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.

PGC 208

Double the fun, double the creativity. In this festive introductory workshop, you’ll make two distinct glass creations. You’ll gather glass from the 2,100°F furnace and add color. Then guided by a skilled instructor, you will create one festive blown glass ornament and one sculpted snowperson.

This workshop is a fun introductory experience to hot glass sculpting AND hot glassblowing. Each participant will make two unique seasonal creations, perfect for decorating or gifting.

Due to the nature of hot glass, your items will be available for pickup 5 days after your activity.

Bring the forest indoors. In this introductory workshop, heat and shape glass rods with a 3,000°F torch to create whimsical mini mushrooms. Guided by a skilled instructor, learn torch basics and add color and details for pendants or tiny figurines perfect for plants or to display.

 

 

Due to the nature of hot glass, your items will be available for pickup 5 days after your activity.

PGC 169 Catch the winter light. In this introductory workshop, create shimmering glass flamecicles using a 3,000°F torch. Guided by a skilled instructor, learn torch basics and explore shaping techniques to pull and twist elegant frozen inspired forms. Fun to make, beautiful to hang, and perfect to keep or gift.

Discover the art of printmaking with glass. In this introductory workshop, you’ll use cold shop etching tools to engrave your own glass plate and create a unique design. Once your plate is complete, you’ll bring your artwork to life with ink, transferring your design onto paper.

 

At the end of the workshop, you’ll leave with both your engraved glass plate and your printed work, ready to display, gift, or admire.

 

 

Step into the “magic” world of glowing glass and electrified light. In this introductory workshop, you’ll work with a skilled instructor and learn how to heat, bend, and shape borosilicate glass tubing at a 3,000°F torch. You’ll transform a simple glass tube into a sculptural form like a magic wand or playful design of your own.

Next, you’ll see a demonstration of how plasma tubes are filled and experience the magic of plasma as it comes to life over a Tesla plate, illuminating with vibrant, dancing light. Your finished work will remain at the studio for processing. You choose if it glows red or purple.

We’ll fill it and it will be ready for pickup in five days, fully transformed into a glowing work of art.

This workshop is a fun introduction to plasma. Each participant will create one plasma piece. Fun to make and mesmerizing to watch.

Registration includes Tesla coil base to light up plasma wand at home.

PGC 165 Warm up for winter in this full-day beginner flameworking workshop. Working with borosilicate glass and a 3,000°F tabletop torch, you’ll learn how to melt and sculpt solid glass rods into seasonal winter forms like flamecicles, snowpeople, and other frosted-inspired sculptures. Demonstrations throughout the day will guide you through shaping, detailing, and building expressive forms in glass, with additional time available to explore other winter-themed designs by request.

You will gain a strong foundation in studio safety, torch operation, and essential solid sculpting techniques while working through a range of playful, winter-inspired projects.

Note: Class includes a 30-minute lunch break. Lunch is not provided, but a refrigerator is available for student use.

If you've ever wanted to try glassblowing, this is the workshop for you. This 5-hour workshop offers an introduction to the art of glassblowing. Designed for beginners, you will gain hands-on experience in the hot shop, and learn essential techniques for gathering, shaping, and manipulating molten glass straight from the 2,100°F furnace.

 

After learning to gather, you'll sculpt a paperweight and then progress to additional glassblowing techniques, enabling you to craft a variety of glass objects throughout the day.

 

Instructors provide step-by-step guidance to ensure a safe and productive learning experience.

 

Warning! Hot glass is immersive and captivating. Once you start working with it, you may not want to stop.

 

Note: Class includes a 30-minute lunch break. Lunch is not provided, but a refrigerator is available for student use.

 

 

Due to the nature of hot glass, your items will be available for pickup 5 days after your activity.