Summer Intensives at Pittsburgh Glass Center
The top glass artists from all over the world come to the heart of Pittsburgh each summer to teach and share their knowledge and experience with students of all abilities at Pittsburgh Glass Center. Our one-week intensive classes are the best way to learn new skills and perfect your technique. You get one-on-one time with world-class instructors and over 12 hours a day in our state-of-the-art studios to work and practice what you’ve learned.
Hotter Than Ever
After a multimillion-dollar expansion in 2024 to expand and add glass studios, Pittsburgh Glass Center (PGC) continues to be internationally recognized as one of the United States’ premier glass facilities. Artists from around the world acknowledge PGC as one of the best facilities for glass artists at any level. They say that the equipment is top notch and the support and welcoming attitude is second to none. Check Out Our New Studios
In the Heart of the Arts
Pittsburgh Glass Center is located in the best arts district in Pittsburgh! Our culturally diverse urban neighborhood of Friendship/Garfield puts PGC within walking distance to dozens of restaurants, small independent art galleries, and major grocery stores in the East End. Pittsburgh has a thriving arts and sports scene. PGC is within a short drive or bike ride to Carnegie Museum of Art, the Andy Warhol Museum, Contemporary Craft, PNC Park, and an abundance of green space. Learn More About Pittsburgh
Summer 2025 Schedule
May 19—23: Jason Christian
Techniques and Trends
May 26–30: Mel Douglas + Corey Pemberton
Interplay of Surface and Structure
Jun 2—6: Lisa Zerkowitz + Boyd Sugiki
Refining Form
Jun 9–13: Lisa Zerkowitz + Boyd Sugiki
Form + Color
Jun 16–20: TBD
Jun 23–27: Tyler Barry
Elevate Your Skills
Jun 30–Jul 4: Leo Fine + Anna Johnson
Get Ya Hands Hot! An Introduction to Hot Glass
Jul 7–11: Christa Westbrook
Basic Bubbles
Jul 21–25: Alison Siegel + Pamela Sabroso
Blow Mold Madness
July 28–Aug 1 AND Aug 4–8:
Mark Leputa + Steve Hagan
Studio Synergy: Hot Shop and Cold Shop Techniques for Glass Sculpture
May 19–23: deb crowley
Aquatics #5: Whales, Sharks, and Seals
May 26–30: Amy Lemaire + Percy Echols II
Solid, Liquid, Gas, PLASMA!
Jun 2–6: Sam Whitney
Introduction to Borosilicate Tubing
Jun 9–13: Matt Eskuche
Keep It Simple
Jun 16–20: Andrew Certo
Marble Mania
Jun 23–27: Liz Wright
Aquatics: A Deep Dive in Sculpting
Jun 30–July 4: Molmol Kuo
Wearable Neon
Jul 7–11: Trevor Hay
Beginning Boro
Jul 21–25: Tim Drier
Foundational Flame Shop Techniques 101
Jul 28–Aug 1: Sally Prasch
Beyond Lampworking
Aug 4–8: Jodie McDougall
Miss Bee Haven: Creating Murrine in the Garden
May 19–23: Mel Douglas
Linear Space
May 26–30: Adeye Jean-Baptiste
Fusing Multiples and Intergenerational Beading
Jun 2–6: Sarah Vaughn
Make it, Lose it, Cast it
Jun 9–13: Tony Serviente
Warm Flashes
Jun 16–20: Susan Taylor Glasgow
Sewing Glass
Jun 23–Jul 4: Adam Cohen + Josh Hershman
Wax On! Mastering the Art of Kilncasting and Coldworking
Jul 7–11: Miriam Di Fiore
Seasons: Landscapes and Depth in Fused Glass
Jul 21–25: Tyler Kimball
Stained Glass, The Hot Way
Jul 28–Aug 1: Georgia Redpath
Modular: Making the Unique from the Repeat
Aug 4–8: Gabriela Wilson
Into the Bath: Practical Electroplating for Glass Artists
Jun 2–6: Christopher Kerr-Ayer
Playground
Jun 23–27: Wes Heart
Treasure Trove of Possibilities
Jul 28–Aug 1 AND Aug 4–8:
Steve Hagan + Mark Leputa
Studio Synergy: Hot Shop and Cold Shop Techniques for Glass Sculpture
Due to the intensive schedule, structure, and physical requirements of our summer intensive program, these classes are generally not suited for students under the age of 17 years old. Students under the age of 17 who wish to enroll in a class must receive special permission granted by PGC and/or instructors by contacting PGC.
The skill levels are outlined below; however, we encourage you to read through the course descriptions and suggested prerequisites.
BEGINNER—A student has no experience or basic skills in a particular technique and would be most comfortable in a class where much attention is given to foundation and basic skills.
INTERMEDIATE—A student should have an understanding of basic skills and can perform those tasks with little or no instruction.
ADVANCED—A student is skilled and practiced, and is able to process conceptual and theoretical ideas but might still need some instructor direction on more complicated processes.
Summer intensive classes are posted online by Thanksgiving. Registration opens December 1. Registration remains open until all seats in class are full. Classes are filled on a first come, first served basis. Full payment is required to secure placement in any class.
Tuition is subject to “early bird pricing” as follows:
- $850/1-week intensive (prior to February 1)
- $900/1-week intensive (February 1 – April 14)
- $950/1-week intensive (April 15 and beyond)
Wait List
If a class is full, students can join the wait list by clicking Join the Wait List on the registration page. If we receive a cancellation, students will be contacted in order by date of registration on the waiting list.
Minimum Enrollment Policy
All classes are subject to minimum enrollment. If class does not meet minimum enrollment 1 month prior to the start date, it will be canceled. Students will be notified via email and offered the option to transfer to another class or receive a full refund.
We believe in the transformative power of glass and strive to build and support a diverse and inclusive glass art community. We are committed to providing opportunities to make glass accessible to anyone who wants to learn and create. Our scholarship program exists to assist in the financial challenges of working with this specialized medium.
Summer intensive classes might fill before the scholarship deadline has been reached. At this time, PGC does not reserve seats strictly for scholarship students. Students wishing to secure a spot in a summer intensive (and willingness and ability to pay for the class whether or not they receive a scholarship) should register and pay in full.
Intensive scholarship applications must be received by March 15. If you receive a scholarship, you’ll be contacted via email and refunded if applicable based on the award received. Scholarship recipients who are not previously registered in a class, must pay any remaining balance before April 15.
All scholarships are reviewed and awarded by a committee after the scholarship deadline. Please review our “What makes a good scholarship application” information on our scholarship page.
If you have any questions or concerns about the scholarship application or process, please contact Valerie.
All classes start with a short orientation on Monday morning at 9am. Classes run from 9am to 5pm with a one-hour break for lunch. There is no studio access during lunch break.
Studio cleanup starts at 3pm on Friday. After cleanup, you may pack your class work until 5:30pm.
Open Studio
The studios are open until 9:45pm Monday through Thursday 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 entirely optional.
Please note, class structure may fluctuate depending on the instructor.
SUNDAY (Optional)
12pm PGC Opens – Arrive early in Pittsburgh and explore the neighborhood. PGC is open from noon–4pm.
MONDAY
8:30am PGC Opens
9am Orientation
10am–5pm Class (12pm Lunch)
6–9:45pm Open Studio
TUESDAY
8:30am PGC Opens
9am–5pm Class (12pm Lunch)
5pm Pizza Party
6pm Instructor Lecture
7–9:45pm Open Studio
WEDNESDAY
8:30am PGC Opens
9am–5pm Class (12pm Lunch)
6–9:45pm Open Studio
THURSDAY
8:30am PGC Opens
9am–5pm Class (12pm Lunch)
6–9:45pm Open Studio
FRIDAY
8:30am PGC Opens
9am–3pm Class (12pm Lunch)
3–5pm Studio Clean-up
SATURDAY (optional)
10am PGC Opens
10am–2pm Cold shop available for students
Frequently Asked Questions
Students are encouraged to bring images of their own work and sketchbooks. Students participating in advanced classes may want to bring specialized tools, equipment, and glass color. Some instructors include supply lists for their students which will be sent via email a few weeks prior to the start of class.
A variety of lodging options are available for students near PGC.
Hotel Indigo East Liberty (0.6 miles to PGC) Hotel Indigo is happy to host glass artists and students while attending classes at PGC for a special rate of $110 a night (subject to availability). Located within walking distance of PGC and several local restaurants and grocery stores, stay in comfort while learning your craft. Contact Robin Warrick, Director of Sales, at 412-204-1345 ext. 4908 or robin.warrick@hawkeyehotels.com for assistance booking at the discounted rate.
The Maverick by Kasa (.5 miles to PGC) Book online.
AirBnB There are many homes and private rooms available in our neighborhood via AirBnB. Search for nearby neighborhoods including: Garfield, Friendship, East Liberty, and Bloomfield.
Marriott Springhill Suites Bakery Square (1 mile to PGC) Book online.
Our parking lot is small and recommended for compact cars. There is only one entrance and exit on Penn Avenue which can make turning around a bit tricky especially for large vehicles.
If the lot is full, parking on Penn Avenue in front of and near our building is free (be careful not to block the bus stop). There is also free additional parking on the streets in our neighborhood.
One van accessible parking space is available in our lot with a clear access aisle.
Students are responsible for their own meals. We provide a communal lunch space on site with a refrigerator, microwave, kettle, sink, and disposable plates and utensils.
Additionally, Primanti Bros. Restaurant is located across the street and Whole Foods Market and Aldi are within a 5-minute walk from PGC.
Commonplace Coffee is located across the street from PGC. Open every day.
Third Space Bakery is a 5-minute walk from PGC. Open Thursday – Sunday.
Many more restaurants from international to fine dining are within walking distance to PGC.
Pittsburgh Glass Center is a smoke-free facility. Smoking and vaping are prohibited in all indoor areas including studios, patios, sidewalk, and parking lot.
We have a limited amount of color that may be available for purchase. Everything is subject to availability. To make any purchases, you will need to first put a credit card on file at the front desk.
Contact us or call 412-365-2145, x204 for details.
Depending on the class, process, and techniques, open studio time might be highly suggested by instructors for students to use. In other classes, this time might be considered entirely optional. Class descriptions and letters to students should give advanced details about requirements.
Pittsburgh Glass Center is internationally recognized as one of the United States’ premier glass facilities. Get more details about our studios, tools and equipment in the following links.
We are committed to providing an environment that is inclusive, welcoming, and accessible to everyone.
To get more details or inquire, please email accessibility@pittsburghglasscenter.org or call 412-365-2145 x 214.
We have limited supplies of recycled packing materials for students to pack their work at the end of the week AFTER studio cleanup, on Friday from 3:30-5:00pm or Saturday.
Consider bringing your own packing materials if possible.
Saturday is a great time to unload your pieces from the kiln, to pack up your pieces, and to drop at a shipping facility if you require shipping. Nearby shipping facilities include:
FedEx Office Print & Ship Center
US Post Office in Bloomfield
For an additional fee, PGC can pack and ship your work for you.
If you have any questions, please contact us at glassinfo@pittsburghglasscenter.org.
