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Pittsburgh Glass Center

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Beginner

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Design Your Own Art Glass

$540 MEMBER PRICE: $540
Calendar Next session starts Jan 25, 2026 at 9:30 am, runs for 8 weeks
Express yourself and design your own sheets of glass. First, you will learn several techniques for working with glass powder, frit, and stringer to design your own glass. Next, you will use your custom made glass in fused glass projects to create beautiful objects based on your personal style. No experience needed.

Class does not meet on 3/1.

Ages 14+

Full Course

Hot Glass 1

$680 MEMBER PRICE: $680
Calendar Next available session starts Jan 25, 2026 at 9:30 am, runs for 8 weeks

PGC 1 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 on 3/1. Ages 14+

Introduction to Coldworking

$330 MEMBER PRICE: $330
Calendar Next session starts Jan 25, 2026 at 1 pm, runs for 8 weeks

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 chemically 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 the lamination process. 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 on 3/1.

 

Ages 14+

Full Course

Flameworked Turtles

$115 MEMBER PRICE: $115
Calendar Next available session starts Jan 25, 2026 at 1:30 pm

PGC 123 Shell yeah. In this introductory workshop, create tiny turtles from molten glass using a 3,000°F torch. Guided by a skilled instructor, learn torch basics and add colors, texture, and personality. Add a loop or magnet to make them perfect to wear, share, or show off.

 

Ages 14+

 

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

Sculpted Glass Mushrooms
Registration Unavailable

Sculpted Glass Mushrooms

$135 MEMBER PRICE: $135
PGC 123

Mini Mushrooms

$115 MEMBER PRICE: $115
Calendar Next session starts Jan 25, 2026 at 4 pm
PGC 108
Full Course

Introduction to Stained Glass

$550 MEMBER PRICE: $550
Calendar Next available session starts Jan 25, 2026 at 4:30 pm, runs for 8 weeks

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.

 

Multiweek classes do not meet the week of 3/1-3/7.

 

Ages 14+

SiO2 Beginner Glassblowing

$450 MEMBER PRICE: $450
Calendar Next available session starts Jan 27, 2026 at 4 pm, runs for 10 weeks

Ages: 14 - 18

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.





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