Join us for Nerd Nite at Pittsburgh Glass Center. Learn about glass and make new friends with a one-of-a-kind speed friending and glass making experience. It’s perfect for glass lovers, nerds, or anyone looking to try something new and meet someone new. Nerd Nite Pittsburgh is a lecture series that’s a mix between a comedy show, TED talk, and a social mixer. Speakers present for 15 minutes on a variety of topics related to science and technology, popular culture, history, and other nerdery with a vibe that’s as entertaining as it is academic. Audience members can ask questions, and there is an entirely optional social game. Expect to learn new and fascinating things, making friends with other nerds and enjoy food and drinks. Your experience at Pittsburgh Glass Center includes: · A 15-20 minute quick hands-on glassmaking session · Captivating live glassblowing demonstrations 5-7PM · Tasty drinks and snacks 5-7 PM · Speed friending (optional) 7-8 PM Get more details · A nerdy presentation diving deep into an array of diverse subjects. Previous topics include bug butts, megaraptors, and cosplay. 8-9PM Make a Flameworked Pendant Fire up the torch, shape molten glass, and turn fire and color into wearable art. 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 pendant using a 3,000°F torch. Whether you’re flying solo or coming with friends, this is more than just a class. It’s an experience that blends artistry, hands-on fun, and nerding out. Be there AND be square! Our quick hands-on introductory glassmaking experiences are perfect for beginners. They give a taste of the excitement, skill, and artistry that goes into working with glass in a supportive, guided setting. Ages 21+ (Guests under 21 not permitted.) Due to the nature of hot glass, items cannot be taken home the same day they are created. All items made 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 163 Mix up some fun with this full-day beginner flameworking workshop! Working with borosilicate glass and a 3,000°F tabletop torch, you’ll learn how to melt and sculpt solid glass rods into functional and fabulous drink accessories. Create a set of glass swizzle sticks, a coordinating bottle stopper, and some freezable glass cubes. Demonstrations throughout the day will guide you through shaping and design to create your perfect set for entertaining, gifting, or adding whimsy to your home bar.

You will gain a strong foundation in studio safety, torch operation, and essential solid sculpting techniques, while enjoying an immersive day working with molten glass.

Note: Class includes a 30-minute lunch break. Lunch is not provided, but a refrigerator is available for student use. This workshop includes one bottle stopper base.

PGC 180

Dive into the magic of molten glass. In this introductory workshop, heat and shape molten glass into whimsical whale sculptures using a 3,000°F torch. Guided by a skilled instructor, learn torch basics, experiment with adding color and playful details to create one-of-a-kind creations. Add a glass loop to make it a pendant or keep them as trinkets. Perfect for adding whimsy to your home, fish tank, or sharing with a friend.

 

 

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

PGC 158

Top off your bottles with style. In this introductory workshop, melt and shape molten glass into custom bottle stoppers with a 3,000°F torch. Guided by a skilled instructor, learn torch basics and add color, texture, and details to create functional art for wine, oils, or decorative display. Impress your guests or give as a unique hand crafted gift.

 

 

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

PGC 173 Gather a little forest charm. In this introductory workshop, create delicate, colorful glass acorns using a 3,000°F torch. Guided by a skilled instructor, learn torch basics and explore shaping and texturing techniques to form smooth bodies and detailed caps. Add a loop to make it a pendant or keep it as a mini sculpture. Fun to make, beautiful to display, and perfect to keep or gift.

PGC 199 Indulge your creativity. In this introductory workshop, create colorful glass candies using a 3,000°F torch. Guided by a skilled instructor, learn torch basics and explore shaping and color techniques to create your own confection-inspired designs. Perfect for adding a little sweetness to your space.

PGC 215

Bring the forest indoors. In this introductory workshop, heat and shape glass rods with a 3,000°F torch to create whimsical mini mushrooms. Guided by a skilled instructor, learn torch basics and add color and details for pendants or tiny figurines perfect for plants or to display.

 

 

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

Flameworking is the art of melting, manipulating, sculpting, and blowing glass over a tabletop torch. This introductory 8-week class will cover safety, torch operation, and a variety of solid sculpting practices using borosilicate glass rods. Weekly demonstrations will teach new tips, tools, and the color applications needed to melt glass and create unique works of art. You can expect to learn how to sculpt pendants, marbles, animals, leaves, flowers, and small sculptures. The instructor will also provide one-on-one troubleshooting. No experience necessary..

 

Class tuition includes 2 hours of open-studio time to be used during the 8-week course period. This will help you become familiar with the studio and learn the process of studio rental beyond class hours. Open Studio is held on Monday Nights 5:00pm - 9:00pm.

 

Class does not meet the week of October 11 - 17, 2026

 

Ages 14+