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Pittsburgh Glass Center

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Coldworking

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Introduction to Coldworking

$330 MEMBER PRICE: $330
Calendar Next available session starts Jan 22, 2026 at 6:30 pm, runs for 8 weeks
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 3/5.

Ages 14+

Break Through! Archival Cuts

$450 MEMBER PRICE: $450
Calendar Next available session starts Jan 24, 2026 at 1 pm, runs for 8 weeks

Take your coldworking to the next level in this new and exciting coldworking class. Explore how traditional coldworking can be utilized in non-traditional and modern applications. Collaborate with glass blowers in the hot shop to design colorful items then manipulate them to reveal layers of color with the lathe, sandblaster, or lap wheels. Combine found objects, cement, and glass. Then cut, laminate, and coldwork new and exciting shapes. Come away with new skills, fun projects, and inspiration for more complicated works.

 

Class tuition includes 6 hours of studio rental time to be used during the 8-week course period. Rental time is purposefully included with this 8-week course to give students independent studio time to practice the skills and will be required to be able to complete projects.

 

Class does not meet 3/7.

 

Prerequisite: Introduction to Coldworking, or equivalent 24 hours of coldworking experience with instructor permission is required.

 

Ages 14+

TEENS ONLY! Fused Glass Name Plate

$65 MEMBER PRICE: $65
Calendar Next available session starts Mar 7, 2026 at 10 am
Make your mark in glass! In this introductory workshop, design a custom fused glass plaque featuring your name. With guidance from a skilled instructor, you’ll learn how to cut and assemble colorful sheet glass into a mosaic-style panel. Once you design it, we’ll fire it in the kiln so all the pieces become one, a fun one-of-a-kind way to show off your personal style.

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.

Coldworking Open Projects

$175 MEMBER PRICE: $175
Calendar Next available session starts Apr 4, 2026 at 9:30 am, runs for 4 weeks
Gain full access to the cold shop's grinders, sanders, lathe, lap wheel, sandblaster and drill presses with expert guidance from our experienced instructors. Learn new techniques and improve upon existing skills to carve, shape, polish and embellish glass. Make projects of your own design or finish started pieces. Open projects is great for hot glass workers, kiln formers, glass casters, and artists who want to develop and enhance their skills to finish glass.

Prerequisite: Introduction to Coldworking, or equivalent 24 hours of coldworking experience with instructor permission is required.

Ages 14+

Explore Coldworking!

$950 MEMBER PRICE: $950

with František Janák

Calendar Next available session starts Jun 29, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

With 60 years of experience and practice in the field of coldworking, František hopes to pass on the vast knowledge that he has acquired. He is coming from Czechia where coldworking has earned a long and strong tradition. In this class you will learn a step-by-step process to make a small glass sculpture from a solid block of glass and decorative, rich cutting to make patterns on blown vessel blanks. Together we will build a strong foundation for professional craftsmanship. The class will cover multiple approaches to shaping, sculpting, engraving, grinding, and polishing glass.

You will also learn how to assemble components using Ultraviolet Epoxy and properly set up and use different machines like horizontal flatting mill, vertical lathes, diamond saws, and belt sanders. With each machine there are specific and different grinding, smoothing, and polishing tools, materials, and processes. These tools include original Czech-made diamond, stone, and resin wheels. You will also be provided with information on how to design a perfect professional cold shop, including the necessary equipment.

No previous coldworking experience is required, although intermediate coldworkers are very welcome and may learn more than they have ever expected.

All students are welcome! Intermediate and advanced students will also be able to learn new skills and hone their existing skills.

Evening Open Studio

Studios are open until 9:30PM for students to practice. Depending on the class, process, and techniques, this time might be highly suggested by instructors for students to use. In other classes, this time might be considered optional.

For more information, please review Summer Intensives.





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