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Pittsburgh Glass Center



Class Length

Introduction to Beadmaking
Registration Unavailable

Introduction to Beadmaking

$475 MEMBER PRICE: $475
Calendar Next session starts Jan 21, 2026 at 6:30 pm, runs for 8 weeks

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+

Hot Glass 2

$680 MEMBER PRICE: $680
Calendar Next available session starts Jan 22, 2026 at 9:30 am, runs for 8 weeks

PGC 1 Enroll in Hot 2, build on your existing skill set and expand your creative potential. Refine and diverge from the standard cup and bowl shape in the first few weeks before moving on to more complex forms. Explore basic color application methods and learn how to troubleshoot common problems. It is recommended that all students take this class a second time in order to continue to develop and refine basic skills before moving on to advanced hot glass classes.

 

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

Prerequisite: Hot 1 or 24 hours of hot shop experience with instructor permission is required.

 

Class does not meet on 3/5.

 

Ages 14+

Kiln 1: Fusing and Casting

$540 MEMBER PRICE: $540
Calendar Next available session starts Jan 22, 2026 at 9:30 am, runs for 8 weeks
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+

Neon 101: Introduction to Neon

$495 MEMBER PRICE: $495

with Percy Echols

Calendar Next session starts Jan 22, 2026 at 9:30 am, runs for 8 weeks
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+

Full Course

Hot Glass 1

$680 MEMBER PRICE: $680
Calendar Next session starts Jan 22, 2026 at 12:30 pm, 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 3/5.

 

Ages 14+

Full Course

Introduction to Stained Glass

$550 MEMBER PRICE: $550
Calendar Next available session starts Jan 22, 2026 at 1 pm, runs for 8 weeks
1 additional session on Jan 22, 2026

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+

Torch to Treasure: Intermediate Glass Jewelry Making

$475 MEMBER PRICE: $475
Calendar Next available session starts Jan 22, 2026 at 6:30 pm, runs for 8 weeks
Go beyond the basics and explore techniques for creating wearable works of glass art. This intermediate-level class focuses on making small-scale jewelry using borosilicate glass and a hand torch. Expand your flameworking skills through solid sculpting, simple cane making, and introductory coldworking techniques. Over the course of 8 weeks, explore a range of jewelry forms including pendants, cabochons, rings, and chain links. Learn techniques for forming loops, incorporating color, and setting glass with metal findings and adhesives. The course includes hands-on practice with mandrels, covers kiln use and safe studio procedures.

Whether you’re looking to deepen your flameworking practice or explore a new direction in wearable art, this course will help you bring your glasswork into a refined and personal form.

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.

Prerequisite: Flame 1: Introduction to Flameworking, or equivalent 24 hours experience with instructor permission required.

Class does not meet 3/5

Ages 14+

Flame 1: Introduction to Flameworking

$475 MEMBER PRICE: $475
Calendar Next session starts Jan 23, 2026 at 9:30 am, runs for 8 weeks

PGC 1 Learn flame shop essentials and a variety of creative techniques while working with borosilicate (hard) glass. Begin with a solid rod of glass and melt it into a molten ball that can be manipulated into little treasures, such as pendants, marbles, chains, and sculptures. Over the course of 8 weeks, learn color application, hand control, and annealing. 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 on 3/6.

 

Ages 14+

Full Course




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