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Pittsburgh Glass Center

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Borosilicate Glass Flameworking Fundamentals -- Solid & Hollow

$1,050

with Tim Drier

Calendar Next session starts Jun 22, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

In this five–day class we will explore fundamentals and techniques for working with borosilicate glass. We will make small marbles, animals, and hollow bottles as we build on the basics of manipulation and addition of hot glass in the flame. We will round out this class by exploring surface design with color rod and frit designs for getting that artistic look that is an exciting addition to clear rod and tubing.

Torch set up and adjustment will be covered as well as home studio design/safety, regulators, ventilation, and oven selection.

All levels of experience are welcome to this class.

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 Tim Drier at https://www.instagram.com/driertim/?hl=en

Full Course

Building Your Tool Box

$1,050

with Nate Cotterman & Adam Holtzinger

Calendar Next session starts Jun 22, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

This five-day class will focus on skill building through repetition of technique. We will work through simple forms that can be used as building blocks for many complex ideas and designs. We will address everything from the arrangement of your bench and how you move through the shop, to starting and finishing your piece with accuracy and intention. We will use drawing and calipers to pre-visualize our ideas prior to going into the shop. Color techniques will be covered as skills develop, but this course will mainly focus on blowing glass accurately and efficiently and being able to repeat the process to get desired results.

This class welcomes those with some glass experience and the desire to enhance their skillset. Those interested should know how to gather and the basics of blowing glass.

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 Nate Cotterman at www.natecotterman.com

Learn more about Adam Holtzinger at www.keepbrooklyn.com

Full Course

Make Your Own Goblet

$185
Calendar Next available session starts Jun 23, 2026 at 6 pm

Create your own distinctive glass goblet in this immersive two-day introductory workshop, combining both hot and cold glass techniques. In the first session, work in the hot shop under the guidance of skilled instructors to gather, color, and shape molten glass from the 2,100°F furnace, forming the foot and stem of your goblet.

 

In the second session, transition to the cold shop to etch and sandblast a pre-made top, adding personalized designs that make your vessel truly unique. Instructors will also guide you through cutting, gluing, and assembling your pieces to create a functional and striking final goblet.

 

This workshop is a great introductory experience in both hot and cold glass processes, resulting in a one-of-a-kind piece you’ll be proud to take home.

 

Ages 14+

 

Blown Glass Garden Floats

$135
Calendar Next available session starts Jun 24, 2026 at 6 pm

Create a luminous glass sphere that floats and delights. In this introductory workshop, you’ll gather molten glass from the 2,100°F furnace and add colors of your choice. Then guided by a skilled instructor, you will blow and shape it into fun and funky blown glass garden floats. This workshop is a fun introductory experience to glassblowing. Each participant will craft two garden floats, perfect to hang inside, display outside, or float in a pond or birdbath.

 

Ages 14+

 

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

Sculpted Glass Mushrooms

$135
Calendar Next available session starts Jun 25, 2026 at 6 pm
PGC 152

Step into a whimsical world of molten magic. In this introductory workshop, you’ll gather glass from the 2,100°F furnace and add color. Then twist, pull, and sculpt it into playful glass mushrooms.

This workshop is an engaging, hands-on introductory experience in hot glass sculpting. Each participant will craft two unique mushrooms, perfect for display, gifting, or adding a magical glass touch to any plant or space.

 

Ages 14+

 

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

TEENS ONLY! Sculpted Glass Succulents

$85
Calendar Next available session starts Jun 26, 2026 at 10 am
Grow your creativity! In this introductory workshop, you’ll gather glass from the 2,100°F furnace and add color. Then guided by a skilled instructor, you will sculpt and blow your own unique glass succulents. No sunlight or soil required. This workshop is a fun introductory experience into hot glassblowing and hot glass sculpting. Each participant will craft two whimsical succulents, perfect for display, gifting, or brightening any space with a touch of glassy greenery.

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.

Fused Glass House Number or Name Plaque

$115
Calendar Next available session starts Jun 26, 2026 at 6 pm
PGC 139

Give your home a creative welcome. In this introductory workshop, design a custom fused glass plaque featuring your house number or family name. With guidance from a skilled instructor, you’ll learn how to cut and assemble colorful sheet glass into a mosaic-style panel. Once you design it, we’ll fire it in the kiln so all the pieces become one, a bold one-of-a-kind marker for your home.

 

Ages 14+

 

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

Mini Monsters and Creatures

$115
Calendar Next available session starts Jun 26, 2026 at 6:30 pm
PGC 144

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.

 

Ages 14+

 

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





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