Classes

Create iconic images of the Steel City while learning to fuse glass. We will provide templates of team logos, bridges and the iconic skyline but mostly leave it to you to create a locally themed keepsake of the 'Burgh. You can’t go wrong with anything black and gold. After you create it, we fire it to fuse it all together and shape into a mold, turning it into a functional dish perfect for holding spare change, serving small snacks, storing jewelry, or is beautiful enough to just use for display.

Transform molten glass into an awesome pumpkin you'll be proud to display all year long! Work with an instructor who will help you gather, add color, blow a bubble, and shape hot glass from the 2,100°F furnace into a handmade glass pumpkin complete with a beautiful curly glass stem.

Upcycle your glass bottles and jars! Turn them into functional drinking glasses, vases, candle holders, or decorative pieces. Bring 2–4 bottles or jars and then cut, grind, polish, sandblast, or engrave them into decorative and useful items for your home. To ensure you get the most of your time in the cold shop, please remove any paper labels from your glass before to coming to class.

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

Get ready to serve your favorite crackers and cheese on your own handmade glass charcuterie plate. Learn how to cut sheet glass and the basics of fusing glass in this introductory workshop. You'll add color and design with frit and stringers and make a unique 8 x 8 glass board you'll want to use for years to come and impress your friends. Charcuterie not included. 

Manipulate glass rods over a table top torch to create beautiful handmade glass beads. In this introduction to the flame shop, learn the basic skills of heating rods of glass, applying it to a mandrel, and shaping it with tools. Learn important decorative techniques, such as dots and trails to create beautiful beads you'll want to wear or share. You’ll make several different kinds of beads that you can take home!

Transform molten glass into some fun and funky leaves you'll be proud to display all year long! Work with an instructor who will help you gather, add color, sculpt, and shape hot glass from the 2,100°F furnace into handmade glass leaves perfect for your fall decor.

Transform sheets of glass into a custom handmade house number plaque or name plate. With the help of an instructor, learn how to cut colored sheets of glass and glue invididual pieces together, like a mosaic, to create a custom glass panel you'll be proud to display inside or out. You design and make it, we'll fire it and fuse it all together into a solid work of glass art. 

Bring the crystalline beauty of icicles inside your home! First, learn to use the table top torch to melt rods of borosilicate glass. 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.

Make one-of-a-kind glass magnet keepsakes. Melt and manipulate a solid glass rod on a table top torch and add bits of colored glass called frit. Learn to swirl your chosen colors throughout the clear glass as you shape and manipulate material into magical beautiful floral glass magnets.

Want to make a special gift for a family member or impress your coworkers? This paperweight workshop is an easy way to explore the potential of hot glass before committing to a longer class. Learn how to add color to clear molten glass and shape it to make a small but distinctive handmade glass desktop sculpture.

Stir things up with handmade glass swizzle sticks! Impress your friends and family by explaining how you melted glass rods over a table top torch 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. Perfect to keep for yourself or give as a gift!

Transform sheets of glass into a functional and beautiful handmade glass dish. Learn to cut sheet glass into smaller geometric shapes and use these pieces, along with frit (colored glass granules) and stringers (thin, colored glass rods), to design and decorate your design. After you create it, we fire it to fuse it all together and shape into a mold, turning it into a functional dish perfect for holding spare change, serving small snacks, storing jewelry, or is beautiful enough to just use for display.

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! Ages 12 to 18

Scholarship Application: APPLY ONLINE

Sculpt an expression of love in this one-of-a-kind heart workshop. Work closely with an instructor to learn how to melt and manipulate a solid glass rod into a molten ball over a table top torch. Swirl your chosen colors throughout the clear glass as you sculpt your molten glass into a beautiful heart. Create a wearable pendant or magnet (or both!) for yourself or a loved one.

Use sculpting techniques to create a colorful mushroom paperweight! Work with an instructor who will help you gather, add color, sculpt, and shape hot glass from the 2,100°F furnace to make a fun and unique solid glass mushroom. This one-of-a-kind fungi can be displayed inside or outside!

Interested in trying stained glass? Learn the basics as you create a charming and unique glass dragonfly. 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.  This workshop is designed for ages 14 +    

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

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.  Using glass gems, explore stained glass techniques and learn to wrap and solder glass together to create a one of kind piece. This workshop is designed for ages 14 + 

Transform molten glass from a 2,100°F furnace into a one-of-a-kind, functional glass dish. Work with an instructor who helps you gather glass, choose and add color to create a small, blown, double-walled glass bowl. Handmade blown catch-all bowls are perfect for holding spare change, serving small snacks, storing jewelry, or are beautiful enough to just use for display.

Didn’t finish your bottle? Use your own elegant, flameworked handmade glass bottle stoppers! Learn how to control, manipulate, and add color to a rod of glass while shaping your own unique stoppers over a tabletop torch. You make the glass and we add the stoppers. Use these while entertaining and impress your friends! They also make lovely gifts.

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. 

Fast Track Flameworking is a great introduction to the flame shop! Work on a gas powered table top torch that can reach up to 3000°F and sculpt glass on a small scale. 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 bottle stoppers.

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.

Class tuition includes 4 hours of open-studio time to be used during the 8-week course period.

In this advanced hot glass class you are encouraged to focus on the techniques that interest you as a developing glass artist. Choose to either watch weekly technique-driven demonstrations or work on independent projects with the guidance and support of instructor.

Refine basic skills and methodology as you create unique vessels and learn about a broad range of more complicated techniques including the use of solid colors, mold-blowing, and the creation of compound shapes. Content will vary by session and basic materials are provided.

Advanced Hot Glass is designed so it can be taken multiple times to improve or expand upon glass blowing skills. Students are allotted a $15 materials credit to use during this class session in order to become familiar with the procedure of purchasing materials and securing studio rental beyond class hours.

Hot 2, 72 hours of hot shop experience, or instructor permission is required.

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.

Choose from a variety of pattern and learn the traditional technique of lead came. This technique is necessary to create a window that will be exposed to outdoor elements. An understanding of this technique will allow you to feel comfortable moving forward with larger, more permanent stained glass creations.

Introduction to Stained Glass or 24 hours of stained glass experience is required.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Class tuition includes 4 hours of open-studio time to be used during the 8-week course period.

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.

Build on what you learned in Flame 1, continue to develop hand and glass control, learn to effectively multitask, and develop a greater confidence with a variety of techniques.  Refine your current skills while discovering new skills along the way as you focus on personal projects working with borosilicate glass.  Both group and one-on-one demonstrations will be provided as students work independently.

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.

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.

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.

Combine sculpting and building molds with the heat of the kiln to create cast glass sculptures. Learn to kilncast glass by creating small 3D objects. Work with silicones and other mold making materials for the lost wax casting process and then make glass replicas of found objects.

You will also explore life casting using alginate. This class will cover model construction, refractory molds, glass preparation, firing and resolving castings into finished works of art.

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.

Class tuition includes 4 hours of open-studio time to be used during the 8-week course period.

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.

Build on what you learned in Flame 1, continue to develop hand and glass control, learn to effectively multitask, and develop a greater confidence with a variety of techniques.  Refine your current skills while discovering new skills along the way as you focus on personal projects working with borosilicate glass.  Both group and one-on-one demonstrations will be provided as students work independently.

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.

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.

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.

Fascinated by the intricacies of colorful glass beads and glass jewelry?

In this introduction to bead making, learn the basic skills of heating glass, applying it to a mandrel, and shaping it with tools in just 4 weeks. Plus, learn important decorative techniques, such as dots and trails. You’ll make several different kinds of beads that you can take home!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Take the plunge into pattern making with this 8-week course on part sheets. Learn the fundamentals of working with glass powders and stringers to create patterned art glass which will then be cut apart and fused into a series of plates and trays to make stylish serving sets and matching dishes. 

Beer always tastes better in a handmade glass. The glass is an important part of the enjoyment of the drinking experience. The shape of the glass can allow you to savor the taste and complexities of any beverage.

Learn how to make the perfect beer glass. Talk with the brewers from Grist House, taste the beers, watch how the perfect glass is created and then make your own glass. Schedule one 20-minute glassmaking session online or at 412-365-2145.

$80 a person per event (21+). Pre-registration 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.

Cut and combine colored pieces of glass, frit (colored glass granules), and stringers (thin, colored glass rods) and create a festive fall glass pumpkin to display for the season!  Learn to cut and combine colored pieces of glass, frit (colored glass granules), and stringers (thin, colored glass rods) to create 3” x 5” fall pumpkins with faces for Halloween or leaves for the fall season. Once you design it, we’ll fire it with a hook for hanging, so that all pieces become one. 

Transform glass into a luminous artwork you'll want to display in a window all year long. Learn to 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. 

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

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)

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)

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)

Family Fusing Fun invites kids ages 5+ and their adults to have fun making suncatchers together! This workshop is designed for kids to work with and along side of their accompanying adult. Each participant will get to make one suncatcher.

All students ages 5 - 13 must have an accompanying adult. One adult can sign up with up to two children between the ages of 8 - 13. Students ages 14+ do not need an additional adult to participate in family fun.

New! Make your own sandblasted glass ghost suncatcher and take it home the same night! In this introductory experience, you will get to design a unique glass ghost using stickers and tape. Once you design it, work with PGC staff to create a frosted look using our industrial sandblaster. No heating or cooling required. This is one Make-It-Now activity you get to take home with you the same night you make it! $25/person ages 5+

Make-It-Now workshops are quick experiences to try glassmaking with the assistance of a local artist. Ages 5 and + are welcome unless otherwise noted. Make-It-Now is intended for groups of four or fewer. If you have a larger group, private events are available. To learn more, please call 412-365-2145.

Don’t put your special photo in a plain, store-bought frame; make a customized one yourself using colorful stained glass and cabochons! In this 2-hour workshop, you will decorate a wooden photo frame base and choose from a wide selection of glass to nip or cut to bring your custom frame to life. Cabochons are optional but make a wonderful embellishment to any design. After gluing the pieces onto the frame, a grouting demo will be done by the instructor. Students will grout their frames at home using grout provided by the PGC.

Family Fun Mosaic Making invites kids ages 5+ and their adults to have fun making mosaics together! This workshop is designed for kids to work with and along side of their accompanying adult. Each participant will make one pumpkin mosaic using a selection of pre cut glass and glass to nip to the perfect piece. Participants will receive a grouting demonstration. Students will receive grout provided by PGC with their pumpkin mosaics to finish their projects off-site.

For Family Mosaic Making: All students ages 5 - 13 must have an accompanying adult. One adult can sign up with up to two children between the ages of 8 - 13. Students ages 14+ do not need an additional adult to participate in family fun.

New! Make your own sandblasted glass ghost suncatcher and take it home the same night! In this introductory experience, you will get to design a unique glass ghost using stickers and tape. Once you design it, work with local artists to create a frosted look using our industrial sandblaster. No heating or cooling required. This is one Make-It-Now activity you get to take home with you the same night you make it! $25/person Ages 5+

This two-day project-oriented class focuses on making a bas relief panel. You will work primarily with ceramic fiber materials and glass frit and powder to create an individually conceived project in bas relief. Bring up to 5 images that might inspire the design for your panel. 

The first day will be fairly intense. You will design and assemble your panel to be fused. The panels will be approximately 7” x 10”. On the second day, the panels will be cold worked and finished, ready to be displayed. 

Bas relief is found in the art and architecture of all cultures and has existed for thousands of years. It is a kind of carving or sculpture in which the figures are raised or depressed slightly from a flat background to give a three-dimensional effect. Subtle changes in the levels of the surface and the interplay of light and shadow on the planes enable us to see and appreciate the composition. See www.fusiostudio.com/mapping and www.fusiostudio.com/perspect for more inspiration.

There will be a 1-hour break for lunch. A refrigerator and microwave is available on site for students to use.

Sculpt a funky glass ghost or ghoul to enjoy as a pendant or magnet. Work closely with an instructor to learn how to melt and manipulate a solid glass rod into a molten ball over a table top torch. Swirl your chosen colors throughout the clear glass as you sculpt it into a seasonal creature. Create a wearable pendant or magnet (or both!) for yourself or a loved one.

Transform glass into a beautiful and practical handmade Hanukkiah you'll be proud to use and display.  Learn to cut and combine colored pieces of sheet glass, frit (colored glass granules), and stringers (thin colorful glass rods) to make your own design. You design and make it, we'll fire it and fuse it all together into a solid and practical work of glass art. 

These special workshops are designed with teens in mind! Students get the opportunity to learn about the PGC studios with other teens and make either a paperweight in the hot shop, a flameworked magnet in the flame shop, or a fused glass suncatcher or ornament in the kiln shop. Sign up as an individual and meet other teens interested in glass, or bring a friend to share in the experience! Workshops are designed for students ages 12 - 19 ONLY. Want a more in depth glass experience for teens? Check out our afterschool SiO2 classes or full day MOLTN workshops.

 Scholarship Application Deadline: September 8.  APPLY ONLINE

These special workshops are designed with teens in mind! Students get the opportunity to learn about the PGC studios with other teens and make either a paperweight in the hot shop, a flameworked magnet in the flame shop, or a fused glass suncatcher or ornament in the kiln shop. Sign up as an individual and meet other teens interested in glass, or bring a friend to share in the experience! Workshops are designed for students ages 12 - 19 ONLY. Want a more in depth glass experience for teens? Check out our afterschool SiO2 classes or full day MOLTN workshops.

Scholarship Application Deadline: September 8.  APPLY ONLINE

Make your own colorful glass marbles using solid glass rods and a table top torch. This is a great introductory workshop to gain experience on the torch. Practice basic flameworking techniques and use a graphite molds to shape the glass to ensure symmetry. With the guidance of an artist, explore decorative techniques including twisties, dots, and trails to create one-of-a-kind marvelous marbles perfect for play or display.

Feel the heat of the furnace in one of the hottest date nights!  Get close to your date in the hot shop and work together with a  local artist to transform molten glass into one lovely ornament that you'll be proud to display! Choose your favorite colors and try out glassblowing to expand the molten material with your breath. 

This unique date-night experience allows each couple to work together in one of our studios and create one work of glass art together. Because it takes teamwork to sculpt, blow, or fuse glass, this is definitely a compatibility test! After your hands-on studio time, we'll provide small bites and wine or beer, plus live entertainment. Glassblowing and flameworking demonstrations will take place throughout the night. $95/couple ages 21+

Cozy up with some glass in the Kiln Shop for Date Night! Work together with your date to transform sheets, granules, and small rods of glass into one beautiful and unique glass plate you can proudly serve your favorite crackers and cheese on.

This unique date-night experience allows each couple to work together in one of our studios and create one work of glass art together. Because it takes teamwork to sculpt, blow, or fuse glass, this is definitely a compatibility test! After your hands-on studio time, we’ll provide small bites and wine or beer, plus live entertainment. Glassblowing and flameworking demonstrations will take place throughout the night. $95/couple ages 21 +

Design and make a glass ornament to hang on the tree, give as a special holiday gift, or display all year long!  Learn how to cut and combine brilliantly colored pieces of sheet glass, glass granules and thin glass strands to create luminous ornaments. Once you design it, we’ll fire it, so that all pieces become one. 

Create a 3D illuminated glass box that looks like a wrapped gift. Using pre-cut class, learn how to assemble stained glass in the Tiffany style method to create a unique 3D piece. Then get a lesson on how to tie the perfect bow to adorn your creations. These make a great holiday decoration and are so adorable you may choose to leave them out year-round.

Family Fusing Fun invites kids ages 5+ and their adults to have fun making fused glass ornaments together! This workshop is designed for kids to work with and along side of their accompanying adult. Each participant will get to make one ornament .

All students ages 5 - 13 must have an accompanying adult. One adult can sign up with up to two children between the ages of 8 - 13. Students ages 14+ do not need an additional adult to participate in family fun.

Make a blown glass ornament to hang on the tree, give as a special holiday gift, or display all year long! Under the guidance of a hot shop instructor, you will select and add color to molten glass from the 2,100°F furnace. You'll try out glassblowing and expand the molten material with your breath to create a unique handmade blown glass ornament! This is a great workshop to sign up with family members or a group of friends and create a holiday memory in glass.

These special workshops are designed with teens in mind! Students get the opportunity to learn about the PGC studios with other teens and make either a paperweight in the hot shop, a flameworked magnet in the flame shop, or a fused glass suncatcher or ornament in the kiln shop. Sign up as an individual and meet other teens interested in glass, or bring a friend to share in the experience! Workshops are designed for students ages 12 - 19 ONLY. Want a more in depth glass experience for teens? Check out our afterschool SiO2 classes or full day MOLTN workshops.

 Scholarship Application Deadline: September 8.  APPLY ONLINE

In this fun holiday event, transform sheet glass into a luminous and decorative ornament. In this introductory experience, you'll combine colored glass granules (frit) and thin glass strands(stringers) to create a unique and festive ornament of your own design. Once you design it, we’ll fire it in the kiln, so that all pieces become one.

 Ornament $35/person ages 5 +

In this fun holiday event, transform sheet glass into a luminous and decorative hanukkiah. In this introductory experience, you'll combine colored glass granules (frit) and thin glass strands(stringers) to create a unique and festive hanukkiah of your own design. Once you design it, we’ll fire it in the kiln, so that all pieces become one.

 Ornament $45/person ages 5 +

If you have always wanted to try glassblowing, this one-day workshop is for you. Hot Glass Blowout provides a full day introduction of hands-on time with hot glass artists to learn how to gather, shape, and manipulate molten glass. You'll start with making a paperweight then learn other techniques and skills to make a variety of glass objects. Hot glass is addictive. Once you’ve started working in the hot shop, you may not want to leave!  Class time includes 30 minute break for lunch. Lunch is not provided but we do have a refrigerator on site available for use if needed.  

Have twice as much fun in this unique hot shop holiday sampler! Unlike our other workshops, you'll walk away with two different handmade glass items in this special sampler. Work with an instructor who helps you gather, pull, twist, and shape molten glass, then add color to create your own sculpted festive glass tree. Then, try glassblowing and make a handmade blown glass ornament. You'll choose and add color and expand a molten glass bubble with air into a unique and festive ornament, perfect to display at the holidays or all year round.

Create a beautiful handmade glass pendant! Learn how to melt and manipulate a solid glass rod over a table top torch into a molten ball while adding bits of colored glass called frit. Swirl your chosen colors throughout the clear glass as you shape your one-of-a kind glass pendant.

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.

Learn the art of stained glass while creating your very own glass snowflake. Students will work with pre-cut glass, bevels and gems wrapping each component in metal to then join them together with molten solder. Use these dazzling snowflakes to decorate your home for the winter season or catch the light in your window all year round. This workshop is designed for ages 14 +

Create a unique fused glass mezuzah using a variety of materials, including sheet glass, frit (colored glass granules), and stringers  (thin colorful glass rods). Whether the mezuzah you make depicts a scene or has a decorative pattern, it will look beautiful by your door. (Scrolls and mounting hardware are not provided). 

Feel the heat of the furnace in one of our hottest most introductory experience! In the hot shop, you'll work with a local artist to make your very own handmade blown glass ornament you'll want to display all year long! Choose your favorite colors and try out glassblowing to expand the molten material with your breath!! $45/person Ages 5+                                                                                                          

TIP: Registering for multiple participants in the hot shop? Be sure to sign up for sequential time slots (instead of multiple slots at the same time) so everyone in your group can participate together, watch each other, and take pictures together during your activity! For example:  register your family of 4 for one slot each at 6:00, 6:15, 6:30, and 6:45. 

Have questions? Call us at 412-365-2145 and we can help! 

Feel the heat of the furnace in one of the hottest date nights!  Get close to your date in the hot shop and work together with a  local artist to transform molten glass into one lovely ornament that you'll be proud to display! Choose your favorite colors and try out glassblowing to expand the molten material with your breath. 

This unique date-night experience allows each couple to work together in one of our studios and create one work of glass art together. Because it takes teamwork to sculpt, blow, or fuse glass, this is definitely a compatibility test! After your hands-on studio time, we'll provide small bites and wine or beer, plus live entertainment. Glassblowing and flameworking demonstrations will take place throughout the night. $95/couple ages 21+

Cozy up with some glass in the Kiln Shop for Date Night! Work together with your date to transform sheets, granules, and small rods of glass into one beautiful and unique glass plate you can proudly serve your favorite crackers and cheese on.

This unique date-night experience allows each couple to work together in one of our studios and create one work of glass art together. Because it takes teamwork to sculpt, blow, or fuse glass, this is definitely a compatibility test! After your hands-on studio time, we’ll provide small bites and wine or beer, plus live entertainment. Glassblowing and flameworking demonstrations will take place throughout the night. $85/couple ages 21 +

Feel the heat of the furnace in one of our hottest most introductory experience! In the hot shop, you'll work with a local artist to make your very own handmade blown glass ornament you'll want to display all year long! Choose your favorite colors and try out glassblowing to expand the molten material with your breath!! $45/person Ages 5+                                                                                                          

TIP: Registering for multiple participants in the hot shop? Be sure to sign up for sequential time slots (instead of multiple slots at the same time) so everyone in your group can participate together, watch each other, and take pictures together during your activity! For example:  register your family of 4 for one slot each at 6:00, 6:15, 6:30, and 6:45. 

Have questions? Call us at 412-365-2145 and we can help! 

Transform sheet glass into a luminous and decorative ornament. In this introductory experience, you'll combine colored glass granules (frit) and thin glass strands (stringers) to create a unique and festive ornament of your own design. Once you design it, we’ll fire it in the kiln, so that all pieces become one. $30/person Ages 5+ 

Bring the crystalline beauty of icicles inside your home with this unique flameworked ornament! In this introductory experience, work alongside a local artist to heat up rods of glass over a table top torch in the flame shop. Twist, pull, and sculpt the material into a one-of-a-kind flamecicle. Hang them in a window to catch the light, on a tree to create a festive atmosphere, or give them as a beautiful gift. $30/person Ages 8+

New! Make your own frosted glass ornament and take it home the same night! In this introductory experience, you will get to design a unique glass ornament using stickers and tape you'll want to hang all year! Once you design it, work with local artists to create a frosted look using our industrial sandblaster. No heating or cooling required. This is one Make-It-Now activity you get to take home with you the same night you make it!  $25/person ages 5+

Bring the crystalline beauty of icicles inside your home with this unique flameworked ornament! In this introductory experience, work alongside a local artist to heat up rods of glass over a table top torch in the flame shop. Twist, pull, and sculpt the material into a one-of-a-kind flamecicle. Hang them in a window to catch the light, on a tree to create a festive atmosphere, or give them as a beautiful gift. $30/person Ages 8+

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.

This workshop is designed for ages 14+

Add a fancy twist and texture to your handmade glass ornament! Work with an instructor who will help you select and add color, blow a glass bubble and use a steel optic mold to add a unique patterned and raised texture to your hand made glass ornament. Great for anyone with an ornament collection or for those just beginning.

Feel the heat of the furnace in one of our hottest most introductory experiences! In the hot shop, you'll work with a local artist to make your very own handmade blown glass ornament you'll want to display all year long! Choose your favorite colors and try out glassblowing to expand the molten material with your breath!! $45/person Ages 5+                                                                                                           

TIP: Registering for multiple participants in the Hot shop? Be sure to sign up for sequential time slots (instead of multiple slots at the same time) so everyone in your group can participate together, watch each other, and take pictures together during your activity! For example:  register your family of 4 for one slot each at 6:00, 6:15, 6:30, and 6:45. 

Have questions? Call us at 412-365-2145 and we can help! 

Transform sheet glass into a luminous and decorative ornament. In this introductory experience, you'll combine colored glass granules (frit) and thin glass strands(stringers) to create a unique and festive ornament of your own design. Once you design it, we’ll fire it in the kiln, so that all pieces become one. $30/person Ages 5+ 

Bring the crystalline beauty of icicles inside your home with this unique flameworked ornament! In this introductory experience, work alongside a local artist to heat up rods of glass over a table top torch in the flame shop. Twist, pull, and sculpt the material into a one-of-a-kind flamecicle. Hang them in a window to catch the light, on a tree to create a festive atmosphere, or give them as a beautiful gift. $30/person Ages 8+

New! Make your own frosted glass ornament and take it home the same night! In this introductory experience, you will get to design a unique glass ornament using stickers and tape you'll want to hang all year! Once you design it, work with local artists to create a frosted look using our industrial sandblaster. No heating or cooling required. This is one Make-It-Now activity you get to take home with you the same night you make it!  $25/person Ages 5+

Feel the heat of the furnace in one of our hottest most introductory experience! In the hot shop, you'll work with a local artist to make your very own handmade blown glass ornament you'll want to display all year long! Choose your favorite colors and try out glassblowing to expand the molten material with your breath!! $45/person Ages 5+                                                                                                          

TIP: Registering for multiple participants in the hot shop? Be sure to sign up for sequential time slots (instead of multiple slots at the same time) so everyone in your group can participate together, watch each other, and take pictures together during your activity! For example:  register your family of 4 for one slot each at 6:00, 6:15, 6:30, and 6:45. 

Have questions? Call us at 412-365-2145 and we can help! 

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.