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Pittsburgh Glass Center

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Beginner

in Skill level

Hot Glass 1

$680 MEMBER PRICE: $680
Calendar Next available session starts Sep 22, 2026 at 9:30 am
1 additional session on Sep 23, 2026

PGC 2

Learn to blow glass now.

 

In this introductory class, learn to gather clear molten glass from the furnace and shape it into various forms, from paperweights to simple blown shapes, such as cups and bowls.

 

Instruction focuses on a team approach to glassblowing, with an emphasis on safety, proper tool use, basic techniques, and materials. Youll never drink from a glass again without appreciating the energy and detail that went into making it. No experience is required.

 

You may also wish to take this class a second time in order to continue to develop and refine basic skills before moving on to Hot Glass 2. Each time you take it, your skill level, confidence, and passion for glass will grow.

 

Class tuition includes 2 hours of open-studio time to be used during the 8-week course period. Open Studio is held on Monday Nights 5:00pm - 9:00pm.

 

Class does not meet the week of October 11-17th, 2026.

Ages 14+

Introduction to Stained Glass

$550 MEMBER PRICE: $550
Calendar Next available session starts Sep 22, 2026 at 9:30 am

PGC 1 In this introductory class, you will learn the basics for working with flat colorful glass such as cutting, grinding, foiling, and soldering. You'll explore the famous Tiffany method of construction and work with provided patterns to create a finished stained glass panel ready for display. No experience necessary. This class is designed for beginners, and is a prerequisite for Intermediate Stained Glass.

 

Class tuition includes 2 hours of open-studio time to be used during the 8-week course period. Open Studio is held on Monday Nights 5:00pm - 9:00pm.

 

Class does not meet the week of October 11-17th, 2026

 

Ages 14+

Kiln 1: Fusing and Casting

$540 MEMBER PRICE: $540
Calendar Next available session starts Sep 22, 2026 at 1 pm
Are you curious about the kiln Shop? In Kiln 1, you will gain a broad understanding of the vast possibilities of kilnformed glass exploring both fusing and casting techniques. You will learn how to cut sheet glass and work with a variety of other materials to melt and shape your designs creating an array of functional and decorative pieces. Then get a bit more dimensional with an introduction to cast glass. Using a found object, you will learn how to reproduce the object in glass. You will also gain an understanding of kiln programming and the properties of glass. No experience is necessary.

Class does not meet the week of October 11-17th, 2026

Ages 14+

Flame 1: Introduction to Flameworking

$475 MEMBER PRICE: $475
Calendar Next available session starts Sep 22, 2026 at 6:30 pm

PGC 1 Flameworking is the art of melting, manipulating, sculpting, and blowing glass over a tabletop torch. This introductory 8-week class will cover safety, torch operation, and a variety of solid sculpting practices using borosilicate glass rods. Weekly demonstrations will teach new tips, tools, and the color applications needed to melt glass and create unique works of art. You can expect to learn how to sculpt pendants, marbles, animals, leaves, flowers, and small sculptures. The instructor will also provide one-on-one troubleshooting. No experience necessary..

 

Class tuition includes 2 hours of open-studio time to be used during the 8-week course period. This will help you become familiar with the studio and learn the process of studio rental beyond class hours. Open Studio is held on Monday Nights 5:00pm - 9:00pm.

 

Class does not meet the week of October 11 - 17, 2026

 

Ages 14+

Freeze and Fuze - 3D Kiln Work without the Mess

$540 MEMBER PRICE: $540

with Mary Costello

Calendar Next available session starts Sep 22, 2026 at 6:30 pm
Want to learn how to make three-dimensional glass objects without the mess of casting? Join us to learn how to pack pre-made silicone molds with glass powder and water, harnessing the states of matter in new ways for a glass artist by freezing them into a solid form and quickly firing them up to fuse together and retain their shape. Objects can stand on their own or be combined to adorn mosaiced or fused glass backdrops, bringing a whole new dimension to your work.

Ages 14+

Introduction to Coldworking

$330 MEMBER PRICE: $330
Calendar Next available session starts Sep 22, 2026 at 6:30 pm
PGC 1

Learn how to operate all of the equipment to cut, grind, drill, engrave, sandblast, and polish glass in this entirely cold process class. Learn techniques to strategize the best optical placement of cuts and gain experience using special adhesives to bond glass segments together. Create unique works of glass art with interesting surface textures and shapes. Leave with a foundational knowledge of coldworking techniques and understanding of basic cold working processes. No experience necessary.

 

Class tuition includes 4 hours of open-studio time to be used during the 8-week course period. Open Studio is held on Mondays from 5:00pm - 9:00pm.

 

Class does not meet the week of October 11-17th, 2026.

 

Ages 14+

Kiln 1: Fusing and Casting

$540 MEMBER PRICE: $540
Calendar Next available session starts Sep 23, 2026 at 6:30 pm
Are you curious about the kiln Shop? In Kiln 1, you will gain a broad understanding of the vast possibilities of kilnformed glass exploring both fusing and casting techniques. You will learn how to cut sheet glass and work with a variety of other materials to melt and shape your designs creating an array of functional and decorative pieces. Then get a bit more dimensional with an introduction to cast glass. Using a found object, you will learn how to reproduce the object in glass. You will also gain an understanding of kiln programming and the properties of glass. No experience is necessary.

Ages 14+

Marbles and Cane

$475 MEMBER PRICE: $475
Calendar Next available session starts Sep 23, 2026 at 6:30 pm
Learn how to combine clear and colorful glass into a helical wonder that can be used to make a perfect sphere. To create cane, you will focus on technique and color design as you heat up a ball of glass and draw it down into a twisted rod. Then, learn various artistic applications for the cane you create as you hone your marble skills on the torch.

Class tuition includes 2 hours of open-studio time to be used during the 8-week course period.

Class does not meet on 10/14/2026.





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