Hot Glass Blowing Classes
Are you feeling the itch to take one of our glass blowing classes in Minneapolis, MN? You’ve found the perfect place. Take a look through our hot glass blowing programs below to find one that suits your interest and familiarity level. Our friendly instructors, simple-to-use equipment, and helpful facilities will ensure you have a stellar time—whether you’re just starting with glass blowing or seek to grow your skills further. Our glass blowing classes in Minneapolis, MN, tend to fill up quickly, so be sure to sign up early if you find one you don’t want to miss. All actively enrolled students get discounted rental rates in the glassblowing Hot Shop. This discount does not include additional equipment usage. We look forward to seeing you at our next class!
Registration is available to students 14 years old and up.
Foci MGCA offers a full-tuition scholarship open to BIPOC and a need based half-tuition scholarship open to anyone with financial need. Find out more about our scholarship opportunities here.
Please note that glassblowing is a hot activity, especially in the summer months. If you are particularly sensitive to heat, consider signing up in the spring, fall, or winter.
Masks are not required but strongly recommended. Disposable masks are available upon arrival. View our COVID-19 Policy here.
Glassblowing 1
Glassblowing 1 introduces the medium of molten glass, the basic equipment in the Hot Shop and Cold Shop, and the standard set of glass tools to beginners. Through solid and blown glass exercises, participants learn proper body movements, muscle memory, and communication with partners. From the first gather to a handmade cup, this class provides a foundation for future artists, students, and hobbyists to continue working with hot glass and renting studio time at Foci MCGA. Please note that glassblowing is a hot activity, especially in the summer months. If you are particularly sensitive to heat, consider signing up in the spring, fall, or winter.
No experience required.
Offered year-round.
6-week course
$620/person
Sundays 10am-1pm
Registration Deadline 2/5/25
Wednesday 6-9pm
Registration Deadline 2/13/2025
Glassblowing 2
Building upon the techniques learned in Glassblowing 1, Glassblowing 2 extends beyond the basic bubble setup. In this course participants refine their cup making skills, learn bottles and bowls, and add sculptural elements and simple color application. As one continues down their glassblowing journey, they can take this class more than once to gain new insight as one's skills develop.
Prerequisite: Completed Glassblowing 1. Equivalent coursework or experience may be accepted, please inquire.
Offered year-round.
6-week course
$620/person
Sundays 2-5pm
Registration Deadline 2/5/25
One-Day Crash Course
The Crash Course is a one-day, course that introduces students to the hot glass studio and glass blowing process. Students learn basic techniques and tool usage in addition to making fun items to take home. This is an overview of the fundamentals with hands on guidance. For more in-depth practices continue on to Glass Blowing One.
No experience required.
One-Day Class
10am-4pm (with a 1 hour lunch break)
$250/person
Sunday 10am-4pm (with a 1 hour lunch break). One-day workshop.
Registration deadline 1/22/2025
How to Blow Glass Solo: Tech Session
Having trouble finding a partner or just want to add to your glassblowing skills? In this one day technical session, students will learn some tricks and techniques for blowing solo. Students will learn how to use a blow hose correctly and efficiently, how to bring themselves a punty, and how to put pieces into the annealer safely, all without the need for a partner.
Personal blowhose required. Please bring one if you have one.
Prerequisite: Completed Glassblowing 1 or equivalent.
One day 4 hour workshop ~ $150
Saturday 2-6pm. One day workshop.
Registration deadline 3/14/2025
Open Studio: Glassblowing
Sign up for Open Studio Night for the opportunity to work with others to complete a project of your choice! There will be a mentor present in the studio to answer questions and give tips for new techniques, as well as an assortment of color to experiment with. The goal of this program is to connect glassblowers together, try some new projects out with guidance, and build community. Each artist will receive at least one hour of blow time and is expected to assist their partner(s). This is a great opportunity for new and intermediate glassblowers to work on skills and connect with other artists and find another glassblowing partner!
Prerequisite: Completed Glassblowing 1 or equivalent.
One day, 3 hour session.
$50/person
Thursday 6-9pm
Registration Deadline 1/8/25
Sunday 10am-4pm (with a 1 hour lunch break). One day workshop.
Registration Deadline 3/14/25
Coldworking Basics Tech Session
In this Coldworking Tech Session, students will learn how to properly and safely use basic machinery including the grit wheels, diamond flat wheels, belt sander, Denver lathe, wet tile saw, dremel, and the sandblaster. Coldworking is a great way to transform and enhance glass. Students will practice grinding and polishing by creating a solid glass crystal. This tech session is great for the beginner or the intermediate student who wants to troubleshoot coldworking issues and hone their skills.
No experience required.
One-day Tech Session 10am-4pm with a one hour lunch break
$95
Coldworking 1
This course is for people new to glass or for people experienced with glass who are seeking refinement in the Cold Shop. In Coldworking 1 participants learn how to properly and safely use all the equipment in the Cold Shop and well as techniques for working by hand. Equipment covered includes flat lap wheels, the lathe, beltsander, wet saw, handheld die grinder, and sandblaster. Foci MCGA provides a variety of pre-made glass "blanks" for students to practice on.
No experience required.
Offered semiannually.
6-week course
$400/person
Check back soon for new dates! Sign up for our email newsletter for class postings.
All Hot Glass Classes Offered
Glassblowing 1, 6 week class, offered year round (no prerequisite)
Glassblowing Crash Course, one day session, offered year round (no prerequisite)
Glassblowing 2, 6 week class, offered year round (prerequisite Glassblowing 1)
How to Blow Glass Solo, one day tech session, offered year round (prerequisite Glassblowing 1)
Open Studio, one day workshop, offered year round-Third Thursday of each month (prerequisite Glassblowing 1)
Color Application, 4 week class, offered fall and spring, (prerequisite Glassblowing 2)
Venetian Techniques, 6 week class, offered semi annually (prerequisite Glassblowing 2)
Cane Techniques, 4 week class, offered semi annually (prerequisite Glassblowing 2)
Visiting Artist Workshop, 5 day intensive class, offered annually in winter (prerequisite dependent on class)
Mentorships, please see more information here.
We strive to offer new and exciting classes and workshop each year. If you are interested in a specific technique, please inquire at contact@mnglassart.org.
Looking for our One-Day Glass Art Experiences? Check out our current Glass Discovery offerings here.