Play with pattern, light, and distortion in this 2-day intensive class and explore the creative potential of optic molds. We will begin with the fundamentals of gathering and setting up a proper bubble for mold blowing, then experiment with ways to transform optical ridges. Through guided demonstrations and hands-on practice, you’ll learn how to twist, pinch, cut, and manipulate the optical ridges to create different and fun effects. Hot glass 1 or equivalent 24 hours glassblowing experience with instructor approval required.

 

Saturday, March 28th, class is from 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM. Sunday, March 29th, class is from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

An 8-week curriculum, accelerated into just 4 weeks.

Explore glassblowing in just 4-weeks! Learn to gather molten glass from the furnace, and then sculpt it into various forms, from paperweights to simple blown shapes, like cups and bowls. 

Focus will be placed on the team approach to glassblowing and will emphasize safety, proper tool use, basic techniques, and materials.

This class is appropriate whether you have limited hot shop experience or none at all. You will experience the same number of contact hours as students attending the once-a-week, 8-week classes, but in a condensed, 4-week format.

There are two options: One class meets twice a week on both Tuesday and Thursday; the other is a longer day on Saturdays.

Ages 14+

Move beyond the basic cup shape to create other hot glass forms.

 

Take your glassblowing skills to the next level by moving beyond the cup. In this intermediate class, you will expand on basic vessel forms by exploring new techniques and shapes while refining your understanding of heat and timing to blow glass quicker and thinner.

 

Prerequisite: Hot 1 or 24 hours equivalent hot glass experience with instructor permission is required.

 

Ages 14+

Grow your creativity! In this introductory workshop, you’ll gather glass from the 2,100°F furnace and add color. Then guided by a skilled instructor, you will sculpt and blow your own unique glass succulents. No sunlight or soil required. This workshop is a fun introductory experience into hot glassblowing and hot glass sculpting. Each participant will craft two whimsical succulents, perfect for display, gifting, or brightening any space with a touch of glassy greenery.

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.

An 8-week curriculum, accelerated into just 4 weeks.

Explore glassblowing in just 4-weeks! Learn to gather molten glass from the furnace, and then sculpt it into various forms, from paperweights to simple blown shapes, like cups and bowls.

Focus will be placed on the team approach to glassblowing and will emphasize safety, proper tool use, basic techniques, and materials.

This class is appropriate whether you have limited hot shop experience or none at all. You will experience the same number of contact hours as students attending the once-a-week, 8-week classes, but in a condensed, 4-week format.

There are two options: One class meets twice a week on both Tuesday and Thursday; the other is a longer day on Saturdays.

 Ages 14+

Spend an unforgettable and fun week this summer diving into the world of glass. This program is designed for teens in grades 6-12 (ages 12-19) 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.

Please look over our Teen Boot Camp Policies and important information regarding scheduling and forms by clicking here: https://www.pittsburghglasscenter.org/teen-boot-camp-policies/

Required Forms

All registered students must complete our Teen Boot Camp Intake form. This form is presented during the registration process, and is required for all students prior to their first day of camp. Forms will ask for emergency contacts, known student allergies, and designated persons allowed to sign students out of camp.

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