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Pittsburgh Glass Center

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Our Classes

Explore Coldworking!

$1,050

with František Janák

Calendar Next session starts Jun 29, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

With 60 years of experience and practice in the field of coldworking, František hopes to pass on the vast knowledge that he has acquired. He is coming from Czechia where coldworking has earned a long and strong tradition. In this class you will learn a step-by-step process to make a small glass sculpture from a solid block of glass and decorative, rich cutting to make patterns on blown vessel blanks. Together we will build a strong foundation for professional craftsmanship. The class will cover multiple approaches to shaping, sculpting, engraving, grinding, and polishing glass.

You will also learn how to assemble components using Ultraviolet Epoxy and properly set up and use different machines like horizontal flatting mill, vertical lathes, diamond saws, and belt sanders. With each machine there are specific and different grinding, smoothing, and polishing tools, materials, and processes. These tools include original Czech-made diamond, stone, and resin wheels. You will also be provided with information on how to design a perfect professional cold shop, including the necessary equipment.

No previous coldworking experience is required, although intermediate coldworkers are very welcome and may learn more than they have ever expected.

All students are welcome! Intermediate and advanced students will also be able to learn new skills and hone their existing skills.

Evening Open Studio

Studios are open until 9:30PM for students to practice. Depending on the class, process, and techniques, this time might be highly suggested by instructors for students to use. In other classes, this time might be considered optional.

For more information, please review Summer Intensives.

Full Course
Fires of Creation: A Journey in Beads, Chains, and Fusion Spark Design
Registration Unavailable

Fires of Creation: A Journey in Beads, Chains, and Fusion Spark Design

$1,050

with Ghislaine Sabiti

This class introduces students to the fundamentals of flameworking with borosilicate glass chain fusing. Learn to create colorful, expressive glass beads by mastering torch safety, shaping, and surface decoration techniques. Explore the process of making strong, artistic glass chain links using methods such as the parallel rod technique and surface texturing. Perfect for beginners and intermediate flame workers, this class offers hands-on practice and creative exploration to build your skills and confidence in glass jewelry making.

Discover the vibrant world of glass art in this hands-on, multi-session class where creativity meets craftsmanship. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to build intermediate skills, this immersive course offers step-by-step guidance to create stunning glass jewelry from creative patterns, chain, and fusing.

Evening Open Studio

Studios are open until 9:30PM for students to practice. Depending on the class, process, and techniques, this time might be highly suggested by instructors for students to use. In other classes, this time might be considered optional.

For more information, please review Summer Intensives.

Learn more about Ghislaine Sabiti at www.ghislainesabiti.com

New Beginnings in Hot Glass
Registration Unavailable

New Beginnings in Hot Glass

$1,050

with Jon Sirockman

Calendar Next session starts Jun 29, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

This is an introduction to glassblowing, no prior experience in the hot shop is needed! We will learn the basics of gathering glass independently of the instructors, moving through the studio, shaping, and reheating the glass to create glass sculptures and vessels that will be solely your own.

We will cover safety and proper use of studio equipment and tools, how to create solid shapes, and then move into breathing life into the glass, concentrating on simple drinking vessels, and the basics of shaping more advanced pieces. This five-day class will set the foundation for you to take more advanced classes in the future.

This class is for beginners who have no experience in the hot shop. If you have had some or limited experience, that is alright. We will be using teambuilding and skill drills to establish a solid foundation in glass.

Evening Open Studio

Studios are open until 9:30PM for students to practice. Depending on the class, process, and techniques, this time might be highly suggested by instructors for students to use. In other classes, this time might be considered optional.

For more information, please review Summer Intensives.

Learn more about Jon Sirockman at https://www.instagram.com/sirockman_glass/?hl=en

Pâte de Verre: New Approaches to an Ancient Technique with Tali Grinshpan

$1,050

with Tali Grinshpan

Calendar Next session starts Jun 29, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

Experiment and explore non-traditional methods of working with Pâte de Verre in this five-day class. You will experiment and learn how to create a wide range of objects without making plaster silica molds. We will make both flat and three-dimentional objects, investigate different possible results, and discover how to achieve artistic and aesthetic goals using glass paste.

We will explore different possibilities of working with this medium, both on its own and in mixed media. We will test combining other materials like metals and botanicals. And lastly, we will discuss firing schedules as well as finishing and coldworking options.

This week will be filled with experimentation, fun, and discovery.

Evening Open Studio

Studios are open until 9:30PM for students to practice. Depending on the class, process, and techniques, this time might be highly suggested by instructors for students to use. In other classes, this time might be considered optional.

For more information, please review Summer Intensives.

Learn more about Tali Grinshpan at www.taligrinshpan.com

Full Course

Mini Monsters and Creatures

$115
Calendar Next available session starts Jun 29, 2026 at 6 pm

PGC 124 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.

Sculpted Glass Flowers

$135
Calendar Next available session starts Jun 30, 2026 at 5:30 pm

Let your creativity bloom. In this introductory workshop, you’ll gather molten glass from the 2,100°F furnace and add color. Then guided by a skilled instructor, you will pull, shape, stretch, and sculpt it into colorful flowers.

This workshop is a fun introductory experience to hot glass sculpting. Each participant will craft two unique flowers, ideal for display, gifting, or brightening any space.

Ages 14+

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

Red, White, and Blue Sculpted Glass Paperweights

$135
Calendar Next available session starts Jul 1, 2026 at 5:30 pm

Make a distinctive and decorative red, white, and blue desktop sculpture for the Fourth of July. With the help of an instructor, learn how to add color, use tools to twist and pull molten glass into a colorful swirl. Then shape clear glass over the top into a smooth dome adding light and dimension to this unique glass artwork.

This workshop is a fun introductory experience to hot glass sculpting. Each participant will craft two unique paperweights, ideal for display, gifting, or brightening any space.

Ages 14+

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

Mini Mushrooms

$115
Calendar Next available session starts Jul 1, 2026 at 6 pm

Bring the forest indoors. In this introductory workshop, heat and shape glass rods with a 3,000°F torch to create whimsical mini mushrooms. Guided by a skilled instructor, learn torch basics and add color and details for pendants or tiny figurines perfect for plants or to display.

 

Ages 14+

 

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





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