Chicago Glass Collective’s Teen Glass Camp offers young artists the opportunity to explore the exciting world of glass through hands-on studio experience. Designed specifically for students ages 14–18, this week-long camp introduces a range of glassmaking techniques including fusing, casting, stained glass, glassblowing, sandblasting, and flameworking.
Students will learn directly from professional instructors in Chicago’s only comprehensive glass studio, equipped with facilities for hot glass, flameworking, kiln work, and coldworking. Throughout the week, participants will create their own glass artworks while learning about the science, safety, and collaborative processes that make glass such a dynamic material.
Whether students are completely new to glass or already have experience, this camp provides a welcoming environment to develop creative skills, build confidence, and experience the excitement of working with molten material.
June 15–19
June 22–26
July 13–17
July 20–24
Tuition: $650 per student
Capacity: 4–6 students per session
All materials included
June sessions: May 6, 2026
July sessions: June 8, 2026
Throughout the week, students will:
Safely work with glass in both hot and cold studio environments
Learn fundamental techniques across five different glass processes
Explore how heat, chemistry, and material behavior shape glass
Develop problem-solving skills and studio discipline
Work collaboratively with classmates in a professional studio setting
Create multiple finished artworks to take home
Glassmaking often requires teamwork and clear communication, helping students develop focus, patience, and respect for the shared studio environment.
Monday – Thursday:
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Friday:
9:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Friday Showcase:
2:00 – 2:30 PM
Daily schedule includes studio demonstrations, project work, short breaks, and a 30-minute lunch period. Students should arrive between 8:45–9:00 AM for sign-in.
Students learn to cut and arrange colorful sheet glass to create coasters, a votive holder, and small decorative pieces such as pendants or fidget stones.
Participants sculpt a clay relief, create a plaster-silica mold, and prepare glass billets for kiln casting.
Students design and fabricate a stained glass sun catcher, learning cutting, grinding, copper foiling, and soldering techniques.
Working in small teams, students help create blown glass cups in the hot shop and design graphics to sandblast onto glass dishes.
Using tabletop torches, students melt glass rods to create decorative beads, experimenting with pattern techniques such as dots and stripes.
The week concludes with a Student Showcase where families can view the work created during the camp.
All materials are included
No prior experience required
Students with previous experience are welcome
Because glass must cool slowly to prevent breakage, most artwork will be available for pickup at the Friday showcase or shortly afterward.
Glass studios operate at very high temperatures, so proper attire is required.
Students must wear:
Natural fiber clothing (cotton, denim, etc.)
Long pants or below-the-knee shorts
Closed-toe, flat shoes
Not permitted:
Synthetic clothing
Sandals, Crocs, or open-back shoes
Loose jewelry or scarves
Headphones or earbuds
Students without appropriate clothing will not be able to participate in studio activities.
Students should bring:
A packed lunch
A refillable water bottle
A 30-minute lunch break and short breaks throughout the day help students stay hydrated and focused while working in the studio environment.
All registered students must complete a Teen Glass Camp Intake Form before the start of camp. The form includes:
Emergency contacts
Medical and allergy information
Authorized pick-up permissions
Forms will be emailed 10–14 days before camp and must be submitted before the first day of attendance.
Chicago Glass Collective strives to create an inclusive and welcoming studio environment. If you or your student requires accommodations to fully participate in the program, please contact: info@chicagoglasscollective.com
