Your browser is not optimized for viewing this website.

More information »

Pittsburgh Glass Center



Fusing

in Image Overlay Text

Freeze and Fuze - 3D Kiln Work without the Mess

$540

with Mary Costello

Calendar Next available session starts Sep 22, 2026 at 6:30 pm
Want to learn how to make three-dimensional glass objects without the mess of casting? Join us to learn how to pack pre-made silicone molds with glass powder and water, harnessing the states of matter in new ways for a glass artist by freezing them into a solid form and quickly firing them up to fuse together and retain their shape. Objects can stand on their own or be combined to adorn mosaiced or fused glass backdrops, bringing a whole new dimension to your work.

Ages 14+

Kiln 1: Fusing and Casting

$540
Calendar Next available session starts Sep 23, 2026 at 6:30 pm
Are you curious about the kiln Shop? In Kiln 1, you will gain a broad understanding of the vast possibilities of kilnformed glass exploring both fusing and casting techniques. You will learn how to cut sheet glass and work with a variety of other materials to melt and shape your designs creating an array of functional and decorative pieces. Then get a bit more dimensional with an introduction to cast glass. Using a found object, you will learn how to reproduce the object in glass. You will also gain an understanding of kiln programming and the properties of glass. No experience is necessary.

Ages 14+

Kiln 2: Imagery and Pattern

$540
Calendar Next available session starts Sep 24, 2026 at 1 pm

In this intermediate fusing class, you’ll refine your glass-cutting skills while diving deeper into color, pattern, and material behavior. Build confidence and precision as you practice advanced cutting techniques, including harnessing the use of the  ¼" strip. Discover fresh ways to make your work stand out by creating custom art glass with powders and stringers. You’ll also design and fabricate a pixel-pattern bar, repeating and manipulating your motif while investigating the scientific properties that drive how glass moves, melts, and fuses.  

Prerequisite:  Kiln 1 or 24 hours of fused glass experience with instructor approval required.  

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

Ages 14+

Fused Glass Charcuterie Plate

$115
Calendar Next available session starts Sep 26, 2026 at 5 pm
PGC 185

Turn your next snack spread into a showstopper. In this introductory workshop, you’ll design and fuse your very own glass charcuterie board, perfect for cheese, crackers, and a conversation starter. Under the guidance of a skilled instructor, learn how to cut, design, and assemble colorful sheet glass, glass granules (frit), and thin glass rods (stringers) into bold designs. Once you design it, we’ll fuse it in the kiln. Charcuterie not included.

 

Completed charcuterie plates are 8" x 8".

 

 

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

Fused Glass Dish

$115
Calendar Next available session starts Oct 2, 2026 at 6 pm
PGC 190

Turn sheets of glass into a sparkling, functional work of art. In this introductory workshop, you’ll learn to cut sheet glass into geometric shapes and combine them with frit (colored glass granules) and stringers (thin colored glass rods) to design a one-of-a-kind dish.

 

Once your design is complete, we’ll fire it in the kiln to fuse everything together and then shape it in a mold, creating a beautiful and functional piece. Perfect for holding spare change, serving small snacks, displaying jewelry, or simply adding a touch of glassy sparkle to your space.

 

 

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

Fused Glass Coasters

$115
Calendar Next available session starts Oct 3, 2026 at 5 pm

Make your coffee table pop with your own handmade glass coasters. In this introductory workshop, learn to cut and assemble sheet glass and combine it with frit (colored glass granules) and stringers (thin colored glass rods) to design a set of one-of-a-kind coasters.

 

Once you design them, we’ll fire your creations in the kiln fusing all the pieces into a cohesive set of functional coasters, perfect for your home or as a fun handmade gift.

 

 

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

TEENS ONLY! Fused Glass Name Plate

$65
Calendar Next available session starts Oct 4, 2026 at 10 am
Make your mark in glass! In this introductory workshop, design a custom fused glass plaque featuring your name. With guidance from a skilled instructor, you’ll learn how to cut and assemble colorful sheet glass into a mosaic-style panel. Once you design it, we’ll fire it in the kiln so all the pieces become one, a fun one-of-a-kind way to show off your personal style.

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.

Fused Geode Coasters

$115
Calendar Next available session starts Oct 4, 2026 at 12:30 pm
PGC 183 Bring a little sparkle to your table with handmade fused glass. In this introductory workshop, you’ll explore the fundamentals of fused glass while creating a set of colorful geode-inspired coasters. Under the guidance of a skilled instructor, you’ll learn how to cut and arrange sheet glass while incorporating frit (colored glass granules) and stringers (thin glass rods) into layered designs inspired by natural crystal formations.

Using vibrant glass colors and organic patterns, you’ll assemble a set of functional coasters that are both decorative and durable. Once your designs are complete, we’ll fire them in the kiln so all the pieces fuse together into luminous finished works of glass art. Each participant will make a set of 2 to 4 coasters.





Forgot password?
Staff Log In