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Pittsburgh Glass Center

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Strata-Exploring Color and Creativity

$950 MEMBER PRICE: $950

with Morgan Madison

Calendar Next available session starts Jul 27, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

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

Deep Relief Dry Plaster Casting

$950 MEMBER PRICE: $950

with Sean Hennessey

Calendar Next available session starts Aug 3, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

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

Form, Pattern, Texture: Hot and Cold Glass

$1,900 MEMBER PRICE: $1,900

with Ben Edols & Kathy Elliott

Calendar Next available session starts Aug 3, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 2 weeks

This 11-day class* will move between making blanks in the hot shop that will then be worked in the cold shop. We will explore techniques that specifically incorporate blown and carved techniques: cameo carving and Graal. We will also demonstrate and explore other techniques such as cane pulling and cane application in the hot shop, vessel blowing for coldworkers, diamond wheel carving, sandblasting, and creating various surface finishes.

Overall we will be asking students to be intentional about the form, pattern, and texture of the work they will be making. Our aim is to explore a little of what is possible. Perhaps it will expand your repertoire. Perhaps this is your opportunity to refine your skills. It will be these three elements that will drive the direction of what you explore during the class but working in new ways and trying new combinations will be encouraged.

Students should be prepared with ideas and drawings to get the most out of this class. Discussion of ideas and drawings will be a part of this class.

Advanced level glassblowing is preferred and basic cold working skills are fine.

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

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 Ben Edols and Kathy Elliott at www.edolselliott.com

Unexplored Territory - A Detailed Guide

$950 MEMBER PRICE: $950

with Kimberly Thomas

Calendar Next available session starts Aug 3, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

Say goodbye to your comfort zone, prepare to challenge limits and articulate your unique vision. Explore the three-dimensional world of dynamic action with borosilicate glass while simultaneously expanding your sculptural lexicon. In this five-day class, emphasis will be placed on improving technical literacy in flameworking and developing your artistic voice.Through demonstrations and hands-on practice you will investigate, experiment, and turn the fundamentals of flameworking upside down to create complex sculptural forms. Explorations in color rod and frit applications will add further dimension and excitement to the process. Balancing innovation, intuition, and technical skill with a spirit of experimentation, this class invites students to reimagine the potential of borosilicate sculpture.

Students should have basic flameworking skills. They should have experience working with hollow forms or be at the level where they can start.

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 Kimberly Thomas at www.KimberlyThomas.art

Lampworking with Sally

$950 MEMBER PRICE: $950

with Sally Prasch

Calendar Next available session starts Aug 10, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

In this five-day class, we will cover scientific glassblowing techniques that will be incorporated into individual projects including ring, blind, and side seals. Projects will be scaled to each student’s ability. Musical instruments, flowers, candle holders, solid and hollow chain will be covered.

Beth Hylen will be our TA so we will also be covering some glass history.

This class is open to all levels. Come have a blast with Sally and Beth!

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 Sally Prasch at https://praschglass.com/

Shaping Light: Exploring Stained Glass with the Waterjet

$950 MEMBER PRICE: $950

with Meggy Wilm

Calendar Next available session starts Aug 10, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

Discover how modern technology and traditional craftsmanship come together in this five-day class that blends stained glass artistry with the precision of waterjet cutting. In this hands-on class, you will learn how to digitally design, cut, and assemble your own stained glass projects using the waterjet machine.

Throughout the week, students will be introduced to the fundamentals of digital design for glass cutting, explore file preparation and machine operation, and experiment with how the waterjet can expand what’s possible in stained glass design. We’ll begin with a small group test project to familiarize everyone with the process, then move into open-form studio time where students can develop and cut their own designs.

This class encourages experimentation and discovery — whether you want to refine your cutting precision, explore complex patterns, or integrate new materials into your work. You’ll have the freedom to create something truly your own and better understand how a waterjet may expand what's possible in your studio.

By the end of the week, you will feel confident designing, preparing, and cutting your own stained glass pieces with the waterjet. You’ll understand how to integrate digital design into your creative process and walk away knowing whether a waterjet could become a valuable tool in your personal studio or artistic workflow.

Open studio hours are encouraged for extended design and cutting time.

Students are encouraged to digitally draw and transfer patterns. Please bring a Laptop or Ipad. SD card or USB for file transfer and storage beyond class.

Materials are provided, however students may wish to bring or purchase additional glass for larger or more intricate projects.

Intermediate to advanced skill levels are welcome. Basic stained glass skills (glass cutting, foiling, or assembling) are helpful but not required; comfort using a computer or Ipad for digital design is strongly recommended (Adobe Illustrator or ProCreate for the Ipad).

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 Meggy Wilm at www.coglassworks.com





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