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Pittsburgh Glass Center



Flameworking

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Flame 2: Rod Construction

$475 MEMBER PRICE: $475
Calendar Next available session starts Sep 23, 2026 at 12:45 pm
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+

Marbles and Cane

$475 MEMBER PRICE: $475
Calendar Next available session starts Sep 23, 2026 at 6:30 pm
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.

Introduction to Beadmaking

$475 MEMBER PRICE: $475
Calendar Next available session starts Sep 24, 2026 at 9:30 am

Learn the art of glass beadmaking and make an array of colorful beads. Over the course of 8 weeks, you’ll learn the basic skills of heating colorful rods of glass with a torch and how to use gravity and tools to form and mold them into unique beautiful beads. Once you’ve practiced creating forms, learn how to add decorative color and designs with dots, frit, and trails to create intricate designs. This class is suitable for all levels. Experienced beadmakers will focus on more advanced decorative techniques.

 

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.

 

Class does not meet 10/15/2026.

 

Ages 14+

Neon 101: Introduction to Neon

$495 MEMBER PRICE: $495
Calendar Next available session starts Sep 24, 2026 at 1:30 pm
PGC 1 Discover the art of Neon Bending as we delve into the world of soda lime (soft) glass tubing. This hands-on class will equip you with essential techniques using a range of specialized tools to heat and shape the glass, enabling you to craft your very own neon sign or captivating sculpture! Throughout the course, you'll be guided through tutorials that cover glass bending, pattern design, wiring, and installation. Witness the mesmerizing process of filling a glass tube with gas to bring forth the captivating glow of light. Unleash your creativity and illuminate your world with the magic of neon! No experience necessary.

Additional Class Materials Fee: This course requires a blow hose assembly kit. If students need to purchase: Kits are available for purchase on site the first day of class for $40.

Class does not meet 10/15/2026.

Ages 16+

Neon 101: Introduction to Neon

$495 MEMBER PRICE: $495
Calendar Next available session starts Sep 24, 2026 at 6:30 pm
Discover the art of Neon Bending as we delve into the world of soda lime (soft) glass tubing. This hands-on class will equip you with essential techniques using a range of specialized tools to heat and shape the glass, enabling you to craft your very own neon sign or captivating sculpture! Throughout the course, you'll be guided through tutorials that cover glass bending, pattern design, wiring, and installation. Witness the mesmerizing process of filling a glass tube with gas to bring forth the captivating glow of light. Unleash your creativity and illuminate your world with the magic of neon! No experience necessary.

Additional Class Materials Fee: This course requires a blow hose assembly kit. If students need to purchase: Kits are available for purchase on site the first day of class for $40.

Class does not meet 10/15/2026.

Ages 16+

Flame 1: Introduction to Flameworking

$475 MEMBER PRICE: $475
Calendar Next available session starts Sep 26, 2026 at 9:30 am

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+

Flameworking Open Projects

$475 MEMBER PRICE: $475
Calendar Next available session starts Sep 26, 2026 at 4:30 pm
Not sure how to tackle that idea that you have in your sketchbook? Have you always wanted to request a demonstration that was outside of the scope of class? If you are not quite ready for independent rental time, or maybe you just enjoy knowing that you can work one-on-one with an instructor as you pursue your own independent ideas, Open Projects is the perfect class for you. Instructors are available to work one-on-one and provide personalized demonstrations and troubleshooting to get you, your project, or your new product moving forward!

Flame 2 or 72 hours equivalent experience or instructor permission required.

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




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