Your browser is not optimized for viewing this website.

More information »

Pittsburgh Glass Center



8-Week Class

in Activity Type

Hot Glass 1

$680 MEMBER PRICE: $680
Calendar Next session starts Sep 25, 2026 at 12:30 pm
PGC 1

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. Youll 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 2 hours of open-studio time to be used during the 8-week course period. Open Studio is held on Monday Nights 5:00pm - 9:00pm.

 

Class does not meet the week of October 11-17th, 2026.

Ages 14+

Flame 1: Introduction to Flameworking

$475 MEMBER PRICE: $475
Calendar Next available session starts Sep 26, 2026 at 9:30 am

PGC 1 Flameworking is the art of melting, manipulating, sculpting, and blowing glass over a tabletop torch. This introductory 8-week class will cover safety, torch operation, and a variety of solid sculpting practices using borosilicate glass rods. Weekly demonstrations will teach new tips, tools, and the color applications needed to melt glass and create unique works of art. You can expect to learn how to sculpt pendants, marbles, animals, leaves, flowers, and small sculptures. The instructor will also provide one-on-one troubleshooting. No experience necessary..

 

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 and learn the process of studio rental beyond class hours. Open Studio is held on Monday Nights 5:00pm - 9:00pm.

 

Class does not meet the week of October 11 - 17, 2026

 

Ages 14+

Hot Glass 1

$680 MEMBER PRICE: $680
Calendar Next available session starts Sep 26, 2026 at 9:30 am
PGC 1

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. Youll 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 2 hours of open-studio time to be used during the 8-week course period. Open Studio is held on Monday Nights 5:00pm - 9:00pm.

 

Class does not meet the week of October 11-17th, 2026.

Ages 14+

Hot Glass 2

$680 MEMBER PRICE: $680
Calendar Next available session starts Sep 26, 2026 at 12:30 pm

Enroll in Hot 2, 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 classes.

 

Class tuition includes 2 hours of rental time per student to be used during the 8-week course period. Open Studio is held on Monday Nights 5:00pm - 9:00pm.

Prerequisite: Hot 1 or 24 hours of hot shop experience with instructor permission is required.

 

Multiweek classes do not meet the week of October 11-17th, 2026.

 

Ages 14+

Introduction to Coldworking

$330 MEMBER PRICE: $330
Calendar Next available session starts Sep 26, 2026 at 12:30 pm

Learn how to operate all of the equipment to cut, grind, drill, engrave, sandblast, and polish glass in this entirely cold process class. Learn techniques to strategize the best optical placement of cuts and gain experience using special adhesives to bond glass segments together. Create unique works of glass art with interesting surface textures and shapes. Leave with a foundational knowledge of coldworking techniques and understanding of basic cold working processes. No experience necessary.

 

Class tuition includes 4 hours of open-studio time to be used during the 8-week course period. Open Studio is held on Mondays from 5:00pm - 9:00pm.

 

Class does not meet the week of October 11-17th, 2026.

 

Ages 14+

Intermediate Stained Glass

$550 MEMBER PRICE: $550
Calendar Next available session starts Sep 26, 2026 at 1 pm
Choose from a variety of patterns and learn the traditional technique of lead came. This technique is necessary to create a window that will be exposed to outdoor elements. Understanding this technique will allow you to feel comfortable moving forward with larger, more permanent stained glass creations.

Prerequisite: Introduction to Stained Glass or 24 hours of stained glass experience with instructor experience is required.

Ages 14+

Torch to Treasure: Intermediate Glass Jewelry Making

$475 MEMBER PRICE: $475
Calendar Next available session starts Sep 26, 2026 at 1 pm
Go beyond the basics and explore techniques for creating wearable works of glass art. This intermediate-level class focuses on making small-scale jewelry using borosilicate glass and a hand torch. Expand your flameworking skills through solid sculpting, simple cane making, and introductory coldworking techniques. Over the course of 8 weeks, explore a range of jewelry forms including pendants, cabochons, rings, and chain links. Learn techniques for forming loops, incorporating color, and setting glass with metal findings and adhesives. The course includes hands-on practice with mandrels, covers kiln use and safe studio procedures.

Whether you’re looking to deepen your flameworking practice or explore a new direction in wearable art, this course will help you bring your glasswork into a refined and personal form.

Class tuition includes 2 hours of open-studio time to be used during the 8-week course period. Open Studio is held on Monday Nights 5:00pm - 9:00pm.

Prerequisite: Flame 1: Introduction to Flameworking, or equivalent 24 hours experience with instructor permission required.

Class does not meet 10/17/2026

Ages 14+

Hot Glass 3

$680 MEMBER PRICE: $680
Calendar Next available session starts Sep 26, 2026 at 3:30 pm
This class will focus on more complex and specific techniques including the use of solid colors and the creation of compound shapes to create unique vessels. You will receive regular demonstrations, instructor-guided direction, and support to refine basic skills and methodology.

You may wish to take this class more than once to deepen your skill and understanding of the material. Content may vary by session.

Class tuition includes 2 hours of studio rental time to be used during the 8-week course period. Open Studio is held on Monday Nights 5:00pm - 9:00pm.

Prerequisite: Hot 2 or equivalent 48 hours experience with instructor permission required.

Class does not meet the week of October 11-17th, 2026.

Ages 14+





Forgot password?
Staff Log In