Join Pittsburgh Glass Center for a special Veteran’s Day celebration with an afternoon of creativity, community, and live glassmaking.

1:00PM - 5:00PM Free Glassblowing Demonstrations

Veterans with Valid ID are invited to make a FREE fused glass suncatcher. This program is offered free of charge for veterans as a way to honor their service and create space for connection, creativity, and shared experience. Veterans are encouraged to bring friends and family members to participate alongside them and enjoy the experience together.

To help support and sustain this programming, accompanying guests are asked to contribute a minimum of $5. Additional contributions are welcome, and all funds directly benefit future veteran-centered programs, helping us continue to provide accessible creative opportunities and community events. Whether you come to create, connect, learn something new, or simply spend meaningful time together, this event is designed to foster community, conversation, and support in a welcoming environment for all.

Fused Glass Suncatcher

In this fun kiln shop experience, use colorful glass granules (frit) and thin glass rods (stringers) to design a vibrant glass suncatcher that captures the light. Once your design is complete, we’ll fire it in the kiln so all the pieces become one.

Ages 5+

Adult supervision is required for any children under 14 years old.

PGC 203

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.

This workshop is a fun introduction to hot glassblowing. Each participant will make two textured ornaments, perfect for trimming the tree, gifting to someone special, or adding a little sparkle to your space all year long.

Using colorful sheet glass and traditional stained glass techniques, you'll assemble a series of two-dimensional stained glass bulbs that can be strung together as cheerful seasonal décor or used individually as ornaments and gift toppers. Each finished piece brings a playful pop of color and handmade sparkle to the holidays. Each participant will make up to 3 bulbs.

Learn the art of stained glass while creating your very own glass snowflake. Students will work with pre-cut glass, bevels and gems wrapping each component in metal to then join them together with molten solder. Use these dazzling snowflakes to decorate your home for the winter season or catch the light in your window all year round.

Using colorful sheet glass and traditional stained glass techniques, you'll assemble a series of two-dimensional stained glass bulbs that can be strung together as cheerful seasonal décor or used individually as ornaments and gift toppers. Each finished piece brings a playful pop of color and handmade sparkle to the holidays. Each participant will make up to 3 bulbs.

PGC 212

It’s alive… in glass. In this introductory workshop, spark your imagination as you twist, melt, and sculpt your own glass monsters and mythical creatures using a 3,000°F torch. Guided by a skilled instructor, learn torch basics and add colors, texture, and personality. Add a glass loop or keep them as sculptures, perfect to wear, share, or show off.

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

Carve out some fun with molten glass pumpkins. 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 blow and sculpt it into beautiful pumpkins with curly stems. This workshop is a fun introductory experience into hot glassblowing. Each participant will make two blown pumpkins, perfect for harvesting compliments at home, gifting to a loved one, or adding a decorative touch to any space.

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