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Pittsburgh Glass Center

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Hot Shop

in Studio

Sculpted Glass Succulents

$135 MEMBER PRICE: $135
Calendar Next available session starts Apr 26, 2026 at 10 am
PGC 132

Blown Glass Terrariums

$135 MEMBER PRICE: $135
Calendar Next available session starts Apr 30, 2026 at 6 pm
PGC 25

Blown Glass Pumpkins

$135 MEMBER PRICE: $135
Calendar Next available session starts May 2, 2026 at 10 am
PGC 21

Hot Glass Blowout

$275 MEMBER PRICE: $275
Calendar Next available session starts May 3, 2026 at 11 am
PGC 99

Incredibly Intricate Murrine

$950 MEMBER PRICE: $950

with Penelope (Rakov) Lee

Calendar Next available 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/

Talk Suppio

$950 MEMBER PRICE: $950

with DJ Benyosef

Calendar Next available 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

Beginning the Journey

$950 MEMBER PRICE: $950

with Beyvan Schantz & Lyla Nelson

Calendar Next available session starts Jun 1, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

This beginner glassblowing class will introduce you to the hot shop. We will start by gathering glass out of the furnace, then introduce blowing bubbles and learn to apply hand and tool techniques. By the end of the week, you’ll be working with a partner to create functional vessels you can use. Following this class, you should feel comfortable in any hot shop with an understanding of the tools, processes, teamwork, and communication involved in making blown glass work.

All levels are welcome.

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 Beyvan Schantz at www.beyvanschantz.com

and Lyla Nelson at www.lylanelson.net

Reflections in Glass: Mirroring the Sculpted Bubble

$950 MEMBER PRICE: $950

with MiNHi England

Calendar Next available session starts Jun 15, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

This intermediate-level class invites you to explore the reflective possibilities of glass through the process of creating chemically mirrored blown sculptures. Students should already be proficient in gathering and blowing a bubble, as the class will build on those core skills to develop refined, sculpted forms suited for silvering techniques.

The first three days will be spent in the hot shop, focusing on the intentional setup of a bubble designed for mirroring. You will learn how wall thickness, form, internal access, and glass cleanliness each influence the success of the silvering process. The class will experiment with transparent color applications in bar and frit, observing how different hues interact in front of a mirrored surface to create variations in tone and depth within the final chrome finish.

Through daily demonstrations and guided practice, we’ll cover foundational sculpting techniques including bitwork, simple bubble manipulation, and torch-worked surface texturing to enhance form and optical complexity.

The final two days will transition to the classroom, where you will learn the pouring chemical mirroring process. Special attention will be given to the chemistry and care of mirrored surfaces, how to achieve a clean, even silver coat, and the best methods for sealing and maintaining its brilliance over time.

By the end of the course, you will leave with a deeper understanding of how to merge hot shop form making with reflective surface treatment, creating mirrored glass objects that are visually dynamic and built to last.

Additional Class Materials

Organic vapor respirator is required for the mirroring process. Students may bring their own. Respirators can be purchased from PGC prior to the class for $80.

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 MiNHi England at www.minhi.com





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