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.

Ages 14+

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.

Explore the versatility of powder printing, an exciting glass process that combines screenprinting techniques with finely ground glass powder to transfer imagery onto sheet glass. Inspired by Pittsburgh’s rich history of photographic silkscreen printing, this course invites artists of all backgrounds to experiment with imagery, pattern, layering, and repetition.

You’ll learn how to manipulate images using computer software, prepare artwork for screenprinting, and burn your own designs onto screens. From personal photographs to patterns and graphic imagery, you’ll explore techniques for creating multiples and building layered compositions with glass powder.

Projects will be limited in size to accommodate the available screens and kilns, but you’ll leave with the skills and knowledge to scale up your work and confidently use PGC equipment for larger projects independently.

No prior glass or screenprinting experience is necessary.

Find inspiration in the iconic stained glass windows of American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. In this eight-week course, students will study the geometric forms, organic motifs, repetition, and strong linear compositions characteristic of Wright’s Prairie-style windows, then apply these design principles to create an original leaded stained glass panel.

The course focuses on designing for and working with lead came, a traditional construction technique that provides the structural strength needed for stained glass windows exposed to outdoor elements. Students will build upon their foundational knowledge of lead came construction while developing a foundation for creating larger stained glass windows intended for permanent installation.

Final panels will be limited in size, up to 16×18 inches.

Class tuition includes 2 sessions of open-studio time to be used during the 8-week course to complete your panel and will be available for scheduling between weeks 4-6 of the class session.

Prerequisite: Stained Glass 2: Lead Came or 48 hours of similar class experience and instructor permission is required.

PGC 1 Take your flameworking foundation to the next level. This class will walk you through the creation of each component part of a flower and guide you through the process of assembling the parts into a finished botanical form. Color application, bridging component parts, and using the hand torch to create solid seals for even the most delicate of works will be covered. You can expect to learn how to use colorful rods, frit, and stringers to create petals, stamen, stems, branches, tendrils, and leaves. Glass tubing will also be introduced.

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.

Ages 14+

PGC 1 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 chemically 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 the lamination process. 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.

Ages 14+

PGC 123 In this introductory class, you will learn the basics for working with flat colorful glass, such as cutting, grinding, foiling, and soldering. You'll explore the famous Tiffany method of construction and work with provided patterns to create a single finished stained glass panel ready for display.

No experience necessary.

This class is designed for beginners, and is a prerequisite for Stained Glass 2 level classes.

This multiweek class takes place at The Pittsburgh Glass Corner, Pittsburgh Glass Center's Community space located at 5431 Penn Avenue. ON THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS, please meet at the Pittsburgh Glass Center (5472 Penn Avenue) to check in at the Front Desk.

PGC 1 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.

Ages 14+