Take your flameworking foundation to the next level! In this class, you will learn how to use color rods (transparent, opaque, and striking colors) to their fullest potential and create glass botanicals. This class will focus on color applications, creating component parts, bridging components together, creating solid seals and detail work. Petals, tendrils and leaves will also be covered. Glass tubing will be introduced.

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.

Class does not meet on 3/7.

Ages 14+

Express yourself and design your own sheets of glass. First, you will learn several techniques for working with glass powder, frit, and stringer to design your own glass. Next, you will use your custom made glass in fused glass projects to create beautiful objects based on your personal style. No experience needed.

Class does not meet on 3/1.

Ages 14+

PGC 1 Learn to blow glass now.

 

In this introductory class, learn to gather clear molten glass from the furnace and shape it into various forms, from paperweights to simple blown shapes, such as cups and bowls.

 

Instruction focuses on a team approach to glassblowing, with an emphasis on safety, proper tool use, basic techniques, and materials. Youll never drink from a glass again without appreciating the energy and detail that went into making it. No experience is required.

 

You may also wish to take this class a second time in order to continue to develop and refine basic skills before moving on to Hot Glass 2. Each time you take it, your skill level, confidence, and passion for glass will grow.

 

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.

 

Class does not meet on 3/1. Ages 14+

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+

PGC 1 Choose from a variety of patterns and learn the traditional technique of lead came. This technique is necessary to create a window that will be exposed to outdoor elements. Understanding this technique will allow you to feel comfortable moving forward with larger, more permanent stained glass creations.

 

Prerequisite: Introduction to Stained Glass or 24 hours of stained glass experience with instructor experience is required.

 

Class does not meet on 3/1.

 

Ages 14+

PGC 1 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 3/1.

 

Ages 14+

PGC 1 In this introductory class, you will learn the basics for working with flat colorful glass such as cutting, grinding, foiling, and soldering. You'll explore the famous Tiffany method of construction and work with provided patterns to create a finished stained glass panel ready for display. No experience necessary. This class is designed for beginners, and is a prerequisite for Intermediate Stained Glass.

 

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.

 

Multiweek classes do not meet the week of 3/1-3/7.

 

Ages 14+

SiO2 Glassblowing is a hands-on, after school program specifically for students in grades 9-12. Classes meet once a week for 10 sessions.

High school-aged students will work closely with professional teaching artists to learn to gather from the 2,100°F furnace, tool handling, and how to shape molten glass into solid and blown forms. After practicing and reviewing the basics, young artists are encouraged to bring their own creativity and ideas to the bench.

This program is designed with youth in mind. The course focuses on safety, confidence building with materials, and teaching foundational glassmaking skills to young artists. Sessions and content will vary and adapt to students' interests and skills. This program is often taken more than once. We encourage our students from Mixed and Mashed Up to level up to this program, but no previous experience is required.

Students who participate in SiO2 Glassblowing are invited to participate in a celebration and exhibition at the end of the semester and are also invited to show their work in a rotating display on Pittsburgh Glass Center’s third floor.

 

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.