In this intermediate five-day class, you will learn the fundamentals of hollow sculpting borosilicate glass at the torch in order to design plasma lighting. We will cover shaping, texture, and creating proper seals to make simple and complex sculptures. Sculpting techniques will cover abstract and figurative forms. You will also learn to add and design around the electrode and filling tube.

We will cover advanced topics like encasements and inclusions of phosphor as well as problems and design challenges presented by this method of working. Once your glass vessel is complete and checked for leaks, we will put our pieces under vacuum and fill them with noble gasses!

Class time will alternate between demonstration, discussion, and plenty of work time. You are strongly encouraged but not required to use the evening open studio.

On the last day we will light up all of our work and have our own plasma show.

Come to class with a sketchbook and plenty of ideas. Reference photos are encouraged for students with specific ideas they’d like to pursue.

Experience working with hollow borosilicate glass is required, however experience with plasma/neon is not. Students should at least be comfortable connecting hollow tubes to make a "straight seal."

Additional Class Materials

A blow hose assembly kit is required. Students may bring their own or kits are available for purchase on-site on the first day of class for $40.

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 Angela McHale at www.roseglassart.com

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

We love glass. In this introductory workshop, learn to heat, shape, and add color to glass using a 3,000°F torch to make a glass statement of love. Guided by a skill instructor, you’ll turn your heart creation into a pendant, magnet, or both. Keep them close to your heart or share with a loved one.

Ages 14+

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

Crawl into the world of molten glass. In this introductory workshop, learn the basics of using a 3,000°F torch to melt and sculpt glass rods into beetles, bugs, and creepy or cute creatures. Guided by a skilled instructor, you’ll add color, legs, spots, and personality. Turn your buggy creations into magnets or keep them as mini sculptures. Perfect for your home, fridge, or friend who loves tiny creatures.

Ages 14+

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

It’s alive… in glass. In this introductory workshop, spark your imagination as you twist, melt, and sculpt your own glass monsters and mythical creatures using a 3,000°F torch. Guided by a skilled instructor, learn torch basics and add colors, texture, and personality. Add a glass loop or keep them as sculptures, perfect to wear, share, or show off.

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

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.

Stir in style. In this introductory workshop, make elegant, colorful swizzle sticks for your drinks, houseplants, or garden décor using a 3,000°F torch. Guided by a skilled instructor, learn torch basics and explore decorative techniques to make a functional or decorative glass set. Fun to make, beautiful to use, and perfect to keep or gift.

Ages 14+

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

Discover an easy, versatile, and economical way to create bas relief and deep relief kilnformed glass. Using found objects and fabricated forms, you’ll press originals into plaster powder to create backgrounds and foregrounds, then slump sheet glass into your molds. Working with Tekta Clear Bullseye glass and glass paints, you’ll learn glass cutting, moldmaking, and the kiln schedule for this technique. With minimal coldworking, you’ll use a wet tile saw and wet belt sander to finish your pieces.

This remarkable and nearly waste-free casting method offers endless possibilities for fine art, public art, and architectural applications.

This five-day class is suitable for beginners or experienced glass sculptors, and all skill levels.

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 Sean Hennessey at Sean-hennessey.com

This two-week intensive* examines the relationship between the hot and cold shop. We will be focusing on and encouraging both exploration and refinement of form. Throughout the course you will move between studios, developing vessel forms, and advancing them through various surface and finishing techniques.

In the hot shop, you will focus on building technique and creating blank forms to further work in the cold shop. Demonstrations will cover various techniques, such as double overlay, Swedish overlay, stuff cups, powder application, and pattern making. Guided instruction will highlight bubble setup, heat control, timing, and intentionality. Using the 3D object to study form, color, and function.

Cold shop sessions will focus on equipment operation, punty removal, lathe work, and surface treatment. Using various cutting wheels and methods of surface finishing, students will explore texture, pattern, and optical effects. Designed for students with prior hot shop experience, this course supports technical growth, material awareness, and a deeper understanding of how form, surface, and color interact.

Students must be able to comfortably blow and cap a bubble. Participants are encouraged to bring a sketchbook and a desire to learn.

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.

*Class runs Monday through Saturday for the first week, and Monday through Friday for the second week. 

For more information, please review Summer Intensives.

Learn more about Chris Giordano at www.giostudio.com

Learn more about Cole Johnson at www.colejohnsonglass.com