This class introduces students to the fundamentals of flameworking with borosilicate glass chain fusing. Learn to create colorful, expressive glass beads by mastering torch safety, shaping, and surface decoration techniques. Explore the process of making strong, artistic glass chain links using methods such as the parallel rod technique and surface texturing. Perfect for beginners and intermediate flame workers, this class offers hands-on practice and creative exploration to build your skills and confidence in glass jewelry making.

Discover the vibrant world of glass art in this hands-on, multi-session class where creativity meets craftsmanship. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to build intermediate skills, this immersive course offers step-by-step guidance to create stunning glass jewelry from creative patterns, chain, and fusing.

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 Ghislaine Sabiti at www.ghislainesabiti.com

This is an introduction to glassblowing, no prior experience in the hot shop is needed! We will learn the basics of gathering glass independently of the instructors, moving through the studio, shaping, and reheating the glass to create glass sculptures and vessels that will be solely your own.

We will cover safety and proper use of studio equipment and tools, how to create solid shapes, and then move into breathing life into the glass, concentrating on simple drinking vessels, and the basics of shaping more advanced pieces. This five-day class will set the foundation for you to take more advanced classes in the future.

This class is for beginners who have no experience in the hot shop. If you have had some or limited experience, that is alright. We will be using teambuilding and skill drills to establish a solid foundation in glass.

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 Jon Sirockman at https://www.instagram.com/sirockman_glass/?hl=en

Experiment and explore non-traditional methods of working with Pâte de Verre in this five-day class. You will experiment and learn how to create a wide range of objects without making plaster silica molds. We will make both flat and three-dimentional objects, investigate different possible results, and discover how to achieve artistic and aesthetic goals using glass paste.

We will explore different possibilities of working with this medium, both on its own and in mixed media. We will test combining other materials like metals and botanicals. And lastly, we will discuss firing schedules as well as finishing and coldworking options.

This week will be filled with experimentation, fun, and discovery.

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 Tali Grinshpan at www.taligrinshpan.com

In this five-day class we will explore the foundations of goblet making in the Venetian style. We will start with the most fundamental ideas of cup making and steadily grow in complexity throughout the class. From a simple tumbler to larger ornamental goblets. We will focus on working and directing a team, understanding the importance and roles of gaffer/assistants, and the timing and process of assembling cups in an effective manner.

This class is best suited for individuals with some experience in glass that are interested in learning about goblet making in the Venetian style. Students should be able to gather effectively and understand the basics of glassblowing.

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 Anthony Toomey at anthonytoomeyglass.com

In this five-day class we will delve into the world of moving parts. We’ll begin with introductory flameworking details including hot seals, cold seals, and how to turn. Then you can expect many different types of chain (the simplest moving part) leading into the construction of simple mechanisms to make glass move. Bridging, kiln shelf drawing, and gear construction will be addressed.

Bring your sketchbook, compass and straight edge and get ready to build.

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 Kit Paulson at kitpaulsonglass.com

Sand & Psyche is a unique class designed for students to discover the therapeutic benefits of Pâte de verre, a technique that utilizes glass frits and powders. This five-day class welcomes participants of all experience levels and provides a supportive environment to learn and express oneself through glass.

This class begins with making your own Pâte de verre tools used for distributing the frits and powders, then learning methods for building complex layers inside a two-part plaster and silica refractory mold. You will engage in creating multiple color samples, which can later be used as magnets or displayed as decorative pieces. Then, follow a step-by-step process that guides you in translating your ideas into a figurative mask. This includes initial sketching on a paper mask, moving into wax sculpting, and culminating in the construction of a final glass project. There will be special tips and tricks shared during the casting process, helping you manage a successful project in the future.

Sand & Psyche offers a platform for you to delve into your subconscious, allowing you to confront internal conversations in a safe, artistic manner. By engaging in this creative practice, you have the opportunity to develop coping mechanisms, reduce stress levels, and foster a sense of empowerment and self-expression.

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 Geoffrey Bowton at www.geoffreybowton.com

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/

Spend an unforgettable and fun week this summer diving into the world of glass. This program is designed for teens in grades 6-12 (ages 12-19) to take over the Pittsburgh Glass Center studios. It gives students the rare hands-on opportunity to learn the many facets of glass in one of the top facilities in the country. Working with experienced instructors, students will rotate through all of the studios and explore glassblowing, flameworking, kilnforming, and coldworking. New this year, students will also connect glass and technology in the fabrication lab.

Please look over our Teen Boot Camp Policies and important information regarding scheduling and forms by clicking here: https://www.pittsburghglasscenter.org/teen-boot-camp-policies/

Required Forms

All registered students must complete our Teen Boot Camp Intake form. This form is presented during the registration process, and is required for all students prior to their first day of camp. Forms will ask for emergency contacts, known student allergies, and designated persons allowed to sign students out of camp.

Scholarships are available for all students! Scholarship Application Deadline: May 3, 2026.