Flameworking & Neon Glass Classes

Are you a history aficionado who loves to step into the past, or perhaps you’re the type who loves trying new activities? Either way, our and flameworking & neon classes in Minneapolis, MN, are the perfect fit and provide you with a finished product you can be proud of. These extremely popular flameworking & neon glass classes introduce students to all the necessary tool for creating glass art. Explore your whimsical side and add multiple bends to your project or build out a classic look by making a neon glass sign. Our flameworking & neon classes in Minneapolis, MN, fill up rapidly, so sign up as soon as you know you’re interested. We look forward to seeing you there!

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.

Masks are not required but strongly recommended. Disposable masks are available upon arrival. View our COVID-19 Policy here.

Flameworking 1

Try your hands at melting and forming borosilicate glass rods and tubes over a torch. Transform solid glass into its molten state in a matter of minutes and learn how to make a variety of forms to get you well on your way to creating your own glass art. In this class you will practice marbles, pendants, marias, and bits. You'll learn about hot seals and cold seals, and understand how to adjust your torch for the appropriate flame usage. Once you gain an understanding of how the material moves then you’ll be ready to learn how to pull points and begin blowing!

No experience required.

Offered year-round.

6-week course

$525/person

Flameworking Beads

Try your hands at melting and forming soda lime, also known as “soft”,  glass rods over a torch to make beads. Transform solid glass into its molten state in a matter of minutes and learn how to make a variety of forms. In this class you will practice round, barrel and other shaped beads. You'll learn how to apply dots, lines, and raking, as well as gain understanding on adjusting your torch to the appropriate flame usage. After experiencing how the material moves, you’ll be ready to learn how to make larger or more complex glass beads.

No experience required.

4-week course

$425

Neon 1

Working with neon is electrifying and provocative. This popular class is a fantastic introduction to the world of neon. Participants learn how to make simple and complex bends in glass tubes, along with torch setup and safety, splicing electrodes onto glass tubes, and designing patterns. Whether interested in creating signs or sculptural compositions, this class gives people the skills to create a final project of their own design and continue renting studio time after course completion.

No experience required.

Offered year-round.

6-week course

(Neon transformer not included in course costs. Available for purchase at studio for approx. $50)

$525/person

Neon 2

During this class students receive in-depth instruction to practice and refine their skills. Students focus on the completion of a indiviual neon project while learning tighter bends with smaller tubing and how to work with phosphor coat tubes to get a variety of colors. This class also provides detailed instruction on the use of transformers, outdoor installation, and how to wire projects.

Prerequisite: Completed Neon 1

Offered semiannually.

6-week course

Open Studio: Flameworking

Reserve some time on the torch by joining us for Open Studio! Participants will receive three hours of time on the torch, an allotment of clear borosilicate glass, color, and access to a flameworking mentor. We will have a flameworking mentor floating to each torch to answer questions and give suggestions to strengthen your flameworking skills. This is a great opportunity for those who want to learn, practice, and get to know other flame artists!

Prerequisite: Completed Flameworking 1 or equivalent.

*Please note the lathe will not be available during Open Studio.

$50/person. All inclusive fee (studio time, materials, mentor)

Open Studio ~ Flameworking December 12, 2024 Thursday 6-9pm

Thursday 6-9pm

December 12, 2024

Registration Deadline 12/5/24

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Intro to Pipe Making

Learn how to make several styles of a simple tobacco pipe, as well as a number of flameworking color application techniques. This course covers working with borosilicate glass tubing on the torch in a heavy/thick format, as well as working with colored glass in various forms. Learn how to maintain control over hollow pieces of glass, make various shapes and styles of pipe, work with color in hollow glass, and to push a bowl.

Offered semiannually.

4 week course

Prerequisite: Completed Flameworking 1 or equivalent

Must be age 21+. No exceptions.

Looking for our One-Day Glass Art Experiences? Check out our current Glass Discovery offerings here.