List of Glass Blowing Classes in Ohio 2023 [Updated]
Ohio is a state with a rich history of industry and glass production. Toledo, OH is known as the Glass City of the United States because of the glassworking industry that boomed there in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Many inventions and improvements to glass bottles, windows, windshields, drinkware, and construction materials helped establish Toledo and Ohio more generally as centers of glass production and innovation.
Toledo is also the birthplace of the American Studio Glass Movement in 1962, and the legacy of this movement lives on today in the state’s many glass organizations.
Today, Ohio and its many large cities are home to a large number of glass museums, studios, and workspaces offering educational opportunities for people of all ages.
Ohio is one of the top places to learn about glass blowing, flameworking, and other methods of glassworking. With many affordable workshops and in-depth classes in every major city in Ohio, there is sure to be an opportunity near you to learn more about glass.
Here are the top places to learn glass blowing and flameworking in Ohio 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) Ohio Glass Museum
- Type: general glass art, glass blowing, flameworking
- Classes: small group, weekdays, evenings, demonstrations, child friendly
- Price: $35-$68
- Website: https://ohioglassmuseum.org/index.php
- Telephone: (740) 687-0101
- Location: 124 W Main St, Lancaster, Ohio 43130
The Ohio Glass Museum was founded in 2002 to teach the public about the glassmaking industry in the area. The Museum opened its glass studio in 2010, where it offers glass blowing classes and demonstrations during regular Museum hours.
The Ohio Glass Museum offers glass blowing and flameworking classes for the general public at affordable prices. Classes are project-based, meaning students work with an instructor to create a specific finished object.
Projects include paperweights, flowers, ornaments, pumpkins, and seasonal items.
Students get to pick the colors for their projects and assist instructors throughout the glass blowing process. Adding color and learning to blow through a blowpipe are two of the skills learned in these hands-on classes.
Classes at the Ohio Glass Museum are ideal for families because they are affordable and child friendly. Those who want to learn glass blowing in depth should consider one of the other options listed here.
2) Glass Asylum
- Type: general glass art, glass blowing
- Classes: small group workshops, private lessons, multiple week sessions
- Price: $45-$125
- Website: https://www.theglassasylum.com/
- Telephone: (440) 394-8483
- Location: 22 West Orange St. Chagrin Falls, OH 44022
Glass Asylum is a studio founded by Christopher Crimaldi. A self-taught artist, Crimaldi opened Glass Asylum with the intention of it becoming Ohio’s premier learning studio.
Classes at Glass Asylum include project-based workshops, private lessons, and an 8 week course. Projects include ornaments, flowers, snowmen, pumpkins, vases, paperweights, shot glasses, whiskey tumblers, and more.
The studio also offers an 8 week glass blowing course aimed towards beginner and intermediate students. Topics covered include studio safety, applying color, working as a team, and completing beginner projects like those listed above.
Those interested in taking their glass blowing to the next level should definitely consider signing up for private lessons with a Glass Asylum team member. Private lessons are 2 hours long and cover skills in-depth.
Private lessons are available for students who have already completed the 8 week course. Every class option at Glass Asylum offers great learning opportunities, but for those who are serious about glass blowing, the 8 week course and private lessons will be very valuable learning experiences!
3) Akron Glass Works
- Type: general glass art, glass blowing
- Classes: small group, 2 hours, private, weekdays, weekends, demonstrations
- Price: $80-$85
- Website: https://www.akronglassworks.com/
- Telephone: (330) 253-5888
- Location: 421 Spicer St. Akron, OH 44311
Akron Glass Works opened in 2006 and is owned and operated by Jack Baker. Baker first discovered glass blowing at an exhibition of Dale Chihuly’s work and dedicated himself to learning the craft.
Baker’s studio offers workshops and private lessons for glass artists of all skill levels. Workshops run for 2 hours and cover the basic skills required for making specific beginner-friendly projects.
Glass blowing projects include flowers, bunnies, birds, marbles, ornaments, paperweights, and cups. Students get to pick their own colors and in many cases, get to make more than one finished object.
Private parties and corporate workshops and demonstrations are also available to book. Students will work one-on-one with an Akron Glass Works team member to learn the basics of glass blowing and complete a finished item.
Akron Glass Works is another great place to learn beginner glass blowing for an affordable price. If you want to make your own glass object without committing a lot of time or money, this may be a great option for you.
4) Jack Pine Studio
- Type: general glass art, glass blowing
- Classes: small group, private, 1-3 hours, demonstrations
- Price: $149-$455 (pricing differs based on number of students)
- Website: https://www.jackpinestudio.com/
- Telephone: (740) 332-2223
- Location: 21397 OH-180 Laurelville, OH 43135
Jack Pine Studio is a glass blowing studio located in the Hocking Hills State Parks. Jack Pine is the founder and owner of the Studio and grew up in Ohio. He offers beginner workshops and daily demonstrations.
Students who sign up for a Jack Pine workshop can choose to make a paperweight or a pumpkin. The workshop covers basic safety, gathering glass, applying color, and sculpting.
Choose to participate with a partner or a group. Rates vary depending on how many students are participating. More information on pricing can be found on Jack Pine’s website.
5) Larchmere Fire Works
- Type: general glass art, glass blowing
- Classes: small group, short classes, child friendly
- Price: $40-$75
- Website: https://larchmerefireworks.com/
- Telephone: (216) 246-4716
- Location: 12406 Larchmere Blvd. Cleveland, OH 44120
Larchmere Fire Works is a blacksmithing and glass blowing studio located in Cleveland. It is owned and operated by Cassidy Anderson and Tina Haldiman. Casey Straughan is the glass blowing hot shop manager and instructor.
Classes at Larchmere are available for beginner, intermediate, and advanced glass artists. Choose to create ornaments, vases, pumpkins, candy dishes, and more depending on your interests and skill level.
Participants are guided by the instructor through the entire process. Learn how to choose colors, gather glass, sculpt your project, and anneal.
Because of the affordable price, flexible scheduling, and broad range of projects and skills learned, classes at Larchmere would be ideal for any glass artist.
6) Gathered Glassblowing Studio
- Type: general glass art, glass blowing
- Classes: small group, private, weekends, weekdays, afternoons
- Price: $50-$70
- Website: https://www.gatheredglasstoledo.com/
- Telephone: (419) 262-5501
- Location: 23 N. Huron St. Toledo, OH 43604
Gathered Glassblowing Studio is located in the Historic Toledo Warehouse District and is owned by Ohio artist Adam Goldberg.
The Studio offers private and public workshops teaching the basics of glass blowing in a safe and creative environment.
Students get to choose their own colors and work with glass blowing tools to create their own flowers, tumblers, wine classes, hearts, snowmen, and ornaments.
Classes at Gathered Glassblowing Studio are best for complete beginners who want to learn the basics of glass blowing to create a finished object.
Private workshops are ideal for birthday parties, date nights, and other events.
7) Neusole Glassworks
- Type: general glass art, glass blowing, flameworking
- Classes: small group, private, child friendly, demonstrations, weekdays, weekends, mornings, afternoons, evenings
- Price: $135
- Website: https://www.neusoleglassworks.com/
- Telephone: (513) 751-3292
- Location: 11925 Kempersprings Dr. Cincinnati, OH 45240
Neusole Glassworks is a non profit, public access glass studio that opened in 2008. Neusole offers workshops, studio rentals, and demonstrations.
Demonstrations are available for groups over 5 people. Glass blowing, fusing, and flameworking are all options for demonstrations.
Classes take place every day of the week, making Neusole Glassworks one of the most flexible options for your busy schedule.
In 1-2 hours, you will create your own finished item using beginner glass blowing, flameworking, or fusing techniques. Choose from a range of projects like bowls, glasses, flowers, paperweights, vases, and much more.
Each class teaches gathering, shaping, color application, and hand control.
8) The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art, & Technology
- Type: general glass art, glass blowing, flameworking
- Classes: private, full day, mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends
- Price: $35-$60 (discount available for members)
- Website: https://attheworks.org/
- Telephone: (740) 349-9277
- Location: 55 S. 1st St. Newark, OH 43055
The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art, & Technology is an interactive museum that opened in the 1990s. As an affiliate with the Smithsonian Institution, The Works provides quality hands-on educational experiences in science, glass making, local history, and more.
The Works offers glass blowing classes for families and adults. Choose to create a paperweight or a pumpkin with the assistance of an experienced instructor. Sessions are affordable and fast, with average classes taking only 15 minutes.
If you want to experience glass blowing in a fast paced environment, The Works is the perfect place to learn.
Glass blowing classes are only available for members of The Works. For more information and to view specific pricing, please visit the organization’s website.
9) JLM Glass Studio
- Type: general glass art, glass blowing
- Classes: small group, private, weekends
- Price: $60-$80
- Website: https://jlmglass.studio/
- Telephone: (937) 499-3675
- Location: 3533 Wales Dr. Dayton, OH 45405
JLM Glass Studio is a small studio owned and operated by Josh Merritt. He began blowing glass in 2009 as an apprentice and received his formal education with Ohio State University’s Glass Program.
Merritt offers a range of project based classes for beginner and intermediate students. Projects include paperweights, flowers, pumpkins, ornaments, and hearts.
For more in-depth learning, consider taking private lessons with Merritt. You will learn at your own pace and discover new skills through hands-on experience. Contact Merritt directly for more information on private lessons.