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+

PGC 1 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+

Take your flameworking foundation to the next level! This class will walk you through the creation of each component part of a flower and guide you through the process of assembling the parts into a finished botanical form. Color application, bridging component parts, and using the hand torch to create solid seals for even the most delicate of works will be covered. You can expect to learn how to use colorful rods, frit, and stringers to create petals, stamen, stems, branches, tendrils, and leaves. Glass tubing will also be introduced.

Class tuition includes 2 hours of open-studio time to be used during the 8-week course period. Open Studio is held on Monday nights 5:00pm - 9:00pm.

Prerequisite: Flame 1: Introduction to Flameworking, or equivalent 24 hours experience with instructor permission required.

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

Ages 14+

Explore the exciting technique of networking. This 8-week class teaches a specialized technique for building complex forms by bending and welding small-diameter glass rods together. Using a hand torch, you can bend the glass rods precisely to a pattern to create 2D drawings in glass or complex 3D forms. Demonstrations will also include the use of color, stringer pulling, and some basic moving parts, such as hinges. The class will include one-on-one troubleshooting to assist with the planning, pattern making, and building stages of your sculptural forms.

Class tuition includes 2 hours of open-studio time to be used during the 8-week course period. Open Studio is held on Monday Nights 5:00pm - 9:00pm.

Prerequisite: Flame 1: Introduction to Flameworking, or equivalent 24 hours experience with instructor permission required.

Class does not meet 10/14/2026.

Ages 14+

Learn how to combine clear and colorful glass into a helical wonder that can be used to make a perfect sphere. To create cane, you will focus on technique and color design as you heat up a ball of glass and draw it down into a twisted rod. Then, learn various artistic applications for the cane you create as you hone your marble skills on the torch.

Class tuition includes 2 hours of open-studio time to be used during the 8-week course period.

Class does not meet on 10/14/2026.

Join us for a fun evening of creativity and flavor with a one-of-a-kind cocktail and glass making experience at Pittsburgh Glass Center.

This immersive experience goes beyond your average mixology class. It’s perfect for cocktail lovers, mocktail enthusiasts, or anyone looking to elevate their happy hour with hands-on artistry.    

Your experience includes: 

• A complimentary blown glass from PGC’s own Penn/Fairmount line of glassware line — yours to sip from and take home.  

• A guided cocktail making lesson led by Banter Brother Mobile Bartending, where you’ll learn to make one of three delicious cocktail or mocktail options.  

• A 20-minute Make-It-Now swizzle stick session in the flame shop, where you’ll design and craft your own custom glass stirrer to pair perfectly with your signature drink. 

• Soak in the lively ambiance with tasty light snacks and captivating live glassblowing demonstrations happening all night long.

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 great taste. Cheers to that!  

If you register for a later glassmaking slot, we suggest arriving early to enjoy all this event has to offer.

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 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 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.