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. Be inspired by the season and opt to make one-of-a-kind Valentine prints! 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 works, ready to display, gift, or admire.

TEENS ONLY workshops are a great introduction to the world of glassmaking, just for teens. Teens will step into the PGC studios and explore the heat, color, and creativity of working with glass in the flame shop, hot shop, kiln shop, or cold shop– alongside other teens. Teens can come solo and make new friends who share an interest in glassmaking, or sign up with a friend to share in the experience.

Looking for a more in-depth experience? Check out our afterschool SiO₂ classes, full-day MOLTN workshops, or summer boot camp for even more hands-on glassmaking fun.

 

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.

A well-crafted pattern is the foundation of every successful neon piece. In this seminar-style class, you'll explore both analog and digital tools for designing patterns specifically for neon bending. Learn how to break down complex shapes into achievable bends, plan efficient bending sequences, and apply essential design principles to create patterns that translate seamlessly into glass.

Through guided demonstrations and hands-on exercises, you'll develop a deeper understanding of how to balance aesthetics with functionality, ensuring your designs are not only visually compelling but also structurally sound. Whether you prefer hand-drawn sketches or digital drafting, this class will equip you with the skills to refine your neon planning process and set yourself up for success in the bending studio.

Perfect for neon enthusiasts or designers interested in neon, beginners looking to improve their approach, or experienced benders looking to expand their tools and workflow. Note: This is a seminar style class that will meet in the PGC Classroom. A laptop is required for this class to work with digital tools such as Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape. Receive a $10 discount on registration if you're currently registered in a Neon class.

Quilting and stained glass both celebrate the beauty of assembling many small pieces into one beautiful design. In this introductory and extended workshop, you’ll explore the timeless connection between these two crafts by creating your own “quilted” stained glass panel inspired by traditional quilt block patterns.

Students will learn about classic quilt block designs, select a favorite from a curated collection of patterns, and then dive into the copper foil stained glass process, from cutting and foiling to soldering and finishing.

Whether you’re a beginner eager to learn or a returning student looking for a fresh challenge, this workshop offers a creative blend of color, pattern, and light. No prior experience with quilting or stained glass is needed.

Ages 14+

PGC 52

Get ready to fall in love with the magic of molten glass. In this introductory workshop, you’ll gather molten glass from the 2,100°F furnace and add color. Then guided by a skilled instructor, you will shape it into charming sculpted heart paperweights.

This workshop is a fun introductory experience to glassblowing. Each participant will create two unique glass heart sculptures, perfect for gifting, decorating, or adding a touch of love to any space.

Ages 14+

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

PGC 117

Discover all that Pittsburgh Glass Center has to offer. Join us for an in-depth look at our educational programs, artist residency opportunities, interactive tours, and hands-on activities.

The unique event includes a guided tour, live glassblowing demonstration, and fused glass suncatcher making workshop.

Educator Open Houses are open to teachers, principals, administrators, and PTA/PTO representatives. Participants can earn Act 48 credit hours for attending.

Learn, explore, and get inspired. See how glass can spark creativity in your classrooms and beyond.

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

PGC 123 Fall in love with stained glass. In this introductory workshop, you’ll explore the fundamentals of stained glass techniques and create a beautiful stained glass heart. Under the guidance of a skilled instructor, you’ll learn to cut, wrap, and solder glass from a pattern. Perfect for gifting, decorating, or simply celebrating your love of glass. Each heart is a sparkling work of he”art”.

 

Ages 14+