In this cross-disciplinary class, you will use the torch to create objects out of glass that will then be engraved by handheld diamond tools. Inspired by the origins of engraving, we will investigate how to recreate some of the first known works carved by humanity. As we make our own versions of these objects, we will experiment with how to combine these techniques and processes into our individual artistic practices.

Students will start by developing a basic knowledge of torchworking in the Flame Shop to create their own cabochon and cylinder seal shapes. Once these objects are made, we will take them to the cold shop, where you will learn the art of engraving with handheld diamond drills. We will also introduce other various coldworking techniques such as lapidary grinding and sandblasting to shape and assemble our projects.

Through the study of ancient glassmaking and engraving, you will explore different ways to adapt to the changes in materials and technologies from history to the present. As a team of researchers, we will learn to remake these objects in a contemporary, but still true-to-process method.

All levels are welcome from beginners to intermediate students.

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 Ryan Tanner at https://www.ryeglass.com/about

One of the greatest challenges in kilnformed glass is capturing intricate detail in finished work. This hands-on five-day class introduces students to non-traditional Pâte de Verre techniques—an innovative approach to working with glass paste at low temperatures without the use of investment molds. You will learn how to recreate real or imagined objects in striking detail, while also exploring methods that lend themselves to expressive abstraction.

Through demonstrations, discussion, and guided practice, you will explore:

• Silicone Molds – Make replicas of small objects using two types of silicone molds: one with common household caulking, and another with two-part pourable silicone rubber.
• Freeform Sculpting – Shape glass paste directly using simple tools such as palette knives, creating unique forms without molds.Color Samples – Create and test color swatches, learning how low-fire schedules affect color maturity and how to achieve desired visual outcomes.
• Exploring Binders – Experiment with three different binders, comparing their strengths and weaknesses for various applications.
• Dry Working – Develop methods for refining detail, smoothing surfaces, and preparing pieces for successful firing.
• Cold Working – Develop methods for cleaning and refining surfaces after firing.
• Technical Discussions – Gain insight into low-fire kilnforming challenges, including managing shrinkage, balancing thin and thick areas, fusing schedules, and kiln support strategies.

By the end of the course, students will have a toolkit of practical techniques for shaping glass paste into forms rich with texture, depth, and detail—equally suited for realism or abstraction.

Advanced beginners are welcome, however they must have some understanding of firing schedules and heat work in a kiln.

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 Evelyn Gottschall Baker at www.glassfractions.com

Light is energy in motion—electromagnetic pulses that radiate through space. In this immersive, hands-on neon intensive, you will explore light not just as a physical phenomenon, but as a material for glowing, sculptural expression.

After an introduction to the physics of lightwaves and the chromatic composition of neon phosphors and gas, we will move into the lab to shape vibrant colors into fluid forms on the ribbon burner. Students will explore motion, energy, and spatial presence and learn how to safely install their sweeping gestures suspended from above. Basic sign-making techniques, including traditional bends, wall-mounting, and wiring, will be covered.

This five-day class is ideal for both beginners and experienced makers seeking to expand their practice.

Additional Class Materials + Fees

• $60 for neon transformer
• A blowhose is required is required for this class. Students may bring their own or blow hose kits will be on site for purchase 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 Kacie Lees at kacielees.com

Learn how to embrace the unique working properties of found, recycled, and manufactured glass. In this experimental five-day class, you’ll be introduced to the creative possibilities of repurposed glass in the kiln and cold shop. Guided by demonstrations and technical lectures, we will complete a fast-paced series of kiln tests and small sculptures utilizing various types of found and collected 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 Morgan Gilbreath at www.morgangilbreath.com

This intermediate-level class invites you to explore the reflective possibilities of glass through the process of creating chemically mirrored blown sculptures. Students should already be proficient in gathering and blowing a bubble, as the class will build on those core skills to develop refined, sculpted forms suited for silvering techniques.

The first three days will be spent in the hot shop, focusing on the intentional setup of a bubble designed for mirroring. You will learn how wall thickness, form, internal access, and glass cleanliness each influence the success of the silvering process. The class will experiment with transparent color applications in bar and frit, observing how different hues interact in front of a mirrored surface to create variations in tone and depth within the final chrome finish.

Through daily demonstrations and guided practice, we’ll cover foundational sculpting techniques including bitwork, simple bubble manipulation, and torch-worked surface texturing to enhance form and optical complexity.

The final two days will transition to the classroom, where you will learn the pouring chemical mirroring process. Special attention will be given to the chemistry and care of mirrored surfaces, how to achieve a clean, even silver coat, and the best methods for sealing and maintaining its brilliance over time.

By the end of the course, you will leave with a deeper understanding of how to merge hot shop form making with reflective surface treatment, creating mirrored glass objects that are visually dynamic and built to last.

Additional Class Materials

Organic vapor respirator is required for the mirroring process. Students may bring their own. Respirators can be purchased from PGC prior to the class for $80.

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 MiNHi England at www.minhi.com

Beads have served as vessels of history, trade, and personal expression—and in this five-day class, they become a laboratory for flameworking exploration.

Using the bead as our central object of study, you will progress from mandrel-wound soda lime beads to hollow, off-mandrel, and blown sculptural beads in both soft glass and borosilicate. Along the way, we’ll cover color use, surface pattern and treatment, hollow-form techniques, and strategies for efficient production.

Grounded in almost 30 years of professional glasswork, the instruction combines deep technical knowledge with inventive problem solving. Expect a fast-paced but relaxed environment, filled with demonstrations, hands-on practice, and plenty of tips and tricks that you won’t find in books.

The focus is on pushing technical skills, broadening your design vocabulary, and helping you refine or reinvent your own beadmaking practice. You’ll leave with a collection of beads—ranging from small studies to oversized sculptural objects—that can stand on their own or be integrated into jewelry, strands, or other creative projects.

Expect to make a lot of beads, gain new skills, and walk away with fresh inspiration for your work.

This class is ideal for intermediate to advanced flameworkers, though adventurous beginners are welcome.

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 Amy Lemaire at amylemaire.com

During this class, Emma will introduce her original method of fusing and casting multiple layers of glass, which she has been exploring and developing, with great success, for past 20 years. This innovative technique enables fusing/casting of thin glass sheets used to set up layers composed of tiny mosaic-like elements, thus achieving three-dimensional images inside the transparent fused/cast sculptural object.

This class will focus on a new way of three-dimensional thinking in creating glass objects; on using properties of glass to achieve visual effects as well as to achieve a sense of movement within cast glass objects. You are not required to have previous experience in glass fusing. Beginners will be able, along with students possessing advanced glass fusing skills, to create and finalize their own three-dimensional glass objects during this class. Additionally, you will receive basic information about grinding and polishing three-dimensional glass objects. At all times, students will have access to an extensive digital gallery in Emma’s laptop including images of recent work as well as closeups revealing fine details on layers inside the glass object. Expect to discover an exciting new method of creating images within transparent three-dimensional glass objects.

In the past 10 years, Emma experimented with new techniques such as glass mosaics made from pre-fused elements, as well as sculptural objects constructed from tiny pâte de verre elements - a rather unusual and innovative application of pâte de verre technique. Another field of experimentation is using pâte de verre elements for inclusion onto layers of fused/cast objects. During her class, Emma will demonstrate and explain these methods, as well as vast possibilities and combinations. Students will be encouraged to experiment and play with kilnforming techniques in order to create a range of small fused, cast objects.

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 Emma Varga at www.emmavarga.com

In this five–day class we will explore fundamentals and techniques for working with borosilicate glass. We will make small marbles, animals, and hollow bottles as we build on the basics of manipulation and addition of hot glass in the flame. We will round out this class by exploring surface design with color rod and frit designs for getting that artistic look that is an exciting addition to clear rod and tubing.

Torch set up and adjustment will be covered as well as home studio design/safety, regulators, ventilation, and oven selection.

All levels of experience are welcome to this class.

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 Tim Drier at https://www.instagram.com/driertim/?hl=en