List of Glass Blowing Classes in Wisconsin 2023 [Updated]
The state of Wisconsin and its capitol city of Madison played an important role in the history and evolution of glass blowing in the United States.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison was the site of the first hot glass program in the United States, which was led by the father of the studio glass movement, Harvey Littleton.
The history of glass in Wisconsin reaches further back into the 1800s, when several manufacturing sites across the state produced windows and other functional items.
Today, glass continues to be a popular medium in Wisconsin. Curious beginners and experienced artists can find classes and studio rental opportunities in large metropolitan areas and small towns around the state.
If you have been wanting to take a glass blowing or general glass art class in Wisconsin, check out this list of the top offerings in the state 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) Old World Art Glass
- Type: general glass art, fused glass
- Classes: small group, private, weekdays, mornings, evenings, 3 hour sessions, multiple sessions
- Price: $60-$165
- Website: https://www.oldworldartglass.com/index.html
- Telephone: (920) 923-3157
- Location: 541 S. Main St. Fond du Lac, WI 54935
Old World Art Glass was founded in 1974 and has been owned and operated by Scott Krueger since 1995. Krueger worked in the automotive industry for many years before transitioning to owning his own business.
Classes at Old World Art Glass teach glass fusing techniques to artists of all experience levels. Classes take place in mornings and evenings to accommodate a range of schedules.
Students can expect in-depth learning experiences at Old World Art Glass, as most class offerings include multiple class sessions that are up to three hours long.
2) Hot Shop Glass Studio & Gallery
- Type: general glass art, glass blowing, glass fusing
- Classes: small group, weekdays, weekends, mornings, afternoons, evenings
- Price: $60-$395
- Website: https://hotshopglass.com/
- Telephone: (262) 833-0095
- Location: 239 Wisconsin Ave. Racine, WI 53208 (~24 miles south of downtown Milwaukee)
Hot Shop Glass Studio & Gallery is owned and operated by Daniel Sviland and Amanda Cosgrove Paffrath. The studio opened in 2005 and expanded in 2019 to accommodate glass fusing and classes.
Students can choose from project-based classes and a beginner fundamentals class called Glass 1.
Glass Blowing project options include paperweights, ornaments, hearts, dishes, cacti, and pumpkins. Project availability varies depending on the season.
Students who are serious about learning the glass blowing process should sign up for Glass 1. Hot Shop Glass only offers this class two or three times per year, so make sure to contact the studio for more information.
Glass 1 covers the fundamental techniques of glass blowing and working hot glass. Students create both solid and blown forms during class.
A range of glass fusing classes are also available. Learn how to make glass tiles, pendants, earrings, garden decorations, and much more.
Experienced glass blowers can rent the Hot Shop Glass studio. Contact the studio directly for more information about rates and availability.
3) Square One Art Glass
- Type: general glass art, glass blowing
- Classes: small group, private, child-friendly
- Price: $55-$65
- Website: https://squareoneartglass.com/
- Telephone: (414) 259-0811
- Location: 5322 W. Vliet St. Milwaukee, WI 53208
Square One Art Glass is Milwaukee’s full service glass blowing center. Square One offers classes to students of all ages and abilities and encourages students to work at their own pace.
Beginners can choose between project-based experiences and an introductory course. Projects include ornaments, gazing balls, and bowls. Project-based classes take a short amount of time to complete and teach the skills need to make the project.
The beginner introductory course is available by appointment. Students learn blocking, marvering, shaping, and color application. Contact Square One Art Glass directly for more information about this offering and pricing.
Advanced students are welcome to come and learn alongside Square One’s instructors. Experienced glass blowers work closely with instructors assisting on larger forms and learning advanced techniques.
4) Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass
- Type: general glass art, glass blowing
- Classes: small group, weekdays, weekends, mornings, afternoons, evenings
- Price: $25-$135
- Website: https://bmmglass.com/
- Telephone: (920) 751-4658
- Location: 165 N. Park Ave. Neenah, Wisconsin 54956
The Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass first opened in 1959 and expanded in 1965, 1986, and 1997. The space is made up of glass art exhibits and classrooms where glass fusing and flameworking are taught to people of all experience levels.
Classes at the Museum are affordable and comprehensive. Plus, the Museum offers a wide variety of classes to choose from. Techniques taught in class include glass frit, texture, bubbles, slumping, and more.
Students can create trays, bowls, dishes, tiles, garden art, and other projects.
Make sure to check out the Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass website for class updates and seasonal experiences.
5) Popelka Trenchard Glass
- Type: general glass art, glass blowing
- Classes: small group, private, weekends, mornings, afternoons, 1-2 hours
- Price: $150-$300
- Website: https://www.popelkaglass.com/
- Telephone: (920) 743-7287
- Location: 64 S. 2nd Ave. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Popelka Trenchard Glass is a studio owned by Jeremy Popelka and Stephanie Trenchard. Popelka is an alumnus of the Pilchuck School. He has taught at the Corning Museum of Glass, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and other respected schools. Popelka’s art work has been shown in exhibitions across the country.
Stephanie Trenchard’s artwork resides in permanent collections across the state of Wisconsin and her work has been shown in exhibitions nationwide.
The public is welcome to come and observe Popelka and Trenchard blowing glass on Saturdays during the summer. Private demonstrations are also available.
Classes at Popelka Trenchard Glass run for two hours and teach beginner students the basics of blowing glass. Students complete two projects during class time. Classes are created for small groups of two, but students can also participate alone. Single participants are allowed to make two to three projects if time allows.