Glass Art Classes
Studying the elements of color, texture, line, shape, and form, students in the Glass department learn the properties of glass and how to create functional and decorative pieces using fused and kiln-formed glass techniques. Intermediate and advanced students are able to move beyond the basics and work with more experimental techniques.
Read more about Glass Art class details down below!
8 Week Class
Tuition: $192.00 + $45 material fee | Member Tuition: $173.00 + $45 material fee
Class Resources
Spring 2026
Kiln Formed Glass - Monday (PDF)
Kiln Formed Glass - Wednesday (PDF)
Summer 2026
Kiln Formed Glass - Monday (PDF)
Kiln Formed Glass - Wednesday (PDF)
More about Glass Arts
Glass arts at the Firehouse Art Center introduce students to a medium that is equal parts technical and expressive, where precision, timing, and design all play a role in the final outcome. Working with kiln-formed glass, students learn how heat, layering, and composition interact to transform raw materials into finished pieces, whether functional, decorative, or sculptural.
Class Format
Glass classes are typically offered in multi-week sessions—most often four or eight weeks—allowing students to move through each stage of the process with intention. Courses are structured around demonstrations, guided projects, and independent work time, giving students the opportunity to apply new techniques while developing their own ideas.
Beginner-friendly courses introduce core concepts such as cutting glass, layering components, and understanding how pieces behave in the kiln. More experienced students can build on these fundamentals by exploring more intricate designs, larger-scale work, and refined finishing techniques. Because kiln schedules and firing cycles are part of the process, classes are paced to accommodate both hands-on creation and the transformation that happens between sessions.
Instructors
Glass arts courses are led by experienced instructors with specialized knowledge in kiln-formed glass and related processes. Many bring years of studio practice and teaching experience, offering insight into both the technical demands of the medium and the creative possibilities it presents.
Instruction is hands-on and detail-oriented, with a strong emphasis on safety, process, and problem-solving. Instructors work closely with students at every stage, from planning and preparation to firing and finishing, to help them understand not just how to create a piece, but why each step matters.
Studio, Materials, and Equipment
Glass arts students work in a dedicated glass studio equipped with kilns and specialized tools designed for cutting, assembling, and firing glass. Courses introduce a variety of materials, including fusible glass, color elements, and molds used for shaping and slumping.
Most classes include access to essential tools and equipment, with materials either provided or available for purchase depending on the course. Instructors guide students through proper handling, safety protocols, and preparation techniques to ensure both successful outcomes and a safe working environment.
Outcomes
By the end of a glass arts course, students will have completed a series of finished pieces that reflect both their technical progress and creative direction. They will gain a working understanding of how to plan, construct, and fire glass, along with the ability to anticipate how designs will change during the kiln process.
Students will also develop the patience and precision essential to glass work while building confidence to continue exploring the medium through additional classes or workshops.
Common Techniques and Areas of Focus in Glass Arts
Fused glass layering and composition
Glass cutting and shaping techniques
Kiln firing and temperature considerations
Slumping and mold-based forming
Color design and pattern development
Surface finishing and presentation
Glass Arts Workshops
Glass arts workshops provide a more concentrated opportunity to explore specific techniques or projects in a shorter timeframe. These sessions are especially approachable for beginners while still offering enough depth for returning students to try something new. With a focus on technique, process, and creativity, glass arts workshops provide a clear, condensed, and hands-on experience that helps students develop an understanding of how glass behaves through each stage of firing and formation.