A well-crafted pattern is the foundation of every successful neon piece. In this seminar-style class, you'll explore both analog and digital tools for designing patterns specifically for neon bending. Learn how to break down complex shapes into achievable bends, plan efficient bending sequences, and apply essential design principles to create patterns that translate seamlessly into glass.

Through guided demonstrations and hands-on exercises, you'll develop a deeper understanding of how to balance aesthetics with functionality, ensuring your designs are not only visually compelling but also structurally sound. Whether you prefer hand-drawn sketches or digital drafting, this class will equip you with the skills to refine your neon planning process and set yourself up for success in the bending studio.

Perfect for neon enthusiasts or designers interested in neon, beginners looking to improve their approach, or experienced benders looking to expand their tools and workflow. Note: This is a seminar style class that will meet in the PGC Classroom. A laptop is required for this class to work with digital tools such as Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape. Receive a $10 discount on registration if you're currently registered in a Neon class.

Get ready for a hot date night. In this quick and exciting hot shop experience, you and your special someone will team up with a skilled artist to transform molten glass from our 2,100°F furnace into one magical glass heart, a loveable keepsake of your teamwork.

After your hands-on studio time, kick back on the patio with a glass of wine or beer and some tasty bites, let the live music set the mood as you wander the gallery, and be wowed by glassblowing and flameworking demonstrations happening throughout the evening. If you register for a later glassmaking slot, we suggest arriving early to enjoy all this event has to offer.

Each couple makes 1 glass heart together.

Make-It-Now experiences offer a quick hands-on introduction to the magic of glassmaking. In the hot shop, you’ll work one-on-one with a skilled local artist at the 2,100°F furnace. In about 15 minutes or less, you’ll work together to shape, color, and craft your glass item. Perfect for beginners, these short experiences offer a taste of the excitement, skill, and artistry that goes into working with glass in a supportive, guided setting.

Ages 21+

Guests under 21 not permitted.

 

Due to the nature of hot glass, items cannot be taken home the same day they are created. All items made in the hot shop must go through an annealing process to slowly cool the glass. Items are available for pick-up after 5 days. Shipping can be arranged on site the day of your activity.

Cozy up with your date in the kiln shop for an evening of creativity, color, and connection. This special date night invites couples to collaborate on a single glass artwork, learning the beauty (and teamwork!) that goes into crafting glass by hand. It’s the ultimate compatibility test: can you fuse your ideas as seamlessly as your glass?

Together, you’ll design and assemble a one-of-a-kind fused glass charcuterie plate using glass glass granules (frit), and thin glass rods (stringers). Once it is finished and fired it will be perfect for serving your favorite snacks, crackers, and cheese.

After your hands-on studio time, kick back on the patio with a glass of wine or beer and some tasty bites, let the live music set the mood as you wander the gallery, and be wowed by glassblowing and flameworking demonstrations happening throughout the evening. If you register for a later glassmaking slot, we suggest arriving early to enjoy all this event has to offer.

Each couple makes 1 charcuterie plate together.

Make-It-Now experiences offer a quick, hands-on introduction to the colorful world of kilnformed glass. In the kiln shop, you’ll learn from a skilled local artist how to design and assemble your own glass creation using glass frit and stringers. In less than an hour, explore how layers of glass come together to form vibrant patterns and images of your own design. Perfect for beginners, these quick experiences let you discover the beauty of working with glass at your own pace and with no heat.

Ages 21+

Guests under 21 not permitted.

 

Due to the nature of hot glass, items cannot be taken home the same day they are created. All items made in the kiln shop must be heated and fused in the kiln, then cooled slowly. Items are available for pick-up after 5 days. Shipping can be arranged on site the day of your activity.

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