Make-It-Now experiences offer a quick hands-on introduction to the magic of glassmaking. In the hot shop, you’ll work one-on-one with a skilled local artist at the 2,100°F furnace. In about 15 minutes or less, you’ll work together to shape, color, and craft your glass item. Perfect for beginners, these short experiences offer a taste of the excitement, skill, and artistry that goes into working with glass in a supportive, guided setting.

Ages 8+ unless otherwise specified

Adult supervision is required for any children under 14 years old.

Due to the nature of hot glass, items cannot be taken home the same day they are created. All items made in the hot shop must go through an annealing process to slowly cool the glass. Items are available for pick-up after 5 days. Shipping can be arranged on site the day of your activity.

It’s alive… in glass. In this introductory workshop, spark your imagination as you twist, melt, and sculpt your own glass monsters and mythical creatures using a 3,000°F torch. Guided by a skilled instructor, learn torch basics and add colors, texture, and personality. Add a glass loop or keep them as sculptures, perfect to wear, share, or show off.

Ages 14+

Due to the nature of hot glass, your items will be available for pickup 5 days after your activity.

Join veteran Geoffrey Bowton for a FREE paper mask painting activity. Paint or sketch your story on the mask. Registration requested.

There are moments in life when expressing something deeply important becomes a challenge. Words may fail us, making it difficult to communicate what truly matters. Through Bowton's own journey, he discovered that art can serve as a bridge to his inner self. It enables him to engage with the unresolved stories within, offering a way to confront narratives that are not easily spoken aloud.

"One of the most profound experiences I have encountered is creating something tangible from personal history. By externalizing thoughts and feelings into a physical form, I am able to witness them in the world around me. This creative act brings clarity and a sense of relief, as though a burden has been lifted. Each time I commit to this process, I take another step toward self-awareness and finding peace through making art," said Bowton.

Join Geoffrey Bowton in sharing your story with others during a free, four-hour window of Paper Mask Painting.Click here to learn more about Art Therapy and Mask Painting.
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/healing-soldiers/

Melt your stress away. In this introductory workshop, learn the basics of using a 3,000°F torch and shape molten glass into colorful worry or fidget stones that fit perfectly in your hand or pocket. Guided by a skilled instructor, you’ll apply color and surface texture to make it your own. Perfect for finding your center, a tool for fidgeting, or great for gifting.

Ages 14+

Due to the nature of hot glass, your items will be available for pickup 5 days after your activity.

Top off your bottles with style. In this introductory workshop, melt and shape molten glass into custom bottle stoppers with a 3,000°F torch. Guided by a skilled instructor, learn torch basics and add color, texture, and details to create functional art for wine, oils, or decorative display. Impress your guests or give as a unique hand crafted gift.

Ages 14+

Due to the nature of hot glass, your items will be available for pickup 5 days after your activity.

Grow your creativity and no green thumb required. In this introductory workshop, you’ll gather glass from the 2,100°F furnace and add color. Then guided by a skilled instructor, you will sculpt and blow your own unique glass succulents. No sunlight or soil required.

This workshop is a fun introductory experience into hot glassblowing and hot glass sculpting. Each participant will craft two whimsical succulents, perfect for display, gifting, or brightening any space with a touch of glassy greenery.

Ages 14+

Due to the nature of hot glass, your items will be available for pickup 5 days after your activity.

Bring your garden to life with a vibrant stained glass garden stake. In this introductory workshop, you’ll explore the fundamentals of stained glass. Under the guidance of a skilled instructor, you’ll learn to cut, wrap, and solder glass gems into a one-of-a-kind design that brightens potted plants or outdoor beds. Great for adding personality and sparkle to any space.

Ages 14+

Spend an unforgettable and fun week this summer diving into the world of glass. This program is designed for teens in grades 6-12 (ages 12-19) to take over the Pittsburgh Glass Center studios. It gives students the rare hands-on opportunity to learn the many facets of glass in one of the top facilities in the country. Working with experienced instructors, students will rotate through all of the studios and explore glassblowing, flameworking, kilnforming, and coldworking. New this year, students will also connect glass and technology in the fabrication lab.

Please look over our Teen Boot Camp Policies and important information regarding scheduling and forms by clicking here: https://www.pittsburghglasscenter.org/teen-boot-camp-policies/

Required Forms

All registered students must complete our Teen Boot Camp Intake form. This form is presented during the registration process, and is required for all students prior to their first day of camp. Forms will ask for emergency contacts, known student allergies, and designated persons allowed to sign students out of camp.

Scholarships are available for all students! Scholarship Application Deadline: May 3, 2026. New this year: tuition can also be paid in installments upon registration.