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Pittsburgh Glass Center



Activity Type

Layers - A Hot & Cold Integration
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Layers - A Hot & Cold Integration

$2,100

with Chris Giordano & Cole Johnson

Calendar Next session starts Aug 3, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 2 weeks

This two-week intensive* examines the relationship between the hot and cold shop. We will be focusing on and encouraging both exploration and refinement of form. Throughout the course you will move between studios, developing vessel forms, and advancing them through various surface and finishing techniques.

In the hot shop, you will focus on building technique and creating blank forms to further work in the cold shop. Demonstrations will cover various techniques, such as double overlay, Swedish overlay, stuff cups, powder application, and pattern making. Guided instruction will highlight bubble setup, heat control, timing, and intentionality. Using the 3D object to study form, color, and function.

Cold shop sessions will focus on equipment operation, punty removal, lathe work, and surface treatment. Using various cutting wheels and methods of surface finishing, students will explore texture, pattern, and optical effects. Designed for students with prior hot shop experience, this course supports technical growth, material awareness, and a deeper understanding of how form, surface, and color interact.

Students must be able to comfortably blow and cap a bubble. Participants are encouraged to bring a sketchbook and a desire to learn.

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.

*Class runs Monday through Saturday for the first week, and Monday through Friday for the second week. 

For more information, please review Summer Intensives.

 

Learn more about Chris Giordano at www.giostudio.com

Learn more about Cole Johnson at www.colejohnsonglass.com

 

Unexplored Territory - A Detailed Guide

$1,050

with Kimberly Thomas

Calendar Next available session starts Aug 3, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

Say goodbye to your comfort zone, prepare to challenge limits and articulate your unique vision. Explore the three-dimensional world of dynamic action with borosilicate glass while simultaneously expanding your sculptural lexicon. In this five-day class, emphasis will be placed on improving technical literacy in flameworking and developing your artistic voice.Through demonstrations and hands-on practice you will investigate, experiment, and turn the fundamentals of flameworking upside down to create complex sculptural forms. Explorations in color rod and frit applications will add further dimension and excitement to the process. Balancing innovation, intuition, and technical skill with a spirit of experimentation, this class invites students to reimagine the potential of borosilicate sculpture.

Students should have basic flameworking skills. They should have experience working with hollow forms or be at the level where they can start.

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 Kimberly Thomas at www.KimberlyThomas.art

Make-It-Now: Fused Glass Suncatcher

$35
Calendar Next available session starts Aug 7, 2026 at 6 pm
2 additional sessions through Aug 7, 2026
Make glass during our monthly Hot Jam!

Join us on the first Friday of each month for our Hot Jam and open house with live glassblowing and flameworking demonstrations. Check out the gallery, explore the studios, shop for glass art, and now make your own glass!

Make-It-Now Fused Glass Suncatcher

Make a unique glass decoration. In this introductory experience, you'll combine colorful pieces of glass granules (frit) and thin colorful glass rods (stringers) to create a decorative glass suncatcher of your own design. Once you design it, we’ll fire it in a kiln with a hook for hanging.

Registration is suggested, but not required, for Fused Glass Suncatcher. Walk in seats are subject to availability.

Registration is not required for Hot Jam Open House.

Make-It-Now experiences offer a quick, hands-on introduction to the colorful world of kilnformed glass. In the kiln shop, you’ll learn from a skilled local artist how to design and assemble your own glass creation using glass frit and stringers. In less than an hour, explore how layers of glass come together to form vibrant patterns and images of your own design. Perfect for beginners, these quick experiences let you discover the beauty of working with glass at your own pace and with no heat.

Ages 5+

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 kiln shop must be heated and fused in the kiln, then cooled slowly. Items are available for pick-up after 5 days. Shipping can be arranged on site the day of your activity.

Make-It-Now: Glass Fidget/Worry Stone

$30
Calendar Next session starts Aug 7, 2026 at 6 pm
8 additional sessions through Aug 7, 2026

Fire up the torch, shape molten glass, and melt your stress away. In this quick and exciting flame shop experience, you’ll work closely with a skilled artist to gather and shape molten glass into a colorful fidget/worry stone using a 3,000°F torch. Perfect for finding your center.

 

Make-It-Now experiences offer a quick hands-on introduction to the magic of glassmaking. In the flame shop, you’ll work one-on-one with a skilled local artist at a 3,000° tabletop torch. In about 20 minutes or less, you’ll work together to heat, shape, color, and craft your glass item. Perfect for beginners, these short experiences give a taste of the excitement, skill, and artistry that goes into working with glass in a supportive, guided setting.

 

Ages 8+

 

Adult supervision is required for any child 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 flame 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.

Fast Track Flameworking: Spring Flower Bouquet

$165
Calendar Next session starts Aug 8, 2026 at 10 am
Spend a day surrounded by color and creativity as you craft your own bouquet of glass flowers in this full-day beginner workshop. Working with borosilicate glass and a 3,000°F tabletop torch, you’ll learn how to melt, shape, and bring glass to life with vibrant color and sculptural detail. Demonstrations throughout the day will guide you in forming petals, sculpting leaves, and exploring different techniques for assembling your blossoms.

Design your flowers to stand tall on 6” clear stems, perfect for a vase or potted plant, or add loops to transform them into wearable pendants. You will gain a solid foundation in studio safety, torch operation, essential sculpting techniques, and experience the joy of working with molten glass.

Note: Class includes a 30-minute lunch break. Lunch is not provided, but a refrigerator is available for student use.

Ages 14+

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

Stained Glass Suncatcher

$175
Calendar Next session starts Aug 8, 2026 at 10 am

Get started with stained glass. In this introductory workshop, you'll create a beautiful decorative suncatcher from a variety of provided patterns. Under the guidance of a skilled instructor, you'll learn basic stained glass techniques including glass cutting, copper foiling, and soldering. At the end of the workshop, you’ll take home a beautiful piece that brightens any space.

 

Ages 14+

 

Full Course

Fused Glass Platter

$165
Calendar Next available session starts Aug 8, 2026 at 3 pm
PGC 140

Serve up style with your very own handmade glass platter. In this introductory 4-hour workshop, you’ll learn how to cut, design, and assemble colorful sheet glass, glass granules (frit), and thin glass rods (stringers) into your own pattern under the guidance of a skilled instructor.

Once your design is complete, we’ll fuse it in the kiln to create a dazzling platter perfect for serving your favorite food, or simply displaying as a handmade work of art. Platters can be made in a variety of sizes including 7" x 12", 10" x 10", 8" x 8", or 9" round. 

Ages 14+ 

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

Lampworking with Sally

$1,050

with Sally Prasch

Calendar Next session starts Aug 10, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

In this five-day class, we will cover scientific glassblowing techniques that will be incorporated into individual projects including ring, blind, and side seals. Projects will be scaled to each student’s ability. Musical instruments, flowers, candle holders, solid and hollow chain will be covered.

Beth Hylen will be our TA so we will also be covering some glass history.

This class is open to all levels. Come have a blast with Sally and Beth!

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 Sally Prasch at https://praschglass.com/

Full Course




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