One of the greatest challenges in kilnformed glass is capturing intricate detail in finished work. This hands-on five-day class introduces students to non-traditional Pâte de Verre techniques—an innovative approach to working with glass paste at low temperatures without the use of investment molds. You will learn how to recreate real or imagined objects in striking detail, while also exploring methods that lend themselves to expressive abstraction.

Through demonstrations, discussion, and guided practice, you will explore:

• Silicone Molds – Make replicas of small objects using two types of silicone molds: one with common household caulking, and another with two-part pourable silicone rubber.
• Freeform Sculpting – Shape glass paste directly using simple tools such as palette knives, creating unique forms without molds.Color Samples – Create and test color swatches, learning how low-fire schedules affect color maturity and how to achieve desired visual outcomes.
• Exploring Binders – Experiment with three different binders, comparing their strengths and weaknesses for various applications.
• Dry Working – Develop methods for refining detail, smoothing surfaces, and preparing pieces for successful firing.
• Cold Working – Develop methods for cleaning and refining surfaces after firing.
• Technical Discussions – Gain insight into low-fire kilnforming challenges, including managing shrinkage, balancing thin and thick areas, fusing schedules, and kiln support strategies.

By the end of the course, students will have a toolkit of practical techniques for shaping glass paste into forms rich with texture, depth, and detail—equally suited for realism or abstraction.

Advanced beginners are welcome, however they must have some understanding of firing schedules and heat work in a kiln.

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 Evelyn Gottschall Baker at www.glassfractions.com

Light is energy in motion—electromagnetic pulses that radiate through space. In this immersive, hands-on neon intensive, you will explore light not just as a physical phenomenon, but as a material for glowing, sculptural expression.

After an introduction to the physics of lightwaves and the chromatic composition of neon phosphors and gas, we will move into the lab to shape vibrant colors into fluid forms on the ribbon burner. Students will explore motion, energy, and spatial presence and learn how to safely install their sweeping gestures suspended from above. Basic sign-making techniques, including traditional bends, wall-mounting, and wiring, will be covered.

This five-day class is ideal for both beginners and experienced makers seeking to expand their practice.

Additional Class Materials + Fees

• $60 for neon transformer
• A blowhose is required is required for this class. Students may bring their own or blow hose kits will be on site for purchase 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 Kacie Lees at kacielees.com

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.

 

Ages 14+

 

PGC 157

Grow your creativity and no green thumb required. In this introductory workshop, you’ll gather glass from the 2,100°F furnace and add color. Then guided by a skilled instructor, you will sculpt and blow your own unique glass succulents. No sunlight or soil required.

This workshop is a fun introductory experience into hot glassblowing and hot glass sculpting. Each participant will craft two whimsical succulents, perfect for display, gifting, or brightening any space with a touch of glassy greenery.

Ages 14+

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

PGC 126

Create a luminous glass sphere that floats and delights. In this introductory workshop, you’ll gather molten glass from the 2,100°F furnace and add colors of your choice. Then guided by a skilled instructor, you will blow and shape it into fun and funky blown glass garden floats. This workshop is a fun introductory experience to glassblowing. Each participant will craft two garden floats, perfect to hang inside, display outside, or float in a pond or birdbath.

 

Ages 14+

 

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

Grow your creativity! In this introductory workshop, you’ll gather glass from the 2,100°F furnace and add color. Then guided by a skilled instructor, you will sculpt and blow your own unique glass succulents. No sunlight or soil required. This workshop is a fun introductory experience into hot glassblowing and hot glass sculpting. Each participant will craft two whimsical succulents, perfect for display, gifting, or brightening any space with a touch of glassy greenery.

TEENS ONLY workshops are a great introduction to the world of glassmaking, just for teens. Teens will step into the PGC studios and explore the heat, color, and creativity of working with glass in the flame shop, hot shop, kiln shop, or cold shop– alongside other teens. Teens can come solo and make new friends who share an interest in glassmaking, or sign up with a friend to share in the experience.

Looking for a more in-depth experience? Check out our afterschool SiO₂ classes, full-day MOLTN workshops, or summer boot camp for even more hands-on glassmaking fun.

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.

Fire up the torch, shape molten glass, and get colorful. In this quick and exciting flame shop experience, you’ll work closely with a skilled artist to gather and shape molten glass into a hand-crafted magnet using a 3,000°F torch. Swirl in all the colors of the rainbow to make a fun and unique work of art for your fridge.

Make-It-Now experiences offer a quick hands-on introduction to the magic of glassmaking. In the flame shop, you’ll work one-on-one with a skilled local artist at a 3,000° tabletop torch. In about 20 minutes or less, you’ll work together to heat, shape, color, and craft your glass item. Perfect for beginners, these short experiences give a taste of the excitement, skill, and artistry that goes into working with glass in a supportive, guided setting.

Ages 8+

Adult supervision is required for any child 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 flame 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.

PGC 130

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.