Start your fusing journey or take it to the next level. Learn how to create your own vitrigraph stringers by shaping molten glass while it flows out of the bottom of a kiln. Vitrigraph is ideal for creating realistic-looking tree branches, vines, flower stems and other organic shapes. In this class you'll learn proper safety and how to set up the kiln. You'll learn to select and blend colors and pull molten glass into a variety of thick-to-thin strings, twisted strands, loops, coils, and other shapes. Each week we'll pull a different color, cover general fusing education, and create functional plates, bowls, suncatchers, and other one-of-a-kind pieces. No experience needed.

Ages 14+

Symmetry can be used as a fundamental design tool. Symmetry is used by man and nature as a device to add continuity, balance, and harmony to a chaotic universe. Its use in art and design, consequently, attains an aesthetic of order and familiarity.

In this five-day class, you will explore principles of advanced pattern forming in fused glass. Ian will share the techniques he has perfected to produce accurate linear geometric glass artworks.

Using pre-formed Bullseye colored glass striped sheets, you will expand your knowledge and experience of kilnforming and coldworking techniques to produce intricate patterns which utilize symmetry and geometry to create hypnotizing mandala-like patterns.

You will be guided through the creation of Bullseye glass striped sheets which once fired will be deconstructed and reassembled. Learn how the arrangement of tone and color can enhance the optical properties of the pattern design and how to lay out the pattern using principles of four-fold symmetry. Utilizing these concepts and techniques, you will create a 25cm x 25cm glass tile.

In addition, the class will produce a small square tile, utilizing Ian's latest method of production. This tile will be used to introduce a new surface finishing technique involving hand polishing to a fine satin finish.

You will be guided through all aspects of the class, but intermediate glass cutting skills are required since the class involves a lot of glass cutting.

Evening Open Studio

Studios are open until 9:30PM for students to practice. Depending on the class, process, and techniques, this time might be highly suggested by instructors for students to use. In other classes, this time might be considered optional.

For more information, please review Summer Intensives.

Learn more about Ian Chadwick at www.ianchadwickglassart.co.uk

Take your pattern making in glass up a level…. to two layers!!

In this five-day class with Ian Chadwick, you will explore how the arrangement and use of transparent colors can produce intriguing geometric patterns within two layers of glass.

Using Bullseye stringers you’ll learn the principles of accurate stringer arrangement and explore how deliberate arrangement can create striking geometric compositions. From there, the class will investigate the possibilities of cutting and arranging geometric components and the transformative effects of layering transparent linear patterns.

We will cover principles of glass cutting and coldworking and produce a panel and a drop through vase with which we will cover the process of rim removal and coldworking with Silicon Carbide or diamond abrasive lap wheels.

Students must be of an intermediate level as accurate hand cutting of glass is fundamental to this class. Techniques to improve your cutting, and ultimately your confidence, will be covered.

Evening Open Studio

Studios are open until 9:30PM for students to practice. Depending on the class, process, and techniques, this time might be highly suggested by instructors for students to use. In other classes, this time might be considered optional.

For more information, please review Summer Intensives.

Learn more about Ian Chadwick at www.ianchadwickglassart.co.uk

One of the greatest challenges in kilnformed glass is capturing intricate detail in finished work. This hands-on five-day class introduces students to non-traditional Pâte de Verre techniques—an innovative approach to working with glass paste at low temperatures without the use of investment molds. You will learn how to recreate real or imagined objects in striking detail, while also exploring methods that lend themselves to expressive abstraction.

Through demonstrations, discussion, and guided practice, you will explore:

• Silicone Molds – Make replicas of small objects using two types of silicone molds: one with common household caulking, and another with two-part pourable silicone rubber.
• Freeform Sculpting – Shape glass paste directly using simple tools such as palette knives, creating unique forms without molds.Color Samples – Create and test color swatches, learning how low-fire schedules affect color maturity and how to achieve desired visual outcomes.
• Exploring Binders – Experiment with three different binders, comparing their strengths and weaknesses for various applications.
• Dry Working – Develop methods for refining detail, smoothing surfaces, and preparing pieces for successful firing.
• Cold Working – Develop methods for cleaning and refining surfaces after firing.
• Technical Discussions – Gain insight into low-fire kilnforming challenges, including managing shrinkage, balancing thin and thick areas, fusing schedules, and kiln support strategies.

By the end of the course, students will have a toolkit of practical techniques for shaping glass paste into forms rich with texture, depth, and detail—equally suited for realism or abstraction.

Advanced beginners are welcome, however they must have some understanding of firing schedules and heat work in a kiln.

Evening Open Studio

Studios are open until 9:30PM for students to practice. Depending on the class, process, and techniques, this time might be highly suggested by instructors for students to use. In other classes, this time might be considered optional.

For more information, please review Summer Intensives.

Learn more about Evelyn Gottschall Baker at www.glassfractions.com

Learn how to embrace the unique working properties of found, recycled, and manufactured glass. In this experimental five-day class, you’ll be introduced to the creative possibilities of repurposed glass in the kiln and cold shop. Guided by demonstrations and technical lectures, we will complete a fast-paced series of kiln tests and small sculptures utilizing various types of found and collected glass.

Evening Open Studio

Studios are open until 9:30PM for students to practice. Depending on the class, process, and techniques, this time might be highly suggested by instructors for students to use. In other classes, this time might be considered optional.

For more information, please review Summer Intensives.

Learn more about Morgan Gilbreath at www.morgangilbreath.com

During this class, Emma will introduce her original method of fusing and casting multiple layers of glass, which she has been exploring and developing, with great success, for past 20 years. This innovative technique enables fusing/casting of thin glass sheets used to set up layers composed of tiny mosaic-like elements, thus achieving three-dimensional images inside the transparent fused/cast sculptural object.

This class will focus on a new way of three-dimensional thinking in creating glass objects; on using properties of glass to achieve visual effects as well as to achieve a sense of movement within cast glass objects. You are not required to have previous experience in glass fusing. Beginners will be able, along with students possessing advanced glass fusing skills, to create and finalize their own three-dimensional glass objects during this class. Additionally, you will receive basic information about grinding and polishing three-dimensional glass objects. At all times, students will have access to an extensive digital gallery in Emma’s laptop including images of recent work as well as closeups revealing fine details on layers inside the glass object. Expect to discover an exciting new method of creating images within transparent three-dimensional glass objects.

In the past 10 years, Emma experimented with new techniques such as glass mosaics made from pre-fused elements, as well as sculptural objects constructed from tiny pâte de verre elements - a rather unusual and innovative application of pâte de verre technique. Another field of experimentation is using pâte de verre elements for inclusion onto layers of fused/cast objects. During her class, Emma will demonstrate and explain these methods, as well as vast possibilities and combinations. Students will be encouraged to experiment and play with kilnforming techniques in order to create a range of small fused, cast objects.

Evening Open Studio

Studios are open until 9:30PM for students to practice. Depending on the class, process, and techniques, this time might be highly suggested by instructors for students to use. In other classes, this time might be considered optional.

For more information, please review Summer Intensives.

Learn more about Emma Varga at www.emmavarga.com

Spend an unforgettable and fun week this summer diving into the world of glass.This program is designed for teens in grades 6 - 9 to take over the Pittsburgh Glass Center studios. It gives students the rare hands-on opportunity to learn the many facets of glass in one of the top facilities in the country. Working with experienced instructors, students will rotate through all of the studios and explore glassblowing, flameworking, kilnforming, and coldworking. New this year, students will also connect glass and technology in the fabrication lab.

Find out more about the program schedule and Teen Boot Camp Policies here: https://www.pittsburghglasscenter.org/teen-boot-camp-policies/

Scholarships are available for all students! Scholarship Application Deadline: May 3, 2026.

In this class we will explore layering transparent sheet glass to create rich color palettes and artwork of depth and character. This comprehensive kilnforming class is designed to inspire you, enhance your technical skills, challenge you to think critically about your work, and deepen your experience working with color in kilnforming. We will cover all aspects of Madison’s process of working with sources of inspiration, designing with analog and digital tools, cutting and assembly of compositions, and firing.

We will begin by designing and creating test pieces to explore possible outcomes and develop an understanding of how colors interact when layered. This foundation will guide our approach to subsequent projects that are well-considered and thoughtfully crafted. Throughout the course we will work one-on-one to strategize and tailor the techniques and process to fit your skills, style, and interests.

Discussion of firing schedules, finishing work in the cold shop, and strategies for presenting your work for display will round out the content. Outcomes will include test pieces valuable for future reference and at least one well-considered work that is brought to completion. We will also have the chance to create a simple custom-made stand for presenting this work.

The aim of this class is to be a lasting experience that provides you with simple yet powerful tools to support the pursuit of your unique visions in kilnformed glass efficiently, confidently, and to have fun while doing so.

This class is suited to a variety of levels of experience in kilnforming but a foundation of basic glass cutting skills will be highly advantageous. Digital design tools that will be used include Sketchbook (a free and accessible app available for most tablets) and Photoshop.

Evening Open Studio

Studios are open until 9:30PM for students to practice. Depending on the class, process, and techniques, this time might be highly suggested by instructors for students to use. In other classes, this time might be considered optional.

For more information, please review Summer Intensives.

Learn more about Morgan Madison at morganvanmadison.com