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Pittsburgh Glass Center

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Hot Glassblowing

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Incredibly Intricate Murrine

$1,050 MEMBER PRICE: $1,050

with Penelope (Rakov) Lee

Calendar Next session starts May 18, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

In this five-day class our goal is to break down the best method for constructing incredibly intricate murrine. Because of its complexity, murrine can be intimidating and hard to know which steps to do in what order. But by slowing down and really looking at how to best approach each step in the process, we can achieve the kinds of patterns that can seem impossible.

We will cover:

  • Some color theory
  • How to pull successful cane
  • How to build simple, and then complex bundles
  • When to work hot, and when to work cold
  • What to look for when cutting murrine for the hot shop, the kiln shop, and other applications
  • How to set up a plate for patterned roll ups
  • And finally, how to manage your piece with all those murrine.

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 Penelope (Rakov) Lee at https://www.instagram.com/pennyrakovlee/

Full Course

Beyond the Cup

$340 MEMBER PRICE: $340
Calendar Next available session starts May 23, 2026 at 9:30 am, runs for 4 weeks

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+

Class does not meet on June 6.

Blown Glass Catch-All Bowls

$135 MEMBER PRICE: $135
Calendar Next available session starts May 23, 2026 at 5 pm
PGC 123

Get ready to be bowl-ed over by the magic of molten glass. In this introductory workshop, you’ll gather molten glass from the 2,100°F furnace and choose and add color. Then guided by a skilled instructor, you will blow and shape it into vibrant double-walled blown glass bowls.

 

This workshop is a fun introductory experience to glassblowing. Each participant will craft two bowls, ideal for holding small items, serving snacks, displaying jewelry, or adding a funky decorative touch to any space.

 

Ages 14+

 

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

Talk Suppio

$1,050 MEMBER PRICE: $1,050

with DJ Benyosef

Calendar Next session starts May 25, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

This five-day glassblowing class will focus on pulling cane to create cane tubes, known as "suppios." This technique is excellent for producing matching or similar objects, making it ideal for production-style work. You will learn the entire process, from pulling cane and rolling it onto a bubble to pulling the tube and cutting it into smaller tubes or cups (suppios). We will also cover gathering, twisting, and blowing up the tubes.

By the end of the course, students will have a deeper understanding of pulling even cane, managing wall thicknesses, and achieving uniform twists. The class will also introduce various wraps and incalmo techniques.

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 DJ Benyosef at benyosefglass.com

Full Course

Blown Glass Suncatchers

$135 MEMBER PRICE: $135
Calendar Next available session starts May 27, 2026 at 6 pm
PGC 127

Catch the light in glass. In this introductory workshop, you’ll gather molten glass from the 2,100°F furnace and add color. Then guided by a skilled instructor, you will blow and shape it into stunning glass suncatchers.

 

This workshop is a fun introductory experience to hot glassblowing. Each participant will create two unique suncatchers, perfect for hanging in a window or adding a touch of sparkle anywhere.

 

Ages 14+

 

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

Hot Glass Blowout

$275 MEMBER PRICE: $275
Calendar Next available session starts May 29, 2026 at 9 am
PGC 141

If you've ever wanted to try glassblowing, this is the workshop for you. This 5-hour workshop offers an introduction to the art of glassblowing. Designed for beginners, you will gain hands-on experience in the hot shop, and learn essential techniques for gathering, shaping, and manipulating molten glass straight from the 2,100°F furnace.

 

After learning to gather, you'll sculpt a paperweight and then progress to additional glassblowing techniques, enabling you to craft a variety of glass objects throughout the day.

 

Instructors provide step-by-step guidance to ensure a safe and productive learning experience.

 

Warning! Hot glass is immersive and captivating. Once you start working with it, you may not want to stop.

 

Note: Class includes a 30-minute lunch break. Lunch is not provided, but a refrigerator is available for student use.

 

Ages 14+

 

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

Blown Glass Garden Floats

$135 MEMBER PRICE: $135
Calendar Next available session starts May 29, 2026 at 6 pm
PGC 125

Create a luminous glass sphere that floats and delights. In this introductory workshop, you’ll gather molten glass from the 2,100°F furnace and add colors of your choice. Then guided by a skilled instructor, you will blow and shape it into fun and funky blown glass garden floats. This workshop is a fun introductory experience to glassblowing. Each participant will craft two garden floats, perfect to hang inside, display outside, or float in a pond or birdbath.

 

Ages 14+

 

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

Blown Glass Terrariums

$135 MEMBER PRICE: $135
Calendar Next available session starts May 30, 2026 at 5 pm
PGC 129

Create a beautiful glass home for your favorite air plants. In this introductory workshop, you will gather glass from the 2,100°F furnace and add color. Then, guided by a skilled instructor, you will blow, shape, and sculpt it into a one-of-a-kind terrarium.

This workshop is a fun introductory experience into hot glassblowing. Each participant will craft two blown glass terrariums, perfect for displaying your air plants, cuttings, or trinkets. (Air plants not included.)

Ages 14+

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





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