Your browser is not optimized for viewing this website.

More information »

Pittsburgh Glass Center



Display Attributes

Introduction to Beadmaking

$230 MEMBER PRICE: $230
Calendar Next available session starts Apr 1, 2026 at 9:30 am, runs for 4 weeks

Fascinated by the intricacies of colorful glass beads and glass jewelry? In this introduction to bead making, learn the basic skills of heating glass, applying it to a mandrel, and shaping it with tools in just 4 weeks.

 

Plus, learn important decorative techniques, such as dots and trails. You’ll make several different kinds of beads that you'll want to wear or share.

 

Ages 14+

Beyond the Cup

$340 MEMBER PRICE: $340
Calendar Next available session starts Apr 1, 2026 at 6:30 pm, runs for 4 weeks

Move beyond the basic cup shape to create other hot glass forms.

 

Take your glassblowing skills to the next level by moving beyond the cup. In this intermediate class, you will expand on basic vessel forms by exploring new techniques and shapes while refining your understanding of heat and timing to blow glass quicker and thinner.

 

Prerequisite: Hot 1 or 24 hours equivalent hot glass experience with instructor permission is required.

 

Ages 14+

Stained Glass Terrariums

$290 MEMBER PRICE: $290
Calendar Next available session starts Apr 2, 2026 at 9:30 am, runs for 4 weeks
Harness the structural power of glass and solder to create a three-dimensional planter box or terrarium to house your small to medium-sized house plants. You will learn stained glass techniques such as cutting glass, copper foiling, and soldering. We will also cover how to reinforce a 3D construction so it can hold the weight of your house plant and last for years. No experience necessary.

Ages 14+

Fusing Open Projects

$280 MEMBER PRICE: $280
Calendar Next available session starts Apr 2, 2026 at 6:30 pm, runs for 4 weeks
After learning the basics of fusing and slumping in the introductory courses, we invite you to continue to develop your skills in Fusing Open Projects. This is a course for those who want to challenge themselves to explore fusing at their own skill level under the guidance of an instructor. Bring your ideas, creativity, ambition, and sketchbook to discuss projects with your instructor who will guide you through the creation.

Prerequisite: Kiln 1 or 24 hours of fusing experience with instructor permission is required.

Ages 14+

Stained Glass in the Fast Lane

$550 MEMBER PRICE: $550
Calendar Next available session starts Apr 3, 2026 at 9:30 am, runs for 4 weeks

An 8-week curriculum, accelerated into just 4 weeks.

Enjoy all the fun of an 8-week course in half the time. Explore the Tiffany method of stained glass while creating your very own panel from a variety of provided patterns. Learn the basic skills of cutting and shaping sheet glass, foiling, and soldering to create a panel you will proudly display. No experience necessary.

 

You will experience the same number of contact hours as students attending the once-a-week, 8-week classes, but in a condensed, 4-week format.

 

Ages 14+

TEENS ONLY! Sculpted Glass Succulents

$85 MEMBER PRICE: $85
Calendar Next available session starts Apr 3, 2026 at 10 am
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.

Coldworking Open Projects

$175 MEMBER PRICE: $175
Calendar Next available session starts Apr 4, 2026 at 9:30 am, runs for 4 weeks
Gain full access to the cold shop's grinders, sanders, lathe, lap wheel, sandblaster and drill presses with expert guidance from our experienced instructors. Learn new techniques and improve upon existing skills to carve, shape, polish and embellish glass. Make projects of your own design or finish started pieces. Open projects is great for hot glass workers, kiln formers, glass casters, and artists who want to develop and enhance their skills to finish glass.

Prerequisite: Introduction to Coldworking, or equivalent 24 hours of coldworking experience with instructor permission is required.

Ages 14+

Drawing with Glass: An Introduction to Stringer Drawing

$230 MEMBER PRICE: $230
Calendar Next available session starts Apr 4, 2026 at 9:30 am, runs for 4 weeks

Learn how to draw with glass. In this 4-week course, you will learn a variety of stringer pulling techniques, watch detailed demonstrations, and use hand torches to gain the skills required to create one-of-a-kind borosilicate glass drawings. This class is great for a beginner flameworker or someone looking to expand their skills at the torch. You are encouraged to bring reference images and ideas that we can help you bring to life in glass.

 

Ages 14+





Forgot password?
Staff Log In