Classes

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!  

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. 

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. 

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! 

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.  

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.

Create your own glass pendant! 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 your one of a kind frit pendant.  A safety talk and glass demonstration will be given at the beginning of the workshop as well as a number of different techniques for shaping.

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!  

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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: APPLY ONLINE

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.)

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 effectively shape it to make a small but distinctive piece of desktop sculpture.

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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

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!  

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.

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.

Working between hot and cold shops, you will take a sculptural approach to form, pattern, and surface. Focusing on blown forms in the hot shop, you will be challenged to break out of the round and think about the bubble in new ways. All aspects of coldworking will be covered with a focus on the processes of assemblage, deep cutting and engraving.

Hot glass demonstrations will include vessel and sculptural exploration including shaping with graphite and cork paddles on a ceramic shelf surface. We will also explore the use of a variety of punty types and color application techniques including overlays, color cups, and cane work.

Demonstrations in the cold shop will include gluing, carving at the lathe using diamond and stone wheels, and finishing with brush wheels and pulpur as well as traditional high polishing methods. Class discussions will touch on topics of artistic business practice, production methods, and studio operations. You will be encouraged to approach the class as an experiment in strengthening designs, concepts, and teamwork.

In the flame shop, combine the worlds of fact and fiction, by creating realistic works entwined with invented motifs. You will develop confidence as a sculptor while producing your own unique narrative by sculpting and assembling Borosilicate glass components and creating a short story with your sculptural dialect.

The class will focus on storytelling, assembly, articulation techniques, finesse, and detail. Group and individual demonstrations will be given. Using intuition, experimentation, and mixed media are welcome and encouraged.

Some specific points we’ll cover in class include:

Creating a Narrative

Storytelling- What story do you want to tell? Fact, fiction, experience, perception, imaginary vs. reality, past, present, future.   

Location

Time - Past, present, future.   

Characters

Other topics such as sketching, writing, and ideas. 

Vocabulary

Ho do you create a visual/sculptural dialect? What imagery will you use to create your narrative? How will you tell your story?

Technical Skill Building

Learn to make components for the narrative

Learn the process and order of operations in sculpting, heating the piece, making marks, and shaping, connections, and problem solving, including detail and finesse.

Learn how to assemble components including hot and cold assembly techniques using glass and mixed media.

Explore kinetic/articulated components and movement

The class will begin with an introduction to jewelry design, how to use photographs and imagery for inspiration and how to work with the best colors for wearable glass. You will learn how to make part sheets using wet and dry glass powder, etch Dichroic glass and cast reactive frit blocks in simple hand made molds. After firing, these will be cut, coldworked and layered with additional 2mm Opal and Transparent Bullseye glass. Each unique coastal pendant will have several firings and be finished to a high standard. 

All firing schedules have been specifically developed for jewelry. Coldworking techniques, adding detail with decals/mini screens, choosing and applying silver findings, and how best to display your work will all be covered during the first part of the class.

Midweek we will transition to powder landscapes - first studying basic composition, color theory and design, building on the skills you have learned and applying them to larger scale art. Working onto 3mm White Opal Bullseye glass, Claire will demonstrate her unique approach to creating landscapes and seascapes with glass powders. Three different techniques using dry powder, wet and dry, and wet on wet powder will be covered, and how to use each one or a combination to achieve a distinctive style. You will be shown how to layer, sift, and pinch powders; use paper stencils; experiment with simple tools and mark making techniques; and to understand how glass reactions will affect the outcome and enhance your work. Using multiple low temperature firings you will learn to evaluate your work, how to correct problems, and add more detail with low fire enamels, glass paints, and more glass powder.

Finishing work, mounting, and display will also be covered at the end of the course. 

In this class we will take a deep dive into some of the most common mistakes glassblowers make. We will build from the foundations up, beginning with bench setup and ending with sending the kiln down at the end of the day. 

In this course we will take a critical approach to the reasons behind the moves we use in the hot shop, seeking to disabuse the notion that the material is magic and focusing instead on the physics behind why things happen .

By the end of the two weeks we will identify old patterns of behavior that don’t serve us as makers and establish a rigorous process for evaluating the moves we want to add into our routines. This course will allow plenty of time for structured practice with lots of feedback in real time.

You will not do the best work of your life in this class (well, maybe!) but you will learn habits that will facilitate future successes.  This course is all about breaking down old habits and ways of thinking and establishing new ones that serve you better in your journey as a glass artist. We might even have some fun while doing it.  

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.   

This class will teach an array of techniques that will benefit anyone, from beginners to experienced flameworkers looking to enhance their skills. We will start with solid sculpting and color application techniques, and branch into hollow working, sculpting, and assembly of larger pieces.

One portion of this class will explore the possibilities of color application in Borosilicate glass. We will cover an range of color techniques that can be applied to jewelry, marbles, and more. You will use stringers, frit, and your own designs to create detailed patterns and textures that will enhance your torchworking abilities while making beautiful glass objects. We will cover methods for both solid and hollow implosions that take your designs to the next level. Other color demonstrations will include feathering, “galaxy technique”, twisty cane, and cold-color applications. This class will address flame chemistry for striking and reducing colors, and how to encase cadmium colors to prevent boiling.

We will explore the technique of networking which can give you the ability to create larger sculptures in practically any form. Demonstrations will include bridging and assembly, and attention will be given to proper seals to create strong, long-lasting objects. Botanical forms will be covered in this class. We will go over methods to create life-like flowers with both solid and hollow glass. 

This class will cover the fundamentals of working with hollow tubing. Experienced students will create objects such as blown vessels, abstract sculpture, and musical instruments. Everyone will learn the value of even wall thickness and heat base, pulling points, and working with a blow hose. Bring your ideas and we will pursue them with a fiery passion!

www.madhotglass.com

Discover unnecessarily complicated mold making techniques for glass casting on a small scale. From silicone mold variants to wax working and refractory molds, we'll explore multiple ways to cast almost any form. Processes learned will translate to work with larger objects. You will be asked to bring several small objects to assist in learning the glass casting process.

The class will begin with a discussion of silicone mold and mother mold applications. Silicone molds will be designed for each of the objects you bring. Once the molds are complete, we will move on to wax working tips and techniques. Several different refractory mixes and their applications will be explored for each wax positive. Refractory molds will be steamed and loaded into kilns. We will touch on kiln schedules, kiln setup, and glass selection. Finally we will briefly go over coldworking techniques for the finished glass projects. 

Along the way, we will discuss variations on techniques and materials to accommodate desired final glass objects, budgets, and production time frames. 

You will hopefully come away with a broad knowledge of problem solving skills for glass casting. You will leave with your own silicone molds and, time permitting, a completed glass object. 

Working with blown glass requires an intense focus and a willingness to learn from our mistakes. As a beginner it is hard to understand which operation to perform at the right time. This class will help you to understand the inherent qualities of glass so that you can use those characteristics to your advantage in the hot shop. We will then apply this information to traditional shapes and forms while moving through the process with efficiency and care. Jarrod's goal is to provide you with the knowledge and timing to be in the ""right"" place to perform the ""right"" operation to achieve predictable results on the pipe. Please come with an open mind and an eagerness to learn and have fun!

Capitalizing on the ways glass can be arranged in and flows from a crucible, everyone in this innovative class will learn to create reproducible decorative cane and Murrine using the Vitrigraph Kiln. These elements will then, immediately, be used to explore the dropout method of slumping glass. You will learn the basics of using the Vitrigraph kiln and will create at least two finished, medium, dropout vessels during class.

From circles to ovals and  triads, a variety of dropout forms will be explored. The only prerequisite is the ability to confidently cut sheet glass and a willingness to be challenged. All materials and supplies are included.  All skill levels are welcome. 

Come and have some fun with George and Sally. We will be combining lampworking and furnace glass techniques all with COE 96 glass. Start with making items on the torch that will be incorporated with furnace glassblowing and then possibly add more lampworked glass to the piece. Bring ideas, the possibilities are endless and a whole lot of fun.

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.

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

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. 

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.

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)