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Pittsburgh Glass Center

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Sand & Psyche

$1,050 MEMBER PRICE: $1,050

with Geoffrey Bowton

Calendar Next available session starts Jul 6, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

Sand & Psyche is a unique class designed for students to discover the therapeutic benefits of Pâte de verre, a technique that utilizes glass frits and powders. This five-day class welcomes participants of all experience levels and provides a supportive environment to learn and express oneself through glass.

This class begins with making your own Pâte de verre tools used for distributing the frits and powders, then learning methods for building complex layers inside a two-part plaster and silica refractory mold. You will engage in creating multiple color samples, which can later be used as magnets or displayed as decorative pieces. Then, follow a step-by-step process that guides you in translating your ideas into a figurative mask. This includes initial sketching on a paper mask, moving into wax sculpting, and culminating in the construction of a final glass project. There will be special tips and tricks shared during the casting process, helping you manage a successful project in the future.

Sand & Psyche offers a platform for you to delve into your subconscious, allowing you to confront internal conversations in a safe, artistic manner. By engaging in this creative practice, you have the opportunity to develop coping mechanisms, reduce stress levels, and foster a sense of empowerment and self-expression.

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 Geoffrey Bowton at www.geoffreybowton.com

Time Spent on Subtleties
Registration Unavailable

Time Spent on Subtleties

$1,050 MEMBER PRICE: $1,050

with Annette Blair

Drawing inspiration from our personal connections to objects and organic elements, we will work towards creating a small still life composition with a focus on finessing the little details. Together we will work through the best ways to approach each object in the hot shop, considering both technical and aesthetic possibilities. You will experiment with incorporating coldworked elements into blown and hot sculpted forms and will also be introduced to basic low-fire enamel painting techniques.

This class is suited to intermediate level glassblowers with basic coldworking skills. Students will work on their individual objects and ideas as well as collaborative problem solving.

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 Annette Blair at https://www.annetteblairglass.com/

Sculpted Glass Paperweights

$135 MEMBER PRICE: $135
Calendar Next available session starts Jul 7, 2026 at 6 pm

Turn up the heat and let your creativity take shape. In this introductory workshop, you’ll gather glowing molten glass from the 2,100°F furnace and add colors of your choice. Then guided by a skilled instructor, you will twist, pull, and sculpt it into one-of-a-kind paperweights bursting with color and personality.

 

This workshop is a fun introductory experience into hot glass sculpting. Each participant will make two fun and functional paperweights, perfect for your desk, shelf, or as a thoughtful gift.

 

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 Jul 8, 2026 at 6 pm

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.

Blown Glass Suncatchers

$135 MEMBER PRICE: $135
Calendar Next available session starts Jul 9, 2026 at 6 pm

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.

Upcycled Bottles

$95 MEMBER PRICE: $95
Calendar Next available session starts Jul 9, 2026 at 6:30 pm

Give your empty bottles and jars a second life. In this introductory workshop, you’ll transform everyday glass into beautiful and functional pieces like drinking glasses, vases, candle holders, or unique decor.

 

Bring 2–4 clean bottles or jars, and a skilled instructor will guide you through cutting, grinding, polishing, sandblasting, and engraving to create your own custom designs.

 

To make the most of your creative time, please remove any paper labels before the workshop.

 

Get ready to upcycle, refresh, and reimagine your glass.

 

Ages 14+

 

Fused Glass Dish

$115 MEMBER PRICE: $115
Calendar Next available session starts Jul 10, 2026 at 6 pm

PGC 123 Turn sheets of glass into a sparkling, functional work of art. In this introductory workshop, you’ll learn to cut sheet glass into geometric shapes and combine them with frit (colored glass granules) and stringers (thin colored glass rods) to design a one-of-a-kind dish.

 

Once your design is complete, we’ll fire it in the kiln to fuse everything together and then shape it in a mold, creating a beautiful and functional piece. Perfect for holding spare change, serving small snacks, displaying jewelry, or simply adding a touch of glassy sparkle to your space.

 

Ages 14+

 

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

Make-It-Now: Blown Glass Cup

$45 MEMBER PRICE: $45
Calendar Next available session starts Jul 10, 2026 at 5 pm
11 additional sessions through Jul 10, 2026
Heat, shape, and sip. In this quick and exciting hot shop experience, you’ll work closely with a skilled artist to blow and shape molten glass from our 2,100°F furnace into a one-of-a-kind hand crafted glass cup, ready for your next drink.

Make-It-Now experiences offer a quick hands-on introduction to the magic of glassmaking. In the hot shop, you’ll work one-on-one with a skilled local artist at the 2,100°F furnace. In about 15 minutes or less, you’ll work together to shape, color, and craft your glass item. Perfect for beginners, these short experiences offer a taste of the excitement, skill, and artistry that goes into working with glass in a supportive, guided setting.

Ages 8+ unless otherwise specified

Adult supervision is required for any children under 14 years old.

Due to the nature of hot glass, items cannot be taken home the same day they are created. All items made in the hot shop must go through an annealing process to slowly cool the glass. Items are available for pick-up after 5 days. Shipping can be arranged on site the day of your activity.





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