Over the course of the session, high school-aged students will work closely with professional teaching artists to learn and practice kilnforming, casting, and kiln studio basics. Students will learn how to cut flat glass and work with a variety of other glass materials to melt and shape designs to create an array of functional and decorative pieces. Students will also explore reproducing items in glass from a found object through mold-making and casting. Young artists are encouraged to bring their own ideas and creativity to their projects to make them their own.

This program is designed with youth in mind. The course focuses on safety, confidence building with materials, and teaching foundational glassmaking skills to young artists. Sessions and content will vary and be adapted to students' interests and skills. This program can be and is often taken more than once. We encourage our students from Mixed and Mashed Up to level up to this program, but no previous experience is required.

Students who participate in SiO2 Fusing and Casting are invited to participate in a celebration and exhibition at the end of the semester and are also invited to show their work in a rotating display on Pittsburgh Glass Center's third floor.

PGC is committed to facilitating access for all young people. We offer full- and half-tuition scholarships for middle school and high school students based on application strength. No previous glass or art experience is required. Our only prerequisites are enthusiasm, curiosity, and an eagerness to learn.

Create a meaningful and decorative fused glass mezuzah in this introductory fused glass workshop. Under the guidance of a skilled instructor, you’ll learn to cut and layer sheet glass, frit (colored glass granules), and stringers (thin colored glass rods) to design a one-of-a-kind piece that reflects your personal style. Whether you choose an abstract pattern, symbolic imagery, or a colorful landscape-inspired design, your finished mezuzah will bring handmade beauty and a touch of luminous color to your doorway. Once your design is complete, we’ll fire it in the kiln to fuse everything together into a durable and functional work of glass art.

Please note: scrolls and mounting hardware are not provided.

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

PGC 123 Discover the art of printmaking with glass. In this introductory workshop, you’ll use cold shop etching tools to engrave your own glass plate and create a unique design. Once your plate is complete, you’ll bring your artwork to life with ink, transferring your design onto paper.

At the end of the workshop, you’ll leave with both your engraved glass plate and your printed work, ready to display, gift, or admire.

PGC 202

Stir in style. In this introductory workshop, make elegant, colorful swizzle sticks for your drinks, houseplants, or garden décor using a 3,000°F torch. Guided by a skilled instructor, learn torch basics and explore decorative techniques to make a functional or decorative glass set. Fun to make, beautiful to use, and perfect to keep or gift.

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

PGC 123 Create your own distinctive glass goblet in this immersive two-day introductory workshop, combining both hot and cold glass techniques. In the first session, work in the hot shop under the guidance of skilled instructors to gather, color, and shape molten glass from the 2,100°F furnace, forming the foot and stem of your goblet.

In the second session, transition to the cold shop to etch and sandblast a pre-made top, adding personalized designs that make your vessel truly unique. Instructors will also guide you through cutting, gluing, and assembling your pieces to create a functional and striking final goblet.

This workshop is a great introductory experience in both hot and cold glass processes, resulting in a one-of-a-kind piece you’ll be proud to take home.

SiO2 Glassblowing is a hands-on, after school program specifically for students in grades 9-12. Classes meet once a week for 10 sessions.

High school-aged students will work closely with professional teaching artists to learn to gather from the 2,100°F furnace, tool handling, and how to shape molten glass into solid and blown forms. After practicing and reviewing the basics, young artists are encouraged to bring their own creativity and ideas to the bench.

This program is designed with youth in mind. The course focuses on safety, confidence building with materials, and teaching foundational glassmaking skills to young artists. Sessions and content will vary and adapt to students' interests and skills. This program is often taken more than once. We encourage our students from Mixed and Mashed Up to level up to this program, but no previous experience is required.

Students who participate in SiO2 Glassblowing are invited to participate in a celebration and exhibition at the end of the semester and are also invited to show their work in a rotating display on Pittsburgh Glass Center’s third floor.

PGC is committed to facilitating access for all young people. We offer full- and half-tuition scholarships for middle school and high school students based on application strength. No previous glass or art experience is required. Our only prerequisites are enthusiasm, curiosity, and eagerness to learn.

APPLY NOW for a youth scholarship at this link.

Top off your bottles with style. In this introductory workshop, melt and shape molten glass into custom bottle stoppers with a 3,000°F torch. Guided by a skilled instructor, learn torch basics and add color, texture, and details to create functional art for wine, oils, or decorative display. Impress your guests or give as a unique hand crafted gift.

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

Turn up the heat and let your creativity take shape. In this introductory workshop, you’ll gather glowing molten glass from the 2,100°F furnace and add colors of your choice. Then guided by a skilled instructor, you will twist, pull, and sculpt it into one-of-a-kind paperweights bursting with color and personality.

This workshop is a fun introductory experience into hot glass sculpting. Each participant will make two fun and functional paperweights, perfect for your desk, shelf, or as a thoughtful gift.

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