Bring a whole new dimension to your stained glass projects by learning to create your very own art glass. In this 2-day introductory workshop, you’ll explore the interplay and possibilities between kilnforming and stained glass. On day one, you’ll dive into the colorful world of kilnforming as you learn glass cutting and fusing fundamentals. Experiment with accessory glass like frit and stringers to design and build your own custom art glass sheet.

On day two, discover how to incorporate your one-of-a-kind fused creations into a stained glass suncatcher. You’ll learn how to cut, foil, and solder your fused glass into a finished piece that glows with your personal touch.

Perfect for beginners and experienced glass artists alike. This workshop is a creative fusion of color, technique, and imagination.

This workshop meets 10am-2pm on Saturday, and 1pm-5pm on Sunday.

Ages 14+

Learn to blow glass now.

In this introductory class, learn to gather clear molten glass from the furnace and shape it into various forms, from paperweights to simple blown shapes, such as cups and bowls. 

Instruction focuses on a team approach to glassblowing, with an emphasis on safety, proper tool use, basic techniques, and materials. You'll never drink from a glass again without appreciating the energy and detail that went into making it. No experience is required.

You may also wish to take this class a second time in order to continue to develop and refine basic skills before moving on to Hot Glass 2. Each time you take it, your skill level, confidence, and passion for glass will grow.

Class tuition includes 2 hours of open-studio time to be used during the 8-week course period. Open Studio is held on Monday Nights 5:00pm - 9:00pm.

Multiweek classes do not meet the week of 3/1-3/7.

Ages 14+

Take your beadmaking skills to the next level. Over the course of 8 weeks, explore a range of techniques including dots, stacks, raking, and bead shaping with an emphasis on focal beads, encasing murrine bits, applying dichroic glass, and more. Demonstrations will also include wire wrapping and turning your one-of-a-kind creations into wearable jewelry.

Class tuition includes 2 hours of open-studio time to be used during the 8-week course period. Open Studio is held on Monday Nights 5:00pm - 9:00pm.

This class is great for someone looking to expand their beadmaking skills.

Class does not meet on 3/3.

Prerequisite: Introduction to Beadmaking, or equivalent 24 hours experience with instructor permission required.

Ages 16+

In this introductory class, you will learn the basics for working with flat colorful glass such as cutting, grinding, foiling, and soldering. You'll explore the famous Tiffany method of construction and work with provided patterns to create a finished stained glass panel ready for display. No experience necessary. This class is designed for beginners, and is a prerequisite for Intermediate Stained Glass.

 

Class tuition includes 2 hours of open-studio time to be used during the 8-week course period. Open Studio is held on Monday Nights 5:00pm - 9:00pm.

 

Multiweek classes do not meet the week of 3/1-3/7.

 

Ages 14+

Choose from a variety of patterns and learn the traditional technique of lead came. This technique is necessary to create a window that will be exposed to outdoor elements. Understanding this technique will allow you to feel comfortable moving forward with larger, more permanent stained glass creations.

Prerequisite: Introduction to Stained Glass or 24 hours of stained glass experience with instructor experience is required.

Class does not meet on 3/3.

Ages 14+

SiO2 Flameworking is a hands-on, after school program specifically for students in grades 9 -12. Classes meet once a week for 10 sessions. This class does not meet on 3/3/2026.

High school-aged students will work closely with professional teaching artists to learn how to use a 3,000°F tabletop torch, the heat it generates, and gravity to shape molten glass. They will learn about borosilicate, a hard glass with a high melting point that can be used to make a variety of small sculptures, jewelry, and more. Young artists are encouraged to bring their creativity to the torch.

This program is designed with youth in mind. The course focuses on safety, confidence building with materials, and teaching foundational glassmaking skills to young artists. Sessions and content will vary and adapt to students' interests and skills. This program is often taken more than once. We encourage our students from Mixed and Mashed Up to level up to this program, but no previous experience is required.

Students who participate in SiO2 Flameworking are invited to participate in a celebration and exhibition at the end of the semester and are also invited to show their work in a rotating display on Pittsburgh Glass Center’s third floor.

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.

Learn flame shop essentials and a variety of creative techniques while working with borosilicate (hard) glass. Begin with a solid rod of glass and melt it into a molten ball that can be manipulated into little treasures, such as pendants, marbles, chains, and sculptures. Over the course of 8 weeks, learn color application, hand control, and annealing. The instructor will also provide one-on-one troubleshooting. No experience necessary.

 

Class tuition includes 2 hours of open-studio time to be used during the 8-week course period. This will help you become familiar with the studio and learn the process of studio rental beyond class hours. Open Studio is held on Monday Nights 5:00pm - 9:00pm.

 

Multiweek classes do not meet the week of 3/1-3/7.

 

Ages 14+

Enroll in Hot 2, build on your existing skill set and expand your creative potential. Refine and diverge from the standard cup and bowl shape in the first few weeks before moving on to more complex forms. Explore basic color application methods and learn how to troubleshoot common problems. It is recommended that all students take this class a second time in order to continue to develop and refine basic skills before moving on to advanced hot glass classes.

 

Class tuition includes 2 hours of rental time per student to be used during the 8-week course period. Open Studio is held on Monday Nights 5:00pm - 9:00pm.

Prerequisite: Hot 1 or 24 hours of hot shop experience with instructor permission is required.

 

Multiweek classes do not meet the week of 3/1-3/7.

 

Ages 14+