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Pittsburgh Glass Center



Sandblasting

in Type of Glassmaking

Introduction to Coldworking

$330 MEMBER PRICE: $330
Calendar Next available session starts Jan 22, 2026 at 6:30 pm, runs for 8 weeks
Learn how to operate all of the equipment to cut, grind, drill, engrave, sandblast, and polish glass in this entirely cold process class. Learn techniques to strategize the best optical placement of cuts and gain experience using special adhesives to chemically bond glass segments together. Create unique works of glass art with interesting surface textures and shapes. Leave with a foundational knowledge of coldworking techniques and understanding of the lamination process. No experience necessary.

Class tuition includes 4 hours of open-studio time to be used during the 8-week course period. Open Studio is held on Mondays from 5:00pm - 9:00pm.

Class does not meet on 3/5.

Ages 14+

Break Through! Archival Cuts

$450 MEMBER PRICE: $450
Calendar Next available session starts Jan 24, 2026 at 1 pm, runs for 8 weeks

Take your coldworking to the next level in this new and exciting coldworking class. Explore how traditional coldworking can be utilized in non-traditional and modern applications. Collaborate with glass blowers in the hot shop to design colorful items then manipulate them to reveal layers of color with the lathe, sandblaster, or lap wheels. Combine found objects, cement, and glass. Then cut, laminate, and coldwork new and exciting shapes. Come away with new skills, fun projects, and inspiration for more complicated works.

 

Class tuition includes 6 hours of studio rental time to be used during the 8-week course period. Rental time is purposefully included with this 8-week course to give students independent studio time to practice the skills and will be required to be able to complete projects.

 

Class does not meet 3/7.

 

Prerequisite: Introduction to Coldworking, or equivalent 24 hours of coldworking experience with instructor permission is required.

 

Ages 14+

Coldworking Open Projects

$175 MEMBER PRICE: $175
Calendar Next available session starts Apr 4, 2026 at 9:30 am, runs for 4 weeks
Gain full access to the cold shop's grinders, sanders, lathe, lap wheel, sandblaster and drill presses with expert guidance from our experienced instructors. Learn new techniques and improve upon existing skills to carve, shape, polish and embellish glass. Make projects of your own design or finish started pieces. Open projects is great for hot glass workers, kiln formers, glass casters, and artists who want to develop and enhance their skills to finish glass.

Prerequisite: Introduction to Coldworking, or equivalent 24 hours of coldworking experience with instructor permission is required.

Ages 14+

Aquatics #6 - Game On!

$950 MEMBER PRICE: $950

with deb crowley

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

This class is the sixth in my Aquatics Series. In this five-day class we will work strictly with borosilicate glass to create fresh and saltwater game fish. We start day one with a few small pendants to warm up. Fish, sting rays, and nudibranchs are on the menu. Next, we dive right into a rainbow trout on a wood branch featuring the new Molten Aura Electrum glass, perfect for those shimmery fish! On day three we’ll make a large Mahi Mahi on water wisps scene and on day four a yellowfin tuna chasing some small schooling fish. On the last day we will make small creatures for our vignettes.

This is a fast-paced, fun-filled class with a lot of time to cement new skills to make great saleable items!

Deb has been flameworking for 35 years and shows you great ideas for more interesting art by adding expressive narratives, drawing the observer in to find their own stories in each one. Grab your gear and let’s go fishing!

Students are asked to bring three bases for your vignettes, preferably wood so they can easily be drilled out for components. Shortly before the class begins, students will receive an email with more details and suggested tools to bring.

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 deb crowley at www.debcrowley.com





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