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Pittsburgh Glass Center



Flameworking

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Neon 101: Introduction to Neon

$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
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
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

TEENS ONLY! Mini Monsters and Creatures

$65
Calendar Next available session starts Sep 27, 2026 at 1 pm

It’s alive… in glass. In this introductory workshop, spark your imagination as you twist, melt, and sculpt your own glass monsters and mythical creatures using a 3,000°F torch. Guided by a skilled instructor, learn torch basics and add colors, texture, and personality. Add a glass loop or keep them as sculptures, perfect to wear, share, or show off.

 

Ages 14+

 

Due to the nature of hot glass, your items will be available for pickup 5 days TEENS ONLY workshops are a great introduction to the world of glassmaking, just for teens. Teens will step into the PGC studios and explore the heat, color, and creativity of working with glass in the flame shop, hot shop, kiln shop, or cold shop– alongside other teens. Teens can come solo and make new friends who share an interest in glassmaking, or sign up with a friend to share in the experience.

Looking for a more in-depth experience? Check out our afterschool SiO₂ classes, full-day MOLTN workshops, or summer boot camp for even more hands-on glassmaking fun.

PGC is committed to facilitating access for all young people. We offer full- and half-tuition scholarships for middle school and high school students based on application strength. No previous glass or art experience is required. Our only prerequisites are enthusiasm, curiosity, and eagerness to learn.

APPLY NOW for a youth scholarship at this link.

Flameworked Turtles

$115
Calendar Next available session starts Sep 27, 2026 at 3:30 pm
PGC 179

Shell yeah. In this introductory workshop, create tiny turtles from molten glass using a 3,000°F torch. Guided by a skilled instructor, learn torch basics and add colors, texture, and personality. Add a loop or magnet to make them perfect to wear, share, or show off.

 

 

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

Ghosts and Ghouls

$115
Calendar Next available session starts Oct 4, 2026 at 1 pm

PGC 198 Get spooky. In this introductory workshop, sculpt playful glass ghosts or ghouls using a 3,000°F tabletop torch. Guided by a skilled instructor, you’ll learn how to melt and shape a solid rod into a molten form while swirling in color to create a whimsical seasonal spooky creature. Add a loop to make it a pendant, a magnet, or keep them as mini sculptures. Fun to make and a perfect whimsical nod to the season.

Glass Candies

$105
Calendar Next available session starts Oct 4, 2026 at 4 pm
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.

Make-It-Now: Silly Straw

$35
Calendar Next available session starts Oct 9, 2026 at 6 pm
27 additional sessions through Dec 11, 2026

Fire up the torch, shape molten glass, and put a playful twist on an everyday classic. In this quick and exciting flameworking experience, you’ll work closely with a skilled artist to heat and bend molten glass into a whimsical, one-of-a-kind silly straw using a 3,000°F torch. Twist and curl your design into a loop, spiral, or squiggle that are as fun to look at as they are to use.

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 14+

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.





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