image isn’t our main focus, even though it is the driving force behind the canvas’ 3-dimensional design. However, image layout will be covered. This class is primarily focused on working in teams in the hot shop, experimenting with unconventional approaches to creating cleaner more unique narrative inspired shapes, white overlays, white stuffed cups, white supio cups, white cane and white Murrine work, trouble shooting designs, and the assemblage of various garaged glass components. Although the demonstrations for this class will be focused on narrative driven canvas design and their individual components, you will not be restricted to designing work from a narrative. Anyone wanting to create within the theme “white” is welcome.

Come and spend the week with Margaret and learn to create nature-inspired beads, pendants, and small sculpture. We will spend the first two days at the torch, working both on and off mandrel. Content is sure to include many of the insects that Margaret creates: beetles, bees, butterflies, caterpillars, along with leaves and other foliage. Margaret will then guide you through adding additional detail and complexity using vitreous enamel.  

This class is great for beadmakers who want to cultivate skills working off-mandrel on sculptural forms. You will learn to create vibrant color and detail using both glass and vitreous enamel. Our time on the torch will also include learning versatile shapes, including cabochon shapes, findings (like clasps and bails), and several strategies for loops and bails on off-mandrel jewelry items. Our time off the torch will include plenty of time learning to use vitreous enamel, to work on individual projects, and time to explore outside the studio for inspiration!    

Bring your sketchbooks and ideas!  We will work together to translate the techniques we cover in class to work for your designs. 

This class encompasses all aspects of making a painted stained glass panel, from design and production, to mounting the work in a wooden frame, lit with LED lighting! Techniques covered including painting, pen-and-ink drawing, air-brushing, and sandblasting, while using a mounting and lighting system, which was developed by Cavalieri.

In our class we will explore a variety of sculpting techniques including: solid work (hot and cold core), blown sculpture (including inside sculpting), bit work, garage and assembly, specific sculpture punties, and color application. You will learn to work on a team by helping put our demo pieces together. Teamwork is an essential and exciting part of glass sculpting and will also be executed during a final class collaborative project. Julia and Robin are very hands on and look forward to helping you create your sculptures. They enjoy teaching a variety of skill levels. Students who have no sculpting experience are encouraged to apply and will be astonished at how quickly they pick up sculpting techniques after having a background in blowing. We will also make time for slide shows to share past work. 

Explore the intersection of glass art, yoga, and meditation in this glassblowing retreat. This class includes a variety of flameworking techniques, including solid and blown, line drawing, implosions, and Murrine, to create glass mandalas, repeating circular patterns that visually depict the universe.

You will be encouraged to incorporate mandalas into projects of your choice. You will be guided through morning flow and evening restorative yoga sessions, along with daily movement breaks and journaling moments to keep the creativity flowing. You will be encouraged to reflect, experiment with glass and to BE in the moment. You are invited to bring your own yoga mat and props; however a limited supply of mats and props will be available for use.

Join Morgan Madison on this creative adventure in the kilnforming studio to enhance your technical skills and learn to apply them effectively in the service of your artistic vision. Wherever you may be in your journey with kilnformed glass, this comprehensive class offers you the opportunity to take the next step forward.

Working with Bullseye sheet glass and powders, we will examine the range of innovative techniques Madison uses to achieve the colorful graphic character of his work with the aim of developing a clear understanding of how to incorporate them into your practice. Through technical demonstrations, hands-on work and one-on-one discussion, we will explore all facets of the process including: developing ideas, use of color, cutting and assembly of glass compositions, powder printing, and preparation of work for firing. 

Discussion of firing schedules, finishing work in the cold shop and strategies for presenting your work for display will round out the content.

Several different projects will allow you to experiment with these techniques while being challenged to think about concept. The class begins with a specific schedule and parameters that allow us to cover a great deal of technical information. As it progresses we will have more freedom to explore and will work together one-on-one to understand your aspirations and tailor the techniques and projects to benefit you most. 

Tangibly, you may take away several finished works or a set of experimental pieces to reference in the future. Either way, the measure of success is empowering you to use these techniques; to give you the tools, both technical and conceptual, to pursue your own unique visions in kiln glass efficiently, confidently and to have fun while doing so. 

morganvanmadison.com

This class is intended for intermediate to advanced glassmakers, who are eager to dive into the skills and techniques associated with Venetian style goblets. You will focus not only on the how and why of each part of the goblet-making process but also on the issues, hang-ups, and critical errors that everyone encounters on the road to finely crafted stemware. 

Each day will begin with a combination of discussions, illustrations, and hot shop demonstrations to serve as inspiration for your endeavors during your bench time. Starting with basic cup forms, demonstrations will gradually increase in complexity with the addition of avolios, blown feet, stems, and eventually some basic ornamentation. Special attention will be given to each individual element as they are added to build a more complete visual and technical understanding of the process.

You will spend afternoons and evenings working together on the techniques of your choosing and be expected to communicate what difficulties you encountered. These open discussions will allow demonstrations to evolve and become more tailored to the specific challenges the class is encountering. When this class is complete you will not only have a better understanding of the basic aspects of goblet-making, but also the problem solving skills necessary to continue to grow and progress long after the class has ended.

In this hot shop class, we will be learning both traditional neon techniques as well as a myriad of soft glass plasma techniques. By alternating between neon and plasma processes, we will blur the lines between these two related crafts. 

We will be making lots of things! Many of the techniques we will be covering require a bit of trial and error. Some failure is inevitable when learning. By learning and experimenting with a variety of techniques, you will have plenty of tools to use when making neon and plasma ideas.

To allow for maximum time in the studio we will have neon demos in the morning, slide lectures after lunch, with plasma demos, filling, and student work time in the evening.

Our demonstrations will include basic neon tube bending, sealing on electrodes, using glass solder connections, and leak repairs. We will also be making shapes in the hot shop for reworking with torches.

Lectures include examples of both neon and plasma and where they overlap, aesthetic and functional consideration for making plasma works. We will go over rules for making both neon and plasma.

You should expect to create simple neon shapes and see firsthand the luminous differences between neon and plasma. You will also be creating sculptures using blown glass shapes in the hot shop that are turned into plasma with flameworking, coldworking and kilnworking techniques.

This class requires some basic hot glass and/or soft hollow glass flameworking skills. We plan on moving quickly and covering a lot of techniques, leaving very little time for covering glassblowing basics. We recommend that you come to class being comfortable with glassblowing or hollow soft glass flameworking fundamentals. 

This five-day class is designed to take a flameworker from ordinary to innovative in the making of glass chain.  Both boro and soft glass workers of all levels will benefit from this intense exploration of glass chain and the ways in which basic chain is elevated to art and jewelry.

This class approaches glass chain making as a novel skill set and so is well adapted to both beginners and experienced flame workers willing to reconsider their approaches to the materials.  Using rod and beginning with clear basic oval loops, the class learns how to form durable connections and symmetry. Over time students move on to novel shapes, color combos and surface finishes that help them find their own voice and broaden their point of view beyond typical “heady” chain. Class instruction includes discussion of stress and annealing that are integral to the material’s use. 

Students will make entire chains and prototype links during the class with an opportunity to explore a variety of forming tools and treatments that can be used to great advantage with boro.

This class is an introduction to how to apply waterjet technology to your glass practice.

With experts on hand to help demonstrate the process using an Omax ProtoMAX™ you’ll see how easy it is to use this technology in your glass practice and how to programme and operate the machine. ProtoMAX™ is an OMAX Corporation product. The skills and techniques acquired with the ProtoMAX™ are transferrable to any of the OMAX industrial waterjets. Whether it's cutting simple shapes or looking at cutting more complex items such as capturing your handwriting, you’ll learn the mechanisms to apply the technology confidently to your practice. You’ll come away with the confidence the make your files and ask the right questions when seeking to have future work cut. 

Teens in grades 6–12 take over Pittsburgh Glass Center in this intensive class. This one-week summer program introduces the science and art of glass to teens. It gives students the rare hands-on experience of learning the many facets of glass in one of the top facilities in the country. Sessions will include glassblowing, flameworking, kilnforming, and coldworking.

Scholarships are available; apply online at www.pittsburghglasscenter.org. 

Murrine and cane work has been a part of the glass art world since the Ancient Byzantine period.

We will hit the ground running in this intensive class of learning to create a complex Murrine cane, in soft glass, at the torch. We will focus on building and pulling different shapes in glass, adding them together to create a component, that will lead to a final assembly on the fourth day. We'll focus on heat control and working with larger amounts of glass off mandrel.Our last day together will be in the cold shop.

Demonstrations will include different applications of Murrine in a finished glass project. Before we meet you will be sent a blank skull pattern to play with your own designs and colors. In class we will evaluate and troubleshoot each of your images. Be prepared to be flexible. (Jodie will of course have a set template if you wish to forgo the prep work.) 

Go beyond neon. Learn the magic of sculpture with light in glass forms using gas plasma. Capture the Aurora Borealis in a bottle!

This class is for anyone who would like to create glass sculpture with dynamic light using a uniquely developed glass solder. Experience with neon, plasma or glass is not required but is highly recommended. The focus of the class is on the creation of suitable containers from existing ""soft"" glass objects. A uniquely developed glass solder will be demonstrated that enables even a beginner to create glass with plasma light sculptures. This glass solder allows the use of utilitarian manufactured glass items as well as assembly of studio blown, cast, and slumped glass shapes to serve as vessels for the plasma. Fused together, basic forms can be transformed into transcendent and mesmerizing glass with dynamic light sculptures.

Individual projects will be tailored to your skill level. Scientists or engineers with little to no glass experience are encouraged to experiment with plasma art in this class.

The class will serve to help enhance your experience using gas plasma light in your glass art. You will learn to prepare the glass forms for the solder, how to kiln fire them, how to create dynamic plasma effects using modified neon manifold, and the special electronics involved in plasma sculpture.