Classes & Training

First in Class

Here at Zen Glass we offer many types of learning experiences. For those of you looking for a fun experience you will never forget, sign up with your friends and family for any of our 1 hour workshops.

To really dive in and make strides to become a glass worker we offer an educational approach to the learning process, where you learn how to run the torches, kilns, tanks and form a base for your glass knowledge that will take you to the next level and give you the tools you need to progress at your own pace.

Zen Glass Studio has an 22-year history in teaching lampwork/flamework glass to students young and old. If you are looking to start glassblowing, learn to be an independent artist, rent a torch spot and create your own glass pieces, start with our Beginner Class Flameworked Glass, Private one on one instruction in the hotshop, or the 15-week Glassblower Training Program.

Starting in 2002, students from Eckerd College, were brought in for a semester(sometimes 2) and submerged into the glass studio for a program to learn flameworked glass art. Many of our former students are making a good living and creating a life in glass. We now offer this intensive 15 week class to all who are interested in making a go at being a full time glass artist, in a “full immersion”, “holistic” setting geared to a structured, class like learner.

Beginner Flameworking Class - 9 hours

Every great journey begins with a single step.

In the Beginner Glass Flameworking Class you will learn the fundamentals of flameworked glass. Safety procedures, torch setup, an overview of tools and materials will all be covered in the beginning of class and an information packet to review will also be provided. The curriculum for the Beginner Flameworking class includes an assortment of projects such as bead making, pendants, marbles and solid sculpture. The class is split into three sessions, three hours each which can be arranged to fit into your schedule. The Beginner Flameworking class will give you the knowledge and experience you will need to embark safely on your journey into flameworked glass art.

It’s been highly recommended by previous students to take written notes throughout the Beginner Class for future reference.

Three sessions, three hours each, nine hours total
Course info packet
Instructors with 20+ years of experience
Tools and materials provided
Basic torch safety and set up
Basic flameworking techniques for solid sculpture
Opportunity to rent space upon completion
Classes held in St. Petersburg, FL

Upon completion of this course, you are invited to rent space at Zen Glass Studio, as well as purchase raw materials and tools from our shop. Jump into the flow with our community of regulars and Practice shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the best glass blowing artists in the region while you dial in your own skills.

Glassblower Training Program - 15 Week Intesive Workshop

Zen Glass Studios offers of the few programs in the nation for a well-rounded and intensive education in flameworked glass. From solid sculpture techniques, such as jewelry and figurative work to glass blowing hollow forms like vases and pipes you will acquire the essential skill set to blowing lampwork glass. With live demonstrations and hands-on workshops you will learn techniques necessary to practice more efficiently to improve your skills quickly and pave the way to artistic exploration, and subsistence. Project-driven classes give artists an opportunity to use these techniques in creating finished pieces in the course of the program as well as a final project of your own design and subject matter. You will receive a safety guide, introduction packet, and topical handouts throughout the duration of course, therefore, it is recommended that you keep a journal for class notes, project designs and ideas.

Classes are held for 15 weeks, meeting twice a week for 3 hours. Students are also encouraged to take advantage of open studio time on Fridays. This is a great opportunity to practice and reach out to educators for project-specific guidance. In addition, we offer discounted torch rental to all current students at $8.00 per hour.

90 hours
Course info packet
Instructors with 20+ years of experience
Tools and materials provided
Basic flameworking techniques for solid and hollow sculpture
Discounted rental space
Classes held in St. Petersburg, FL
$2500.00 for 15 weeks in the flameworking shop
$250 Optional Materials Fee includes â€“ eye protection, graphite paddle, tweezers, tungsten, graphite rod, graphite plate and text book. These will be your personal tools to use and to keep.
Saturday and evening classes can be scheduled to meet your needs.

Professional Level Classes

Zen Glass Studio hosts professional classes from well-known artists such as Zii, JD Maplesden, Hefe, Vela G, Talon, Stephen Boehme, and Zach Jorgenson to name a few. Here you can find images and videos from our previous classes as well as a calendar of upcoming classes.

Welcome to Zen Glass Gallery online. We sell one of a kind, collectible glass art- including hotglass, flameworked glass, jewelry, vases, sculpture & mixed media. You can also purchase items from our brick & mortar studio & gallery.

Sort by