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Pittsburgh Glass Center



1-Week Intensive

in Activity Type

Lisa & Sam’s Marvelously Magical Fantastical Flameworking Learning Extravaganza

$950 MEMBER PRICE: $950

with Sam Whitney & Lisa Demagall

Calendar Next available session starts Mar 2, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

This intensive class offers students a sampler platter of technical exercises, color applications, and sculptural techniques working in both solid and hollow borosilicate glass. Designed to expose students to the vast possibilities of flameworking, this class will explore a variety of concepts and techniques.

You will be presented with new ideas and challenges to overcome, and will be encouraged and guided through both group and one-on-one demonstrations. Instruction will begin with technical exercises to help promote good habits, and will move on to a variety of sculptural approaches and color applications.

Students of all and no experience are welcome to try their hands at a variety of techniques or to focus on a particular skill or project throughout the week. First time flameworkers are encouraged to join.

Additional Class Materials

A blow hose assembly kit is required. Students may bring their own or kits are available for purchase on-site on the first day of class for $40.

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 Sam Whitney at IG: samuelwhitney

and Lisa Demagall at lisademagall.com

Advanced Pattern Making in Kilnformed Glass

$950 MEMBER PRICE: $950

with Ian Chadwick

Calendar Next available session starts May 18, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

Symmetry can be used as a fundamental design tool. Symmetry is used by man and nature as a device to add continuity, balance, and harmony to a chaotic universe. Its use in art and design, consequently, attains an aesthetic of order and familiarity.

In this five-day class, you will explore principles of advanced pattern forming in fused glass. Ian will share the techniques he has perfected to produce accurate linear geometric glass artworks.

Using pre-formed Bullseye colored glass striped sheets, you will expand your knowledge and experience of kilnforming and coldworking techniques to produce intricate patterns which utilize symmetry and geometry to create hypnotizing mandala-like patterns.

You will be guided through the creation of Bullseye glass striped sheets which once fired will be deconstructed and reassembled. Learn how the arrangement of tone and color can enhance the optical properties of the pattern design and how to lay out the pattern using principles of four-fold symmetry. Utilizing these concepts and techniques, you will create a 25cm x 25cm glass tile.

In addition, the class will produce a small square tile, utilizing Ian's latest method of production. This tile will be used to introduce a new surface finishing technique involving hand polishing to a fine satin finish.

You will be guided through all aspects of the class, but intermediate glass cutting skills are required since the class involves a lot of glass cutting.

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 Ian Chadwick at www.ianchadwickglassart.co.uk

Aquatics #6 - Game On!

$950 MEMBER PRICE: $950

with deb crowley

Calendar Next available session starts May 18, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

This class is the sixth in my Aquatics Series. In this five-day class we will work strictly with borosilicate glass to create fresh and saltwater game fish. We start day one with a few small pendants to warm up. Fish, sting rays, and nudibranchs are on the menu. Next, we dive right into a rainbow trout on a wood branch featuring the new Molten Aura Electrum glass, perfect for those shimmery fish! On day three we’ll make a large Mahi Mahi on water wisps scene and on day four a yellowfin tuna chasing some small schooling fish. On the last day we will make small creatures for our vignettes.

This is a fast-paced, fun-filled class with a lot of time to cement new skills to make great saleable items!

Deb has been flameworking for 35 years and shows you great ideas for more interesting art by adding expressive narratives, drawing the observer in to find their own stories in each one. Grab your gear and let’s go fishing!

Students are asked to bring three bases for your vignettes, preferably wood so they can easily be drilled out for components. Shortly before the class begins, students will receive an email with more details and suggested tools to bring.

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 deb crowley at www.debcrowley.com

Incredibly Intricate Murrine

$950 MEMBER PRICE: $950

with Penelope (Rakov) Lee

Calendar Next available session starts May 18, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

In this five-day class our goal is to break down the best method for constructing incredibly intricate murrine. Because of its complexity, murrine can be intimidating and hard to know which steps to do in what order. But by slowing down and really looking at how to best approach each step in the process, we can achieve the kinds of patterns that can seem impossible.

We will cover:

  • Some color theory
  • How to pull successful cane
  • How to build simple, and then complex bundles
  • When to work hot, and when to work cold
  • What to look for when cutting murrine for the hot shop, the kiln shop, and other applications
  • How to set up a plate for patterned roll ups
  • And finally, how to manage your piece with all those murrine.

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 Penelope (Rakov) Lee at https://www.instagram.com/pennyrakovlee/

Flame to Form: Beadmaking Foundations & Beyond

$950 MEMBER PRICE: $950

with Alessia Fuga

Calendar Next available session starts May 25, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

Ready to turn fire and glass into wearable art?

Join us for an immersive beadmaking experience where you'll learn to shape, decorate, and design stunning glass beads.

No experience? No problem.

Already started? We’ll help you grow.

In this five-day class, you will begin by learning how to set up and work confidently but safely in a studio environment. You’ll gain a solid understanding of ventilation, personal protection, proper heat management, and the tools of the trade — mandrels, marvers, graphite paddles, bead release,etc.. Special attention is given to the nature of soft glass, COE compatibility, and proper cooling.

Through guided demonstrations, you will explore the fundamental techniques of bead shaping — from round basics to more sculptural forms like ovals, barrels, hearts, bicones and figurative beads. You'll also learn essential surface decoration methods including stringer application, dot work, encasing, and simple layering to create depth and complexity in your designs.

Along the way, the class introduces the principles of color theory and glass reactions and the use of silver foil. You’ll also develop basic troubleshooting skills to overcome common issues such as cracking, bubbling, and devitrification.

The class includes an introduction to hollow beads for beginners— and blown beads for advanced beginners. Both techniques challenge your control of heat, shape, and wall thickness.

During the class or in your open studio time, whether you’re building a consistent set, experimenting with personal motifs, or developing a signature style, this course supports your growth as both a maker and designer. You’ll leave with a collection of finished beads, the foundational skills for continued independent practice, and the inspiration to keep the torch burning.

This is a perfect class for beginners or for those who feel they need to review their basic skills in order to go further in their exploration. But you have to remember that learning how to work with hot glass is a personal and unique path. Take your time and don't be afraid to make mistakes.

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 Alessia Fuga at www.alessiafuga.com

Talk Suppio

$950 MEMBER PRICE: $950

with DJ Benyosef

Calendar Next available session starts May 25, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

This five-day glassblowing class will focus on pulling cane to create cane tubes, known as "suppios." This technique is excellent for producing matching or similar objects, making it ideal for production-style work. You will learn the entire process, from pulling cane and rolling it onto a bubble to pulling the tube and cutting it into smaller tubes or cups (suppios). We will also cover gathering, twisting, and blowing up the tubes.

By the end of the course, students will have a deeper understanding of pulling even cane, managing wall thicknesses, and achieving uniform twists. The class will also introduce various wraps and incalmo techniques.

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 DJ Benyosef at benyosefglass.com

Two-layer Enhanced Pattern Building in Kilnformed Glass

$950 MEMBER PRICE: $950

with Ian Chadwick

Calendar Next available session starts May 25, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

Take your pattern making in glass up a level…. to two layers!!

In this five-day class with Ian Chadwick, you will explore how the arrangement and use of transparent colors can produce intriguing geometric patterns within two layers of glass.

Using Bullseye stringers you’ll learn the principles of accurate stringer arrangement and explore how deliberate arrangement can create striking geometric compositions. From there, the class will investigate the possibilities of cutting and arranging geometric components and the transformative effects of layering transparent linear patterns.

We will cover principles of glass cutting and coldworking and produce a panel and a drop through vase with which we will cover the process of rim removal and coldworking with Silicon Carbide or diamond abrasive lap wheels.

Students must be of an intermediate level as accurate hand cutting of glass is fundamental to this class. Techniques to improve your cutting, and ultimately your confidence, will be covered.

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 Ian Chadwick at www.ianchadwickglassart.co.uk

Beginning the Journey

$950 MEMBER PRICE: $950

with Beyvan Schantz & Lyla Nelson

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

This beginner glassblowing class will introduce you to the hot shop. We will start by gathering glass out of the furnace, then introduce blowing bubbles and learn to apply hand and tool techniques. By the end of the week, you’ll be working with a partner to create functional vessels you can use. Following this class, you should feel comfortable in any hot shop with an understanding of the tools, processes, teamwork, and communication involved in making blown glass work.

All levels are welcome.

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 Beyvan Schantz at www.beyvanschantz.com

and Lyla Nelson at www.lylanelson.net





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