As the largest professional, public-access glass facility in the New York Metropolitan area, we offer entry points for all ages, skill levels, and backgrounds to learn about the creative possibilities of glass. From introductory lessons taught by distinguished teachers from across the United States, to master-level intensives led by internationally-acclaimed artists, UrbanGlass’ year-round educational programming provides a space to explore this incredible material through hands-on and experiential learning.
We strive to:
Welcome
Foster an accessible, comfortable environment for all to engage in and learn about glass.
Inspire
Present a dynamic range of educational experiences to expose students to the vast possibilities of working with glass.
Instruct
Provide guidance and resources to empower students in their study and increase their skills with the material.
Nurture
Create avenues of continued interest and access to the material, while fostering a community of students, instructors, and professional artists.
Propel
Advance students forward into new realms within and outside of the glass field.
Workshop Culture
At UrbanGlass, we prioritize a welcoming, safe space for everyone to learn. When engaging in our programs, please enhance our community by contributing to a culture of respect for each other, the teachers, the studio, and the tools. We ask that you maintain an inclusive perspective. Remember to approach the class content with curiosity and make work with a spirit of generosity - you are sharing space, tools, materials, and time together. Glassmaking often involves teamwork. Get to know the other students, artists, and staff around you; learn their names and pronouns. We are so grateful to everyone who participates at UrbanGlass and makes our community vibrant!
Our programs:
Classes at UrbanGlass offer students of all ages the opportunity to explore the endless possibilities of glass. Educational programming includes everything from introductory classes for all ages to master classes for professional artists, as both in-person and virtual offerings.
Get more information about Registering for Classes, including our Cancellation Policy, here.
Buy a Gift Certificate for class credit through our store, here.
Interested in Teaching?
We are currently accepting proposals for week-long intensive classes, taking place each year in January, July, and August. Please find the proposal form and additional information here. If you are a local instructor (would not require housing/travel), interested in teaching regularly at UrbanGlass, please reach out to the Director of Education, Kate Dowd at kate@urbanglass.org with your CV and a description of what you’d be interested in teaching.
As a highly resource-intensive process, access to glass can be cost prohibitive. In an effort to ensure accessibility to this material we are able to offer discounts to our workshops based on financial need and demonstrated interest, as well as a limited number of full scholarships supported by generous donors. Applications are accepted quarterly, and all are welcome to apply! Learn more about our specific opportunities here.
If you have questions about scholarships please email Arianna at arianna@urbanglass.org
To learn about how you can help ensure glass remains accessible, please contact alejandra@urbanglass.org
UrbanGlass is committed to encouraging the next generation to learn about and get inspired by glass. Bringing together both art and science, our programs for young learners highlight the material properties and possibilities of glass. Along with glass techniques, because of the nature of the material, students also learn the value of collaboration, persistence, communication, and mutual respect. From workshops and summer camps to hosting your next birthday party, start learning today!
For more than 20 years, the Bead Project scholarship program has provided free instruction in glass beadmaking, jewelry design, and entrepreneurship, as well as access to a community of artists, to economically disadvantaged womxn in New York. Learn more and apply here.
Private Lessons
Private lessons offer a student-directed exploration of the techniques offered across our studios. Private lessons pair up one to two students with an experienced teaching artist for in-depth exploration of a technique of interest. Fill out a request for your lesson today.
Group Events are a fantastic way for families, friends, community groups, or coworkers to get an exciting, hands-on experience working with glass! Choose from glassblowing, flameworking, neon, fusing, and beadmaking - each offers a unique perspective on the creative possibilities of glass. Each member of your group will walk away with a personally crafted artwork. Fill out a request form for a group event today!
We have a range of exciting options for touring the facilities at UrbanGlass and experiencing glassmaking demonstrations! Learn more about new options for tours and demonstrations, and fill out a request form to schedule your group or team, here.
University Partnerships
UrbanGlass is proud to be partnered with NYC based universities; such as New York University (NYU) and Pratt Institute. For over a decade, we have offered semester-long courses where students can explore a multitude of creative possibilities and techniques in glass. Through this unique partnership, students have the opportunity to work in a professional glass studio with access to tools, community and guidance from skilled teaching artists.
Interested in establishing a partnership with your institution? Contact our Director of Education, Kate Dowd at kate@urbanglass.org for more information.
We are always looking for ways to serve and support our artist community members, our neighbors, and the wider glass world. Join us for a Professional Development session, get introduced to our studio through Open Studios, meet us at a local fair to learn more about our programs, and so much more!