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Pittsburgh Glass Center



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Time Spent on Subtleties
Registration Unavailable

Time Spent on Subtleties

$1,050

with Annette Blair

Drawing inspiration from our personal connections to objects and organic elements, we will work towards creating a small still life composition with a focus on finessing the little details. Together we will work through the best ways to approach each object in the hot shop, considering both technical and aesthetic possibilities. You will experiment with incorporating coldworked elements into blown and hot sculpted forms and will also be introduced to basic low-fire enamel painting techniques.

This class is suited to intermediate level glassblowers with basic coldworking skills. Students will work on their individual objects and ideas as well as collaborative problem solving.

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 Annette Blair at https://www.annetteblairglass.com/

Sculpted Glass Paperweights

$135
Calendar Next available session starts Jul 7, 2026 at 6 pm

Turn up the heat and let your creativity take shape. In this introductory workshop, you’ll gather glowing molten glass from the 2,100°F furnace and add colors of your choice. Then guided by a skilled instructor, you will twist, pull, and sculpt it into one-of-a-kind paperweights bursting with color and personality.

 

This workshop is a fun introductory experience into hot glass sculpting. Each participant will make two fun and functional paperweights, perfect for your desk, shelf, or as a thoughtful gift.

 

Ages 14+

 

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

Blown Glass Terrariums

$135
Calendar Next available session starts Jul 8, 2026 at 6 pm

Create a beautiful glass home for your favorite air plants. In this introductory workshop, you will gather glass from the 2,100°F furnace and add color. Then, guided by a skilled instructor, you will blow, shape, and sculpt it into a one-of-a-kind terrarium.

This workshop is a fun introductory experience into hot glassblowing. Each participant will craft two blown glass terrariums, perfect for displaying your air plants, cuttings, or trinkets. (Air plants not included.)

Ages 14+

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

Blown Glass Suncatchers

$135
Calendar Next available session starts Jul 9, 2026 at 6 pm

Catch the light in glass. In this introductory workshop, you’ll gather molten glass from the 2,100°F furnace and add color. Then guided by a skilled instructor, you will blow and shape it into stunning glass suncatchers.

 

This workshop is a fun introductory experience to hot glassblowing. Each participant will create two unique suncatchers, perfect for hanging in a window or adding a touch of sparkle anywhere.

 

Ages 14+

 

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

Upcycled Bottles

$95
Calendar Next available session starts Jul 9, 2026 at 6:30 pm

Give your empty bottles and jars a second life. In this introductory workshop, you’ll transform everyday glass into beautiful and functional pieces like drinking glasses, vases, candle holders, or unique decor.

 

Bring 2–4 clean bottles or jars, and a skilled instructor will guide you through cutting, grinding, polishing, sandblasting, and engraving to create your own custom designs.

 

To make the most of your creative time, please remove any paper labels before the workshop.

 

Get ready to upcycle, refresh, and reimagine your glass.

 

Ages 14+

 

Make-It-Now: Blown Glass Cup

$45
Calendar Next session starts Jul 10, 2026 at 5 pm
11 additional sessions through Jul 10, 2026
Heat, shape, and sip. In this quick and exciting hot shop experience, you’ll work closely with a skilled artist to blow and shape molten glass from our 2,100°F furnace into a one-of-a-kind hand crafted glass cup, ready for your next drink.

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 8+ unless otherwise specified

Adult supervision is required for any children under 14 years old.

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.

Mini Monsters and Creatures

$115
Calendar Next available session starts Jul 11, 2026 at 10 am
PGC 145

It’s alive… in glass. In this introductory workshop, spark your imagination as you twist, melt, and sculpt your own glass monsters and mythical creatures using a 3,000°F torch. Guided by a skilled instructor, learn torch basics and add colors, texture, and personality. Add a glass loop or keep them as sculptures, perfect to wear, share, or show off.

 

Ages 14+

 

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

Sand & Psyche: Free Paper Mask Painting
Registration Unavailable

Sand & Psyche: Free Paper Mask Painting

Free

with Geoffrey Bowton

Join veteran Geoffrey Bowton for a FREE paper mask painting activity. Paint or sketch your story on the mask. Registration requested.

There are moments in life when expressing something deeply important becomes a challenge. Words may fail us, making it difficult to communicate what truly matters. Through Bowton's own journey, he discovered that art can serve as a bridge to his inner self. It enables him to engage with the unresolved stories within, offering a way to confront narratives that are not easily spoken aloud.

"One of the most profound experiences I have encountered is creating something tangible from personal history. By externalizing thoughts and feelings into a physical form, I am able to witness them in the world around me. This creative act brings clarity and a sense of relief, as though a burden has been lifted. Each time I commit to this process, I take another step toward self-awareness and finding peace through making art," said Bowton.

Join Geoffrey Bowton in sharing your story with others during a free, four-hour window of Paper Mask Painting.Click here to learn more about Art Therapy and Mask Painting.
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/healing-soldiers/





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