Spend an unforgettable and fun week this summer diving into the world of glass.This program is designed for teens in grades 6 - 9 to take over the Pittsburgh Glass Center studios. It gives students the rare hands-on opportunity to learn the many facets of glass in one of the top facilities in the country. Working with experienced instructors, students will rotate through all of the studios and explore glassblowing, flameworking, kilnforming, and coldworking. New this year, students will also connect glass and technology in the fabrication lab.

Please look over our Teen Boot Camp Policies and important information regarding scheduling and forms by clicking here: https://www.pittsburghglasscenter.org/teen-boot-camp-policies/

Required Forms

All registered students must complete our Teen Boot Camp Intake form. This form is presented during the registration process, and is required for all students prior to their first day of camp. Forms will ask for emergency contacts, known student allergies, and designated persons allowed to sign students out of camp.

Scholarships are available for all students! Scholarship Application Deadline: May 3, 2026.

In this class we will explore layering transparent sheet glass to create rich color palettes and artwork of depth and character. This comprehensive kilnforming class is designed to inspire you, enhance your technical skills, challenge you to think critically about your work, and deepen your experience working with color in kilnforming. We will cover all aspects of Madison’s process of working with sources of inspiration, designing with analog and digital tools, cutting and assembly of compositions, and firing.

We will begin by designing and creating test pieces to explore possible outcomes and develop an understanding of how colors interact when layered. This foundation will guide our approach to subsequent projects that are well-considered and thoughtfully crafted. Throughout the course we will work one-on-one to strategize and tailor the techniques and process to fit your skills, style, and interests.

Discussion of firing schedules, finishing work in the cold shop, and strategies for presenting your work for display will round out the content. Outcomes will include test pieces valuable for future reference and at least one well-considered work that is brought to completion. We will also have the chance to create a simple custom-made stand for presenting this work.

The aim of this class is to be a lasting experience that provides you with simple yet powerful tools to support the pursuit of your unique visions in kilnformed glass efficiently, confidently, and to have fun while doing so.

This class is suited to a variety of levels of experience in kilnforming but a foundation of basic glass cutting skills will be highly advantageous. Digital design tools that will be used include Sketchbook (a free and accessible app available for most tablets) and Photoshop.

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.

Learn more about Morgan Madison at morganvanmadison.com

This 11-day class* will move between making blanks in the hot shop that will then be worked in the cold shop. We will explore techniques that specifically incorporate blown and carved techniques: cameo carving and Graal. We will also demonstrate and explore other techniques such as cane pulling and cane application in the hot shop, vessel blowing for coldworkers, diamond wheel carving, sandblasting, and creating various surface finishes.

Overall we will be asking students to be intentional about the form, pattern, and texture of the work they will be making. Our aim is to explore a little of what is possible. Perhaps it will expand your repertoire. Perhaps this is your opportunity to refine your skills. It will be these three elements that will drive the direction of what you explore during the class but working in new ways and trying new combinations will be encouraged.

Students should be prepared with ideas and drawings to get the most out of this class. Discussion of ideas and drawings will be a part of this class.

Advanced level glassblowing is preferred and basic cold working skills are fine.

*Class runs Monday through Saturday for the first week, and Monday through Friday for the second week.

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.

Learn more about Ben Edols and Kathy Elliott at www.edolselliott.com