MOLTN is a dynamic and unique workshop created just for teens to explore the exciting world of glass art at Pittsburgh Glass Center. Working alongside professional glass artists, students will experience the heat, skill, and creativity that go into shaping molten glass across three studios: the Hot Shop, the Flame Shop, and the Kiln Shop.

In the Hot Shop, teens will gather and shape molten glass from a 2,100°F furnace. In the Flame Shop, they’ll use a 3,000°F torch to melt and sculpt solid glass rods. In the Kiln Shop, they’ll design and prepare glass pieces to be fused together in kilns reaching up to 1,700°F. Through this immersive experience, students will learn a range of glassmaking techniques, gain confidence working with heat and tools, and create their own one-of-a-kind glass artworks.

No experience necessary, just curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to get fired up about glass!

MOLTN is designed for students in grades 6–12.

Note: Class time includes a 30-minute break for lunch. Lunch is not provided, but we do have a refrigerator on site if needed.

 

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.

This intensive class offers students a sampler platter of technical exercises, color applications, and sculptural techniques working in both solid and hollow borosilicate glass. Designed to expose students to the vast possibilities of flameworking, this class will explore a variety of concepts and techniques.

You will be presented with new ideas and challenges to overcome, and will be encouraged and guided through both group and one-on-one demonstrations. Instruction will begin with technical exercises to help promote good habits, and will move on to a variety of sculptural approaches and color applications.

Students of all and no experience are welcome to try their hands at a variety of techniques or to focus on a particular skill or project throughout the week. First time flameworkers are encouraged to join.

Additional Class Materials

A blow hose assembly kit is required. Students may bring their own or kits are available for purchase on-site on the first day of class for $40.

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 Sam Whitney at IG: samuelwhitney

and Lisa Demagall at lisademagall.com

PGC 123 Create your own distinctive glass goblet in this immersive two-day introductory workshop, combining both hot and cold glass techniques. In the first session, work in the hot shop under the guidance of skilled instructors to gather, color, and shape molten glass from the 2,100°F furnace, forming the foot and stem of your goblet.

 

In the second session, transition to the cold shop to etch and sandblast a pre-made top, adding personalized designs that make your vessel truly unique. Instructors will also guide you through cutting, gluing, and assembling your pieces to create a functional and striking final goblet.

 

This workshop is a great introductory experience in both hot and cold glass processes, resulting in a one-of-a-kind piece you’ll be proud to take home.

 

Ages 14+

 

Have a blast in this quick and fun cold shop experience. You’ll turn an ordinary piece of glass into a beautiful one-of-a-kind work of art. Use stickers and tape to design your own pattern, motif, or image, and with the help of a skilled artist, sandblast your piece to a frosted finish, to capture the light in style. Create a design that’s seasonal, meaningful, geometric, or totally your own. Make it, blast it, and take it home the very same night! Make-It-Now experiences offer a quick hands-on introduction to the art of coldworking. In the cold shop, you’ll work with a skilled local artist using our specialized equipment to personalize your own glass piece through either sandblasting or engraving. In less than an hour, you’ll experience the cool side of glassmaking. Perfect for beginners, this guided session is a fun and creative experience with no heating or cooling required.

This is one experience where you can make it and take-it home on the same day.

Sandblasting Ages 5+

Engraving Ages 8+

Adult supervision is required for any children under 14 years old

PGC 322 Have a blast in this quick and fun cold shop experience. You’ll turn an ordinary piece of glass into a beautiful one-of-a-kind work of art. Use stickers and tape to design your own pattern, motif, or image, and with the help of a skilled artist, sandblast your piece to a frosted finish, to capture the light in style. Create a design that’s seasonal, meaningful, geometric, or totally your own. Make it, blast it, and take it home the very same night! Make-It-Now experiences offer a quick hands-on introduction to the art of coldworking. In the cold shop, you’ll work with a skilled local artist using our specialized equipment to personalize your own glass piece through either sandblasting or engraving. In less than an hour, you’ll experience the cool side of glassmaking. Perfect for beginners, this guided session is a fun and creative experience with no heating or cooling required.

This is one experience where you can make it and take-it home on the same day.

Sandblasting Ages 5+

Engraving Ages 8+

Adult supervision is required for any children under 14 years old

PGC 323 Have a blast in this quick and fun cold shop experience. You’ll turn an ordinary piece of glass into a beautiful one-of-a-kind work of art. Use stickers and tape to design your own pattern, motif, or image, and with the help of a skilled artist, sandblast your piece to a frosted finish, to capture the light in style. Create a design that’s seasonal, meaningful, geometric, or totally your own. Make it, blast it, and take it home the very same night! Make-It-Now experiences offer a quick hands-on introduction to the art of coldworking. In the cold shop, you’ll work with a skilled local artist using our specialized equipment to personalize your own glass piece through either sandblasting or engraving. In less than an hour, you’ll experience the cool side of glassmaking. Perfect for beginners, this guided session is a fun and creative experience with no heating or cooling required.

This is one experience where you can make it and take-it home on the same day.

Sandblasting Ages 5+

Engraving Ages 8+

Adult supervision is required for any children under 14 years old

PGC 324 Have a blast in this quick and fun cold shop experience. You’ll turn an ordinary piece of glass into a beautiful one-of-a-kind work of art. Use stickers and tape to design your own pattern, motif, or image, and with the help of a skilled artist, sandblast your piece to a frosted finish, to capture the light in style. Create a design that’s seasonal, meaningful, geometric, or totally your own. Make it, blast it, and take it home the very same night! Make-It-Now experiences offer a quick hands-on introduction to the art of coldworking. In the cold shop, you’ll work with a skilled local artist using our specialized equipment to personalize your own glass piece through either sandblasting or engraving. In less than an hour, you’ll experience the cool side of glassmaking. Perfect for beginners, this guided session is a fun and creative experience with no heating or cooling required.

This is one experience where you can make it and take-it home on the same day.

Sandblasting Ages 5+

Engraving Ages 8+

Adult supervision is required for any children under 14 years old

PGC 325 Have a blast in this quick and fun cold shop experience. You’ll turn an ordinary piece of glass into a beautiful one-of-a-kind work of art. Use stickers and tape to design your own pattern, motif, or image, and with the help of a skilled artist, sandblast your piece to a frosted finish, to capture the light in style. Create a design that’s seasonal, meaningful, geometric, or totally your own. Make it, blast it, and take it home the very same night! Make-It-Now experiences offer a quick hands-on introduction to the art of coldworking. In the cold shop, you’ll work with a skilled local artist using our specialized equipment to personalize your own glass piece through either sandblasting or engraving. In less than an hour, you’ll experience the cool side of glassmaking. Perfect for beginners, this guided session is a fun and creative experience with no heating or cooling required.

This is one experience where you can make it and take-it home on the same day.

Sandblasting Ages 5+

Engraving Ages 8+

Adult supervision is required for any children under 14 years old