List of Glass Blowing Classes in Michigan 2023 [Updated]
Michigan, a state in the Midwest and Great Lakes regions of the United States, is perhaps best known for its automotive industry. However, the state is innovative in many other areas, including arts and culture.
Michigan is home to art and history museums and organizations dedicated to educating visitors and keeping the state’s rich history and inventive spirit alive.
One of the most popular art forms in both metropolitan areas and small coastal towns is glassworking. Studios exist across the state, with many of them offering workshops and classes for beginners, intermediate, and advanced students.
Whether you are driving along the coast of Lake Michigan or exploring the streets of Detroit, you are likely to find a glass blowing studio where you can learn something new.
Below are some of the top glassworking classes and workshops being offered in Michigan this year.
- Basic Lampwork Starter Kit for beginners. 2 hours of instructional video on DVD, plus full email...
- (Requires disposable propane or Mapp Gas canister. or bulk tank propane with hose.)
- Please use saftey lenses and adequate ventilation when lampworking.
1) Michigan Hot Glass Workshop
- Type: general glass art, glass blowing
- Classes: small group, multiple sessions, evenings, weekdays, weekends, private sessions
- Price: $700
- Website: https://www.michiganhotglass.com/
- Telephone: (313) 254-6900
- Location: 1604 Clay Ave. Detroit, Michigan 48211 (4 miles north of downtown Detroit)
Michigan Hot Glass Workshop is the state’s oldest glass blowing school. Owner Albert Young is an internationally recognized glass artist and sculptor and he works alongside talented faculty.
The Workshop offers a range of class options for beginner glass artists. Whether you enjoy learning in a group or alone, the group and private lessons will provide a strong foundation for future learning.
Every fall, Michigan Hot Glass Workshop offers an 8 week introduction to glass blowing course. This option is ideal for anyone seeking hands-on learning over an extended period.
While single day workshops are great for experiencing glass, this multiple week course allows students to explore all facets of the glass blowing process.
2) Glass Art Kalamazoo
- Type: general glass art, glass blowing, lampworking, studio rental
- Classes: small group, multiple sessions, weekdays, evenings
- Price: $50-$325
- Website: https://glassartkalamazoo.org/
- Telephone: (269) 552-9802
- Location: 326 W Kalamazoo Ave. #100 Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Glass Art Kalamazoo is a nonprofit organization founded in 2002 that teaches community members the basics of various glassworking methods.
Glass blowing classes are project-based, meaning that participants learn techniques specific to the creation of a finished object. Current offerings include ornaments and hearts.
Glass Art Kalamazoo also offers project-based lampworking classes and a more intensive beginner’s lampworking class that meets in multiple sessions.
If you prefer to experience glass in the comfort of your own home, Glass Art Kalamazoo also sells take-home project kits. Pick up your kit at the studio, make it at home, and then bring it back for final firing.
Advanced glass artists can rent Glass Art Kalamazoo’s studios and glass equipment. The organization has a hot shop, cold shop, lampworking studio, and fusing studio. Email or call for more information about renting one of these spaces.
3) Grand Rapids Glassblowing Studio
- Type: general glass art, glass blowing
- Classes: small group, morning, afternoon, evenings
- Price: $38-$75
- Website: https://grglassblowing.com/
- Telephone: (616) 403-1495
- Location: O-465 Lake Michigan Dr. Northwest Grand Rapids, Michigan 49534
Grand Rapids Glassblowing Studio is owned and operated by glass artist John Riepma, who became fascinated by the art form as a child.
Riepma currently offers two glass blowing workshops where participants create their own finished ornament or paperweight.
Instructors work with students one-on-one to create a piece they will love. Plus, workshops are scheduled by appointment, making this one of the most flexible options on this list.
These workshops are a great introduction to the glass blowing process without spending a fortune or taking up too much time.
Tourists, families, teams of coworkers and small parties would love getting to make their own one of a kind glass item in one of Grand Rapids Glassblowing Studio’s workshops.
4) Epiphany Studios
- Type: general glass art, glass blowing
- Classes: small group, private, weekends, mornings, afternoons
- Price: $75-$115
- Website: https://epiphanyglass.com/
- Telephone: (248) 745-3786
- Location: 770 Orchard Lake Rd. Pontiac, MI 48341 (29 miles north of downtown Detroit)
Epiphany Studios is a 4,000 square foot glass blowing space owned and operated by April Wagner and her team.
Wagner gained an appreciation for the arts through her education at a private arts high school and when she discovered glass blowing, she knew it was what she was meant to do.
Epiphany Studios offers hour-long beginner workshops appropriate for children and adults alike. Participants learn about the glassworking process and pick out their design and colors.
Participants are assisted throughout the process by an instructor. Sample items include ornaments, paperweights, and cat figurines.
This option is suitable for families, tourists, and art enthusiasts who are less serious about glass but still want to experience the process and create something beautiful.
5) Water Street Glassworks
- Type: general glass art, glass blowing, stained glass, fused glass, studio rental
- Classes: small group, private, multiple sessions, weekdays, weekends, evenings
- Price: $15-$125
- Website: https://waterstreetglassworks.org/
- Telephone: (269) 925-5555
- Location: 140 Water St. Benton Harbor, MI
Water Street Glassworks is a nonprofit glassworking school that opened in 2004. The School was founded by Jerry Catania, who was educated in glass at the famous Pilchuck Glass School.
Water Street Glassworks offers a beginner glass blowing course over multiple class sessions. Students learn through lectures, videos, and hands-on practice.
Other class offerings teach students stained glass and fused glass, and bead making techniques. These project-based courses are more affordable than the beginner course and teach beginner techniques in a laid back, group setting. They are great for someone who is interested in learning about glassworking but does not want to commit to a lengthy and more expensive course.
6) Flint Institute of Arts
- Type: general glass art, glass blowing
- Classes: small group, multiple sessions, 3 day workshops, demonstrations, mornings, afternoons, weekdays, weekends
- Price: $25 for workshops, $189 and up for courses
- Website: https://flintarts.org/art/glassblowing-flameworking-at-the-fia/
- Telephone: (810) 237-7315
- Location: 1120 East Kearsley St. Flint, Michigan 48503
The Flint Institute of Arts, or FIA is one of the largest museum art schools in the United States. Founded in 1928, the Institute has promoted the arts since its opening and is accredited with the American Association of Museums.
FIA offers a few glass courses and workshops that provide more in-depth instruction than other options listed here. An upcoming holiday workshop is a great way to dive into glassworking. The workshop is project based and affordable.
Longer course offerings include glass blowing, fusing, and bead making. These courses run for several weeks and include comprehensive instruction on techniques, history, tools, and more.
Whether you want to participate in a single day workshop or are ready to dive into a semester of glass blowing, the Flint Institute of Arts is a great choice.
7) Fireworks Glass Studios
- Type: general glass art, glass blowing
- Classes: small group, private, demonstrations, weekdays, weekends, mornings, afternoons, evenings
- Price: Contact for pricing information
- Website: https://fireworks-glass.com/
- Telephone: (517) 655-4000
- Location: 119 S Putnam St. Williamston, MI 48895
Fireworks Glass Studios is located in Williamston and run by glass artists Rhonda Baker, Doug Waggott, and Dave Porter. The studio offers classes and demonstrations that are appropriate for all ages.
Classes are currently unavailable, but upcoming classes are being planned. Call the studio for more information on future class offerings and pricing.
Visitors to Fireworks Glass Studios are welcome to observe the artists at work. Private demonstrations can also be scheduled for parties of less than 20 people.
This option is great if you want to learn more about glass blowing from a distance rather than hands-on.
8) Jordan Valley Glassworks
- Type: general glass art, glass blowing
- Classes: walk-in demonstrations, weekdays, weekends, mornings, afternoons
- Price: Call for pricing information
- Website: https://www.jordanvalleyglassworks.com/
- Telephone: (231) 536-0539
- Location: 209 State St. East Jordan, MI 49727
Jordan Valley Glassworks is a family owned glass blowing studio. The artists have been making glass using traditional methods since 1999. Located in the beautiful Jordan Valley, the studio is one of the most well-known glass blowing companies in Michigan.
Jordan Valley Glassworks makes various products, from ornaments to chandeliers.
Visitors can watch these items being made live during walk-in demonstrations. Come any time during regular business hours to see Jordan Valley’s artists in action!
9) Delphi Glass
- Type: general glass art, glass blowing, flameworking, glass fusing
- Classes: small group, weekdays, mornings, afternoons, 1-3 days, 1-5 hours
- Price: $40-$475
- Website: https://www.delphiglass.com/page/workshops_main
- Telephone: (800) 248-2048
- Location: 3380 E Jolly Rd. Lansing, MI 48910
Delphi Glass is the top glass destination in Lansing. Founded by Dan Daniels in 1972, Delphi is both a retail store and educational center offering materials and classes for any artist.
Glassworking classes at Delphi include glass blowing, flameworking, glass fusing, and more. Whether you like to work with hot or cold glass, there’s a class for you here.
Upcoming classes are technique and project based. Intro to Boro covers the basics of flameworking with borosilicate glass. Fusing is Fun introduces beginners to glass fusing.
Project focused classes teach beginner and intermediate glass artists how to make pendants, marbles, globes, birdbaths, and much more. There are so many classes to choose from at Delphi, making it a great option for adventurous beginners and intermediate glassworkers.
10) College for Creative Studies
- Type: general glass art, glass blowing
- Classes: college coursework, bachelor’s degree, small group classes, full time
- Price: ~$58,600 before financial aid
- Website: https://www.collegeforcreativestudies.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/crafts/glass/
- Telephone: (313) 664-7400
- Location: 201 E Kirby St. Detroit, MI 48202 (4 miles north of downtown Detroit)
The College for Creative Studies is a nonprofit and private institution in Detroit that was founded in 1906. The College offers a wide selection of undergraduate and graduate art programs.
The glass program at the College for Creative Studies is the only one of its kind in the state of Michigan. Students in the program work towards a bachelor’s degree and become competent in glass blowing, casting, and cold working.
Students in the glass program learn the history, science, and industry of glass blowing in the United States and worldwide. The curriculum focuses not only on glass techniques, but other areas of art and design.
Classes include 3D Techniques, Beginning Glass Blowing, Intermediate Glass Blowing, Design, Digital Fabrication, and Senior Seminar. Students also take many electives each year that expand their knowledge of general art and allow for exploration.
11) Creative Arts Studio
- Type: general glass art, glass fusing
- Classes: small group, weekdays, weekends, mornings, afternoons, evenings, 2 hours, child-friendly
- Price: $16-$50
- Website: https://creativeartsstudios.com/
- Telephone: (248) 544-2234
- Location: 114 W 4th St. Royal Oak, MI 48067 (14 miles north of downtown Detroit)
Creative Arts Studio is a fun and family-friendly studio offering walk-in experiences, classes for all ages, and youth summer art camps.
Walk-in fusing activities are a great option for those who are brand new to glass fusing. Participants learn basic techniques as they make their own plates, tea light holders, bowls, and vases. Pricing for walk-in classes varies based on the type of project you choose.
Scheduled classes dive deeper in to glass fusing. Beginner and intermediate students learn designing and cutting techniques. Project options include six inch glass squares, pendants, dishes, bowls, votive holders, magnets, and more.
12) Armada Glass Company
- Type: Glass Blowing, Flameworking
- Classes: 1-2 person, Group Lessons & Demos, In Shop & On Location Lessons, 7 days, Morning, Afternoon, Evening
- Price: $50-$300+
- Website: http://www.armadaglasscompany.com
- Telephone: (586) 894-3563
- Location: 74980 Fulton St., Armada, MI 48005
Armada Glass Company is located in Armada, MI and offers beginner and advanced glass blowing and lampworking lessons. Their in shop lessons are $50 per person for 2 hours and are available 7 days a week from 10am-8pm.
They also provide glass blowing entertainment and lessons on the go at your location with their mobile glass shop. The lessons are a great way to experience the incredible art of glass while bringing it down to a manageable form for beginners.
“There is a lot to learn about glass so let’s have fun and make cute things while learning”
please add acorn glassworks in plymouth. they are awesome.
Fireworks Glass Studios in Williamston Michigan is not offering classes. They have no plans to offer them again.