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Pittsburgh Glass Center



Tubing

in Type of Glassmaking

Neon 101: Introduction to Neon

$495 MEMBER PRICE: $495

with Percy Echols

Calendar Next session starts Jan 22, 2026 at 9:30 am, runs for 8 weeks
Discover the art of Neon Bending as we delve into the world of soda lime (soft) glass tubing. This hands-on class will equip you with essential techniques using a range of specialized tools to heat and shape the glass, enabling you to craft your very own neon sign or captivating sculpture! Throughout the course, you'll be guided through tutorials that cover glass bending, pattern design, wiring, and installation. Witness the mesmerizing process of filling a glass tube with gas to bring forth the captivating glow of light. Unleash your creativity and illuminate your world with the magic of neon! No experience necessary.

Additional Class Materials Fee: This course requires a blow hose assembly kit. If students need to purchase: Kits are available for purchase on site the first day of class for $40.

Class does not meet 3/5.

Ages 16+

Full Course

Neon: Next Steps

$495 MEMBER PRICE: $495

with Percy Echols

Calendar Next available session starts Jan 22, 2026 at 1 pm, runs for 8 weeks
Take your neon skills to the next level in this follow-up to Neon 101. This hands-on class is designed to refine your technique, improve control, and develop your neon art through troubleshooting. You'll build confidence by practicing and improvising with fundamental bends including L-bends, U-bends, drops, and rises while learning how to adjust and correct mistakes along the way.

Beyond bending, this course emphasizes pattern accuracy and assembly, guiding you through the process of completing a fully functional neon piece. You'll gain experience with essential hardware and mounting strategies, ensuring your work is ready for illumination. To bring your creations to life, up to two completed signs will be filled with gas at no additional charge.

Continue honing your craft, troubleshoot with confidence, and illuminate your creativity!

Class tuition includes 2 hours of open-studio time to be used during the 8-week course period. This will help you become familiar with the studio and learn the process of studio rental beyond class hours.

Prerequisite: Neon 101 or 24 hours similar class experience with instructor permission is required.

Additional Class Materials Fee: A blow hose assembly kit is required. Kits are available for purchase on-site on the first day of class for $40.

Class does not meet on 3/5.

Ages 16+

Tubing 101

$475 MEMBER PRICE: $475
Calendar Next available session starts Jan 25, 2026 at 9:30 am, runs for 8 weeks
Intrigued by borosilicate glass tubing? Are you looking to expand your flameworking skills? Then Tubing 101 is for you! This class will cover basic safety, use of our propane/ oxygen bench and hand torch, and technical exercises to help create an understanding of how heat, breathe, timing, and gravity are used to create shape in glass. Learn how to open and close a tube, seal two pieces of tubing together, make connections with solid rods of glass and blow bubbles. Course will culminate with the creation of vessel forms.

Class tuition includes 2 hours of open-studio time to be used during the 8-week course period. Open Studio is held on Monday Nights 5:00pm - 9:00pm.

Prerequisite: Flame 1: Introduction to Flameworking, or equivalent 24 hours experience with instructor permission required.

Additional Class Materials Fee: This course requires a blow hose assembly kit. If students need to purchase: Kits are available for purchase on site the first day of class for $40.

Class does not meet 3/1

Ages 14+

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/





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