List of Glass Blowing Classes in Pennsylvania 2023 [Updated]
Pennsylvania has a long history of glass manufacturing and artistic glassworking. The state was one of the main centers of glass production in the US during much of the 19th century.
The city of Pittsburgh in particular was one of the top cities for glass manufacturing, and continues to be a center of industry today.
Philadelphia is a modern hub for arts, culture, and glassworking more specifically. There are several glass blowing schools and programs in the city that are open to the public and suitable for beginner, intermediate, and advanced glass artists.
Regardless of where you live in Pennsylvania, you can find a quality glass blowing or general glass art class near you. The following is a list of the top glassworking classes being offered in Pennsylvania 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) Michael Peluso Glass
- Type: general glass art, glass blowing
- Classes: small group, child friendly, 1-2 hours, weekdays, weekends, mornings, afternoons, evenings
- Price: $45-$250
- Website: https://michaelpeluso.com/
- Telephone: (717) 608.4661
- Location: 6322 Schoolhouse Rd. Elizabethtown, PA 17022
Michael Peluso is a glass artist with over 20 years of experience. His work features in regional art galleries and festivals.
When Peluso isn’t creating, he offers classes appropriate for beginner and intermediate students. His classes are available for small groups, couples, and larger parties.
Students work hands-on to create their own Christmas ornaments, shot glasses, flowers, and more.
Pricing varies depending on how many students participate. Check out Michael Peluso’s website for more information on pricing and scheduling.
2) The Crefeld School
- Type: general glass art, glass blowing, flameworking
- Classes: small group, private, studio rentals, weekdays, weekends, mornings, afternoons, evenings
- Price: $85-$150
- Website: https://www.crefeld.org/glassstudio/
- Telephone: (215) 242-5545
- Location: 8836 Crefeld St. Philadelphia, PA 19118 (12 miles north of downtown Philadelphia)
The Crefeld School offers progressive middle and upper education. It also has an on-site glass studio that is open to the public. The studio has been operating since 1995.
There are a few ways to experience glass at the Crefeld School. Beginner through advanced students can participate in full day workshops or private lessons. Students experiment with glass to create their own works of art.
For those with prior glass experience, consider renting Crefeld’s glass studio. This is an excellent way to work with glass if you do not have a home setup.
3) Banana Factory Arts Center
- Type: general glass art, glass blowing, glass fusing
- Classes: small group, weekends, weekdays, afternoons, evenings, multiple days, multiple weeks
- Price: $65-$325
- Website: https://www.bananafactory.org/classes/current-classes/glass-classes/
- Telephone: (610) 332-1300
- Location: 25 W. Third St. Bethlehem, PA 18015
The Banana Factory Arts Center is a large complex that houses the ArtsQuest organization’s many art programs. Resident artists work and teach in a range of mediums, such as glass, pottery, painting, and photography.
The Banana Factory offers a wide selection of adult glass classes. Choose from 2 day or 4 week options or weekend workshops.
Introductory classes teach students how to gather and manipulate hot glass to create one of a kind finished objects.
Weekend workshops focus on specific projects. Students work one-on-one with a staff member at their own pace. These workshops are great for those with some prior glass experience. Learn to make fun finished objects like mushrooms and eggs.
The Banana Factory also offers glass fusing classes for all skill levels.
4) Pittsburgh Glass Center
- Type: general glass art, glass blowing, stained glass, flameworking
- Classes: small group, studio rentals, weekdays, weekends
- Price: $15-$225
- Website: https://www.pittsburghglasscenter.org/
- Telephone: (412) 365-2145
- Location: 5472 Penn Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15206
The Pittsburgh Glass Center was founded in 2001 and has been an important part of the revival of Pittsburgh’s East End. The Center is a public access and nonprofit learning studio that promotes glass education for all.
Pittsburgh Glass Center offers dozens of glass classes for beginner, intermediate, and advanced students. If you are looking for a place with a wide range of class options, this is the place to go!
Learn to make pumpkins, bottle stoppers, bowls, flowers, magnets, and much more. Fused glass, stained glass, and flameworking classes are also available.
If you are wanting an in-depth glass blowing experience, consider taking one of Pittsburgh Glass Center’s one day workshops. Learn to gather, shape and manipulate hot glass with the help of an instructor.
Students start out learning to make a paperweight and work their way up to more complex projects.
5) Taylor Backes
- Type: general glass art, glass blowing
- Classes: small group, 1 hour, mornings, afternoons, evenings
- Price: $90
- Website: https://taylorbackes.com/
- Telephone: (610) 367-4600
- Location: 150 S Washington St. Boyertown, PA 19512 (47 miles northwest of downtown Philadelphia)
Taylor Backes is owned and operated by Karla Trinkley and Will Dexter. They have taught at renowned glass schools like the Pilchuck School and Penland School of Craft.
Work made at the Taylor Backes studio has been showcased in the Corning Museum of Glass, the Smithsonian Institute, and regional galleries.
The Glass Art Institute Teaching Facility at Taylor Backes is a non profit learning center that offers classes for beginner, intermediate, and advanced students.
Project options include flowers, hearts, pumpkins, paperweights, and stemless wine glasses.
6) The Glass Blowing Center
- Type: general glass art, glass blowing, flameworking
- Classes: demonstrations, small group, private, evenings, weekdays, weekends, studio rentals
- Price: $30-$50
- Website: http://www.glass123.com/
- Telephone: (724) 791-2100
- Location: 114 Leonard Rd. Hilliards, PA 16040
The Glass Blowing Center has been in operation for over 14 years. The 3,600 square foot educational center offers glass blowing and flameworking demonstrations, classes, and other programming for people of all skill levels.
Learn flameworking in a small group or in private classes. All materials are included in the cost of the class.
Experienced students are welcome to rent a flameworking bench for a low price. Contact the Center for more details.
The Glass Blowing Center also offers free demonstrations for small or large groups. Each demonstration includes a question and answer session so you can learn more about the glass blowing process.
7) Stiegel Glassworks
- Type: general glass art, glass blowing
- Classes: demonstrations, small group, weekdays, weekends, mornings, afternoons
- Price: Call for pricing
- Website: https://stiegelglassworks.org/
- Telephone: (717) 575-6099
- Location: 210 S. Charlotte St. (Rear) Manheim, PA 17545
Stiegel Glassworks in Manheim, PA has been operating since 1976. The company creates glass using traditional methods dating to 1762. You can see their products in the Corning Museum of Glass, the Hershey Museum, and other regional galleries.
Stiegel Glassworks offers guided glassworking sessions for students by appointment. Participants create simple finished objects with the assistance of a glass artist.
8) Warner Art Glass
- Type: general glass art, glass blowing, glass fusing, stained glass
- Classes: small group, workshops, weekdays, weekends, mornings, afternoons, evenings
- Price: $50-$80
- Website: https://warnerartglass.com/
- Telephone: (610) 264-1100
- Location: 603 8th St. Whitehall, PA 18052
Warner Art Glass has been operating for over 50 years, and is one of the leaders in the glass industry. While you can find products and supplies in their retail store, Warner also offers classes for all types of glass art.
Students interested in glass blowing should sign up for a “Hot Glass Encounter.” This program allows you to experience glass blowing one-on-one with a skilled instructor.
Choose to participate in a private or small group lesson appropriate for all ages. Those who do not want a hands-on experience can observe instead.
Participants create ornaments, flowers, jellyfish, paperweights, hearts, pumpkins, vases, bowls, and more!
9) East Falls Glassworks
- Type: general glass art, glass blowing
- Classes: small group, workshops, 4 week classes, weekends, weekdays, evenings
- Price: $40-$350
- Website: https://www.eastfallsglass.com/
- Telephone: (215) 908-7924
- Location: 3510 Scotts Ln. Philadelphia, PA 19129 (6 miles north of downtown Philadelphia)
East Falls Glassworks was founded in 2006 by Jon Goldberg, who teaches classes with his fellow team members.
East Falls Glassworks offers a wide range of learning options for all skill levels. Beginners who are serious about learning glass blowing should consider a 4 week class. The class covers safety, basic techniques, and simple science about molten glass.
Project-based workshops are also available and take place during evenings. Students create their own pumpkins, mugs, vases, candy dishes, hearts, flowers, and more.
Experienced glass artists can rent the East Falls Glassworks studio by the hour. Rentals include the use of hand tools and materials. More information can be found on East Falls Glassworks’s website.
10) Glass by Erica
- Type: general glass art, glass fusing
- Classes: small group, half and full class options, weekdays, weekends
- Price: $30-$80
- Website: https://glassbyerica.com/
- Telephone: (610) 262-5435
- Location: 266 Granger Rd. Northampton, PA 18067
Glass by Erica is owned and operated by Erica Biery Collins. She began working with glass in 2004 and has experience with stained glass, glass fusing, mosaic, and beadmaking.
Collins offers weekly classes for students of all experience levels and interests.
Classes are organized by length and projects. Choose from 1.5 hour to 2.5 hour long sessions, and small or large projects. Projects include candy bowls, salad bowls, and other items.
Classes include instruction, tools, materials, and kiln firing. They are a great introduction to glass fusing and other hot glass methods.
11) Lancaster Creative Factory
- Type: general glass art, glass blowing
- Classes: small group, weekends, 1-2 day sessions, 3 week sessions
- Price: $40-$360
- Website: https://lancastercreativefactory.org/
- Telephone: (717) 676-0600
- Location: 580 S Prince St. Rear Lancaster, PA. 17603
Lancaster Creative Factory was founded by multimedia artist Kevin Lehman. The mission of the Lancaster Creative Factory is to cultivate creativity and promote creative problem solving skills.
Several glass blowing classes are offered at the Factory. Those interested in learning glass blowing in-depth can sign up for a 3 week Glass Blowing Basics course. Students learn the basics of glass blowing to create their own flowers, paperweights, glasses, and vases.
Similar skills are taught in Lancaster Creative Factory’s 1 day glass blowing class.
Project-based classes are also available for a lower price. Choose to make a flower or a paperweight.