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Pittsburgh Glass Center



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Building Your Tool Box

$1,050 MEMBER PRICE: $1,050

with Nate Cotterman & Adam Holtzinger

Calendar Next session starts Jun 22, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

This five-day class will focus on skill building through repetition of technique. We will work through simple forms that can be used as building blocks for many complex ideas and designs. We will address everything from the arrangement of your bench and how you move through the shop, to starting and finishing your piece with accuracy and intention. We will use drawing and calipers to pre-visualize our ideas prior to going into the shop. Color techniques will be covered as skills develop, but this course will mainly focus on blowing glass accurately and efficiently and being able to repeat the process to get desired results.

This class welcomes those with some glass experience and the desire to enhance their skillset. Those interested should know how to gather and the basics of blowing 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 Nate Cotterman at www.natecotterman.com

Learn more about Adam Holtzinger at www.keepbrooklyn.com

Full Course

Make Your Own Goblet

$185 MEMBER PRICE: $185
Calendar Next available session starts Jun 23, 2026 at 6 pm

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+

 

Blown Glass Garden Floats

$135 MEMBER PRICE: $135
Calendar Next available session starts Jun 24, 2026 at 6 pm

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.

Sculpted Glass Mushrooms

$135 MEMBER PRICE: $135
Calendar Next available session starts Jun 25, 2026 at 6 pm
PGC 152

Step into a whimsical world of molten magic. In this introductory workshop, you’ll gather glass from the 2,100°F furnace and add color. Then twist, pull, and sculpt it into playful glass mushrooms.

This workshop is an engaging, hands-on introductory experience in hot glass sculpting. Each participant will craft two unique mushrooms, perfect for display, gifting, or adding a magical glass touch to any plant or space.

 

Ages 14+

 

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

Make-It-Brunch: Stemless Wine Glass

$105 MEMBER PRICE: $105
Calendar Next available session starts Jun 27, 2026 at 9 am
9 additional sessions through Jun 27, 2026
Brunch just got a glow-up. Gather with friends for a morning of tasty brunch bites from our friends at Third Space Bakery, refreshing mimosas, and hands-on glassmaking. 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 handmade cup, perfect for enjoying a brunch mimosa or beverage of choice.

After your hands-on studio time, relax on the patio with brunch bites and a beverage, wander the gallery, and watch live glassblowing demonstrations throughout the morning. If you register for a later glassmaking slot, we suggest arriving early to enjoy all this event has to offer.

Good food and a little molten magic—it’s the brunch plan you didn’t know you needed.

Ages 21+

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.

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.

Make-It-Brunch: Fused Glass Coaster

$45 MEMBER PRICE: $45
Calendar Next available session starts Jun 27, 2026 at 10 am
3 additional sessions through Jun 27, 2026
Brunch just got a glow-up. Gather with friends for a morning of tasty brunch bites from our friends at Third Space Bakery, refreshing mimosas, and hands-on glassmaking. In this fun kiln experience, you’ll be guided by a skilled artist to use colorful glass granules (frit) and thin glass rods (stringers) to design your own glass coaster—a fun place to rest your beverage of choice and express yourself with glass. Once you design it, we’ll fire it, so all the pieces become one.

After your hands-on studio time, relax on the patio with brunch bites and a beverage, wander the gallery, and watch live glassblowing demonstrations throughout the morning. If you register for a later glassmaking slot, we suggest arriving early to enjoy all this event has to offer. Good food and a little molten magic—it’s the brunch plan you didn’t know you needed.

Ages 21+

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.

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.

Upcycled Bottles

$95 MEMBER PRICE: $95
Calendar Next available session starts Jun 28, 2026 at 1:30 pm
PGC 166

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+

 

Explore Coldworking!

$1,050 MEMBER PRICE: $1,050

with František Janák

Calendar Next session starts Jun 29, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

With 60 years of experience and practice in the field of coldworking, František hopes to pass on the vast knowledge that he has acquired. He is coming from Czechia where coldworking has earned a long and strong tradition. In this class you will learn a step-by-step process to make a small glass sculpture from a solid block of glass and decorative, rich cutting to make patterns on blown vessel blanks. Together we will build a strong foundation for professional craftsmanship. The class will cover multiple approaches to shaping, sculpting, engraving, grinding, and polishing glass.

You will also learn how to assemble components using Ultraviolet Epoxy and properly set up and use different machines like horizontal flatting mill, vertical lathes, diamond saws, and belt sanders. With each machine there are specific and different grinding, smoothing, and polishing tools, materials, and processes. These tools include original Czech-made diamond, stone, and resin wheels. You will also be provided with information on how to design a perfect professional cold shop, including the necessary equipment.

No previous coldworking experience is required, although intermediate coldworkers are very welcome and may learn more than they have ever expected.

All students are welcome! Intermediate and advanced students will also be able to learn new skills and hone their existing skills.

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.

Full Course




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