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
$625/person
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. In order for students to be successful in Glassblowing 2, we suggest proficiency in being able to make a cup without oversight.
Offered quarterly.
6-week course
$625/person
Wednesdays 6-9pm
Registration Deadline 4/2/2025
Basics of Venetian Techniques
In our Basics of Venetian Techniques class, participants learn methods for blowing thinner and faster. Students will receive step by step instruction on how to use optic molds, add avolios, and how to bring and receive blown feet to create Venetian style stemware. This class stresses the basics of glassblowing and repetitive exercises to become a hone in on technical skill. Demonstrations for blowing goblets and veronese will be featured. The advanced beginner, intermediate, and advance students will all have plenty to take away from this amazing class.
Prerequisite: Completed Glassblowing 2 or equivalent.
Offered annually.
6-week course
$625/person
Check back soon for new dates! Sign up for our email newsletter for class postings.
Color Application
Learn various color application techniques to enhance your glass forms. This course covers the basics of applying color in powder and bar form and discusses the properties of transparent and opaque colors and how they can react to each other. Learn what it means to drop an overlay, make suppio cups, and incalmo to bubbles together. This course prepares participants for advanced techniques in cane, murrine, graals.
Prerequisites: Completed Glassblowing 2 or equivalent.
Offered semiannually.
4-week course
$450/person
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.
Offered monthly.
One day, 3 hour session.
$50/person
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.
Offered quarterly.
One-day Tech Session 10am-4pm with a one hour lunch break
$95/person
Check back soon for new dates! Sign up for our email newsletter for class postings.
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
$425/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.