Combine sculpting and moldmaking with the heat of the kiln to create cast glass sculptures. Begin by learning the basics of kiln cast glass by creating small 3D objects then move on to making glass replicas of found objects. Explore silicones and other moldmaking materials and learn the lost wax casting process. Finally, you'll work with body-safe life-casting alginate and take a mold of your hand (or other body part) and turn it into glass. This class will cover model construction, refractory molds, glass preparation, firing, and resolving castings into finished works of art. No experience necessary.

Class does not meet on 3/4.

Ages 14+

Working with borosilicate glass in this 8-week class, you will learn how to make tiny worlds inside spheres of glass. Each week you will learn a new color design while honing your basic flameworking skills and getting ever closer to the elusive perfect sphere. Things that you'll learn along the way might include pulling striped cane, clear or color encasement, heat control and more. This class is intended for beginners or intermediate flameworkers. Join us to advance your technical skills, consider new forms and designs, and hopefully make some friends along the way. No experience necessary.

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 from 5:00pm - 9:00pm.

Class does not meet on 3/4.

Ages 14+

Mixed and Mashed Up is a hands-on, glass making after-school program specifically for students in grades 6-8. Classes meet after school once a week for 12 sessions.

Students will spend four sessions in three studios learning foundational glassblowing, flameworking, and kilnforming from professional teaching artists.

In the hot shop, students will gather and shape glass from a 2,100°F furnace. In the flame shop, students will melt, shape, and manipulate rods of glass over a 3,000°F tabletop torch. In the kiln shop, students will explore the world of cutting and designing with flat glass and kilnforming, including casting, fusing, or stained glass.

This program is designed with youth in mind. All studios focus 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.

Students who participate in Mixed and Mashed up 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.

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 3/4

 

Ages 14+

Learn the art of glass beadmaking and make an array of colorful beads. Over the course of 8 weeks, you’ll learn the basic skills of heating colorful rods of glass with a torch and how to use gravity and tools to form and mold them into unique beautiful beads. Once you’ve practiced creating forms, learn how to add decorative color and designs with dots, frit, and trails to create intricate designs. This class is suitable for all levels. Experienced beadmakers will focus on more advanced decorative techniques.

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 3/4.

Ages 14+

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 on 3/5.

Ages 14+

Discover the art of Neon Bending as we delve into the world of soda lime (soft) glass tubing. This hands-on class will equip you with essential techniques using a range of specialized tools to heat and shape the glass, enabling you to craft your very own neon sign or captivating sculpture! Throughout the course, you'll be guided through tutorials that cover glass bending, pattern design, wiring, and installation. Witness the mesmerizing process of filling a glass tube with gas to bring forth the captivating glow of light. Unleash your creativity and illuminate your world with the magic of neon! No experience necessary.

Additional Class Materials Fee: This course requires a blow hose assembly kit. If students need to purchase: Kits are available for purchase on site the first day of class for $40.

Class does not meet 3/5.

Ages 16+

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 3/5.

 

Ages 14+