Your browser is not optimized for viewing this website.

More information »

Pittsburgh Glass Center

Filter by Category



Beginner

in Skill level

Stained Glass Garden Gnome

$175 MEMBER PRICE: $175
Calendar Next available session starts Jun 27, 2026 at 1 pm

Bring some whimsy to your garden. In this introductory 4-hour workshop, you’ll create a charming gnome garden stake for your indoor pots or outdoor garden. Under the guidance of a skilled instructor, you’ll learn essential stained glass techniques including cutting glass, copper foiling, following a pattern, soldering, and assembling as you make a two-dimensional garden stake.

 

It’ll be gnome-tastic fun from start to finish, and you’ll leave with a whimsical piece ready to brighten your greenery.

 

Ages 14+

 

Stained Glass Mushroom

$115 MEMBER PRICE: $115
Calendar Next available session starts Jun 27, 2026 at 5:30 pm
PGC 164

Bring your garden to life with a vibrant stained glass mushroom. In this introductory workshop, you’ll explore the fundamentals of stained glass. Under the guidance of a skilled instructor, you’ll learn to cut, wrap, and solder glass from a pattern into a fun and funky mushroom that brightens potted plants or outdoor beds. Great for adding personality and sparkle to any space.

 

Ages 14+

 

Upcycled Bottles

$95 MEMBER PRICE: $95
Calendar Next available session starts Jun 28, 2026 at 1:30 pm
PGC 166

Give your empty bottles and jars a second life. In this introductory workshop, you’ll transform everyday glass into beautiful and functional pieces like drinking glasses, vases, candle holders, or unique decor.

 

Bring 2–4 clean bottles or jars, and a skilled instructor will guide you through cutting, grinding, polishing, sandblasting, and engraving to create your own custom designs.

 

To make the most of your creative time, please remove any paper labels before the workshop.

 

Get ready to upcycle, refresh, and reimagine your glass.

 

Ages 14+

 

New Beginnings in Hot Glass

$1,050 MEMBER PRICE: $1,050

with Jon Sirockman

Calendar Next available session starts Jun 29, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

This is an introduction to glassblowing, no prior experience in the hot shop is needed! We will learn the basics of gathering glass independently of the instructors, moving through the studio, shaping, and reheating the glass to create glass sculptures and vessels that will be solely your own.

We will cover safety and proper use of studio equipment and tools, how to create solid shapes, and then move into breathing life into the glass, concentrating on simple drinking vessels, and the basics of shaping more advanced pieces. This five-day class will set the foundation for you to take more advanced classes in the future.

This class is for beginners who have no experience in the hot shop. If you have had some or limited experience, that is alright. We will be using teambuilding and skill drills to establish a solid foundation in 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 Jon Sirockman at https://www.instagram.com/sirockman_glass/?hl=en

Pâte de Verre: New Approaches to an Ancient Technique with Tali Grinshpan

$1,050 MEMBER PRICE: $1,050

with Tali Grinshpan

Calendar Next session starts Jun 29, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

Experiment and explore non-traditional methods of working with Pâte de Verre in this five-day class. You will experiment and learn how to create a wide range of objects without making plaster silica molds. We will make both flat and three-dimentional objects, investigate different possible results, and discover how to achieve artistic and aesthetic goals using glass paste.

We will explore different possibilities of working with this medium, both on its own and in mixed media. We will test combining other materials like metals and botanicals. And lastly, we will discuss firing schedules as well as finishing and coldworking options.

This week will be filled with experimentation, fun, and discovery.

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 Tali Grinshpan at www.taligrinshpan.com

Full Course

Engraved and Embossed Glasses

$95 MEMBER PRICE: $95
Calendar Next available session starts Jul 5, 2026 at 1:30 pm

You bring the creativity, we’ll supply the glass. In this introductory workshop, you’ll personalize your own beer mug, wine goblet, or drinking glass while gaining hands-on experience with professional cold shop equipment. Work with a skilled artist and explore sandblasting, carving, etching, polishing, and dremeling to make your glass totally yours.

 

Ages 14+

 

Sculpted Glass Mushrooms

$135 MEMBER PRICE: $135
Calendar Next available session starts Jul 5, 2026 at 5 pm

Step into a whimsical world of molten magic. In this introductory workshop, you’ll gather glass from the 2,100°F furnace and add color. Then twist, pull, and sculpt it into playful glass mushrooms.

This workshop is an engaging, hands-on introductory experience in hot glass sculpting. Each participant will craft two unique mushrooms, perfect for display, gifting, or adding a magical glass touch to any plant or space.

 

Ages 14+

 

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

Sand & Psyche

$1,050 MEMBER PRICE: $1,050

with Geoffrey Bowton

Calendar Next available session starts Jul 6, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

Sand & Psyche is a unique class designed for students to discover the therapeutic benefits of Pâte de verre, a technique that utilizes glass frits and powders. This five-day class welcomes participants of all experience levels and provides a supportive environment to learn and express oneself through glass.

This class begins with making your own Pâte de verre tools used for distributing the frits and powders, then learning methods for building complex layers inside a two-part plaster and silica refractory mold. You will engage in creating multiple color samples, which can later be used as magnets or displayed as decorative pieces. Then, follow a step-by-step process that guides you in translating your ideas into a figurative mask. This includes initial sketching on a paper mask, moving into wax sculpting, and culminating in the construction of a final glass project. There will be special tips and tricks shared during the casting process, helping you manage a successful project in the future.

Sand & Psyche offers a platform for you to delve into your subconscious, allowing you to confront internal conversations in a safe, artistic manner. By engaging in this creative practice, you have the opportunity to develop coping mechanisms, reduce stress levels, and foster a sense of empowerment and self-expression.

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 Geoffrey Bowton at www.geoffreybowton.com





Forgot password?
Staff Log In