Learn about the new and amazing world of glass fusing: glass cutting, design, care and operation of a glass kiln. You’ll learn techniques to make pieces as small as beads or earrings and as large plates and vessels, or just make something for art’s sake. Our classes give you every tool you need to form beautiful new glass pieces. With each class you will successfully complete fused glass projects using a variety of glass types and fusing techniques.
Windchimes * Optical Illusions in Glass * Halloween Plate Spooktacular! * Freeze and Fuse * Fused Glass Batik * Introduction to Vitrigraph * Advanced Vitrigraph * Glass Cutting Boot Camp * Intermediate Glass Fusing
Picking up finished pieces: Fused glass must be fired before you can take it home. Projects from our fusing classes will usually be available for pickup within a week of the class. Glass must be picked up within 45 days of the glass. Any glass not picked up at that point will become property of BCGC and may be sold in our gallery.
Cancellation policy: If you need to cancel, please email us and let us know. If you have to cancel last minute, call or text (812)345-2470.
- All classes have a non refundable $10 processing fee. We do not offer cash refund if you cancel.
- Cancellations received prior to 48 hours of the scheduled first class will receive a BCGC credit, good for classes, events, and our gallery. A credit of 50% of class tuition will be issued if cancellation happens within 48 hours of the class. No credit is issued if you are a no show.
- If BCGC cancels a class you will be issued a full refund.
Windchimes
Wednesday, September 28, 6:00-7:30 (FULL)
Harness the wind in this fun fusing class. Each student will decorate six glass pieces that will be fused and then hung on a metal bar with fishing line. Students can either have BCGC staff wire the wind chimes, or they can hang the pieces themselves.
- Class limit: 8 students
- Ages: 8 and up
- Tuition: $49
- Prerequisite: none
- Instructor: Diana Spoolstra
This class is full. To sign up for the wait list please go to our Registration Form.
Optical Illusions in Glass
Wednesday, October 12, 6:00-9:00
Learn exciting techniques for distorting straight stringers with the addition of intentional “lenses” of clear glass. While the patterns and illusions appear complex, the method is fairly straightforward. You will design one 5” square plate. We will fuse and slump it for you and it will be ready to pick up in about a week.
- Class limit: 8 students
- Price: $75
- Prerequisite: none
- Instructor: Anne Brahaum
To register for classes please go to our Registration Form. Once you complete the registration form we will email you an invoice and confirmation within 4 days.
Halloween Plate Spooktacular!
Monday, October 17, 6:00-9:00
Make your own spooky Halloween plate in this fun three hour class. Participants can choose between a variety of designs: Jack o' Lantern, mummy, spiderweb, monster, or design your own Halloween theme! Plates measure 8" x 8" and are dishwasher safe.
Plates will be fused and slumped and bewill be ready to pick up in about a week.
- Class limit: 6 students/6 family units
- Ages: 8 and up
- Tuition: $70
- Prerequisite: none
- Instructor: Diana Spoolstra
To register for classes please go to our Registration Form. Once you complete the registration form we will email you an invoice and confirmation within 4 days.
Freeze and Fuse
Wednesday, October 19, 6:00-9:00 & October 26, 6:00-7:00
Learn how to defy the standard rules of fusing with the freeze and fuse technique! In this class you will learn tips and tricks to make your own frozen glass pieces similar to frozen sand castles. We will use commercially available candy and soap molds to freeze our glass pieces and use the second class period to design a final arrangement with the 3D frozen and fused glass pieces.
- Class limit: 8 students
- Ages: 8 and up (children 8-16 must be accompanied by an adult)
- Tuition: $70
- Prerequisite: none
- Instructor: Anne Brahaum
To register for classes please go to our Registration Form. Once you complete the registration form we will email you an invoice and confirmation within 4 days.
Fused Glass Batik 
Wednesday, November 9, 6:00-9:00- THIS CLASS IS FULL
Learn how to create beautiful batik designs in fused glass- no hot wax needed! Join us to learn how to translate this ancient technique into glass and make your own unique batik glass piece.
- Class limit: 8 students
- Ages: 16 and up
- Tuition: $65
- Prerequisite: none
- Instructor: Anne Brahaum
To register for the wait-list, fill out the Registration Form.
Introduction to Vitrigraph
October 22 and 23, 1:00-6:00
Join us and learn the fun process of pulling molten glass to make your own cane and stringers. Learn how to set up the vitrigraph kiln, prepare a pot of glass for pulling, and how to pull a variety of glass bulbs, stringers, rods and cane.
What’s included?
- Structure and set up of a vitrigraph kiln
- Preparing terracotta and stainless steel pots for firing
- Stacking the pot with glass
- Setting the pot in the kiln
- Firing schedules How to start the pull
- Glass pulling techniques
- Pulling stringers
- Pulling cane for murrine
Long-sleeved cotton shirts, long pants, and closed-toed shoes are required.
Due to the unpredictability of this class, scheduled time may be exceeded. Please plan on staying later if need be to get the most out of this class.
- Class limit: 4 students
- Ages: 18 and up
- Tuition: $180
- Prerequisite: none
- Instructor: Anne Brahaum
To register for classes please go to our Registration Form. Once you complete the registration form we will email you an invoice and confirmation within 4 days.
Advanced Vitrigraph
October 29 and 30; November 12 and 13, 12:30-6:30
Take your Vitrigraph skills to the next level and learn how to set up and pull twistie cane, flowers and other cane shapes and designs of your choosing.
What’s included?
- Structure and set up of a vitrigraph kiln
- Preparing terracotta and stainless steel pots for firing
- Stacking the pot with glass
- Setting the pot in the kiln
- Firing schedules
- How to start the pull
- Glass pulling techniques
- Pre-fusing components
- Pulling cane for detailed murrine
Long-sleeved cotton shirts, long pants, and closed-toed shoes are required.
Due to the unpredictability of this class, scheduled time may be exceeded. Please plan on staying later if need be to get the most out of this class.
- Class limit: 4 students
- Ages: 18 and up
- Tuition: $360
- Prerequisite: Introduction to Vitrigraph
- Instructor: Anne Brahaum
To register for classes please go to our Registration Form. Once you complete the registration form we will email you an invoice and confirmation within 4 days.
Glass Cutting Boot Camp
November 2, 6:00-9:00pm
Have you always wanted to cut your own glass for mosaic, stained glass or a fused glass project but found that the glass just cracks each time you try? Or do you just need to know what that one cut always breaks where you don't want. You need glass cutting boot camp! In this intensive one day class you will learn the basics of glass cutting including do's and don't's and tricks of the trade. At the end of this class you will feel confident to cut any shape you want. WE will primarily work with clear and cut, cut, cut! We will not be making any projects in this class, though you are welcome to bring glass of your own to cut as well.
- Class limit: 6 students/6 family units
- Ages: 16 and up
- Tuition: $65
- Prerequisite: none
- Instructor: Abby Gitlitz
To register for classes please go to our Registration Form. Once you complete the registration form we will email you an invoice and confirmation within 4 days.
Intermediate Glass Fusing
December 17 and 18, 9:00-4:00 with a break for lunch
Students will build on their previous fusing skills to make more complex fused glass art pieces. Expand your knowledge of fused glass and learn about dilution, inclusions, reactions and various construction methods.
Throughout the sessions, we will work on: expanding your cutting skills with circles, strips and squares; designing your own art glass sheets to use as inclusions; color theory and dilution in glass; and on-edge construction basics.
Includes: 12 hours instruction and work time, glass and all the supplies needed to complete class projects, use of necessary tools, all kiln firings
- Class limit: 6 students/6 family units
- Ages: 16 and up
- Tuition: $180
- Prerequisite: Fusing 101
- Instructor: Anne Brahaum
To register for classes please go to our Registration Form. Once you complete the registration form we will email you an invoice and confirmation within 4 days.
Past Workshops
These workshops are not currently being offered, but please fill out our form let us know if you would be interested and we will contact you when we run them again
Glass Enamel Pour
This class is the glass version of the currently popular acrylic pour painting technique. In this fun 3 hour class, you will get to play with enamel paints and learn different techniques for creating galaxy-like effects on fused glass. We will be using non-toxic and food safe enamel paints designed for enamel pours.
During this 1 day class you will learn how to perform enamel pours using different techniques to achieve varied effects. You will create two 5x5” poured test tiles with the techniques of your choice. We will fuse and slump it for you and it will be ready to pick up in about a week.
- Class size: 10 students
- Ages: 8 and up (children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult)
- Tuition: $69
- Prerequisite: none
- Instructor: Anne Brahaum
Fused Glass House Numbers 
Create your own custom house number plaque while learning the art of fused glass mosaics. Learn how to cut colored sheet glass and assemble individual pieces together to create a solid, fused glass panel you will be proud to display on your house.
Choose from vertical or horizontal layout on a variety of colored backgrounds. Numbers are 2" high. Students will choose orientation and number font prior to the first class.
- Class size: 10 students
- Ages: 13 and up
- Tuition: $79 for a house number of four or fewer numbers - $89 for five or six numbers
- Prerequisite: none
- Instructor: Gail Bridges Rea
Powder Wafers
Expand your fusing toolkit with powder wafers! Learn multiple ways to create your own stencils which you will use to create dainty powder wafers. During the second class, you will arrange your wafers into a finished piece of your choice.
- Class limit: 10 students
- Ages: 16 and up
- Tuition: $65
- Prerequisite: none
- Instructor: Anne Brahaum
Frit Slurry Mushrooms
Join us to learn how to make a slurry blend of frit and powder colors to create unique patterns and color mixes on glass! You will manipulate your colors of choice on a clear blank that we will then fire for you. The slurry pieces will be slumped into “mushroom caps” and attached to a copper stem.
- Class limit: 10 students
- Ages: 8 and up
- Tuition: $55
- Prerequisite: none
- Instructor: Anne Brahaum
Fossil Vitra
Learn how to make your own "fossils" in glass! In this fun 2 hour class, you will learn how to apply glass powders to organic materials and fire them in the kiln to make a fossil impression. Finished project will be a 5" square fossil panel. If you have a favorite plant you would like to use, flatten it out before class. A variety of plants and flowers will be provided to use if you don't have your own.
- Class size: 10 students
- Ages: 18 and up
- Tuition: $65
- Prerequisite: none
- Instructor: Anne Brahaum
Wave Panel
During this fun workshop you will learn how to design and assemble a unique free-standing wave panel. These panels are curved and look beautiful displayed in a windowsill, on a bookshelf, or in front of a candle. Your pieces will be fired you and ready to pick up in about a week.
- Class limit: 8 students
- Ages: 16 and up
- Tuition: $75
- Prerequisite: none
- Instructor: Gail Bridges Rea
Fairy Gardens!
Fairy gardens can be made out of virtually anything! Let your imagination fly as we guide you through the steps to create your own fused glass bugs, flowers, mushrooms and more for your very own fabulous fairy garden. Each student will make 3-5 small fused glass objects to put in their garden. Finished pieces will be mounted on heavy duty metal rods so they can be planted in your garden.
- Class limit: 10 students
- Ages:8 and up
- Tuition $50
- Prerequisite: none
- Instructor: Diana Spoolstra
Bugs!!
It’s almost summer in Indiana, and that means its time for BUGS! Come make a few creepy crawly friends to decorate your garden, or maybe some for your desk. Each student will make two larger or three smaller bugs out of glass scrap. Project will be ready in about one week.
- Class limit: 10 students
- Ages: 8 and up (children 8-16 must be accompanied by an adult)
- Tuition: $49
- Prerequisite: none
- Instructor: Abby Gitlitz
Fused Glass Garden Spikes
Decorate your garden in style with these fused glass garden spikes. In this class you will make three pieces using brightly colored After the glass is fired we will glue metal stakes to the back so you can decorate your indoor plants, or your outside garden rows.
- Class limit: 10 students
- Ages: 8 and up (children 8-16 must be accompanied by an adult)
- Tuition: $49
- Prerequisite: none
- Instructor: Diana Spolstra
Magic Squares!
Join us to learn how to make a magical chain of interlocking fused glass squares!
- Class limit: 10 students
- Ages: 16 and up
- Tuition: $55
- Prerequisite: none
- Instructor: Gail Bridges Rea
Chemical Reactions in Glass 
This beginning class in fused glass chemical reactions will introduce you to:
- The chemical composition of different Bullseye glasses
- How the chemicals in certain glasses react to each other when fired in the kiln
- What reactions to expect when combining different glasses
- What factors contribute to the intensity of chemical reactions
- The inclusion of metals for different reactions
After learning about the chemical reaction possibilities, students will design test tiles using reactions of their choice.
- Class limit: 8 students
- Ages: 8 and up
- Tuition: $70
- Prerequisite: none
- Instructor: Anne Brahaum
Stringer fun! 
Come learn about the cool world of glass stringers! Stringers are colored pieces of glass that are long and thin like pieces of spaghetti. They can be broken, bent and fused in all sorts of interesting ways. In this two day class you will create a stringer design that will be fired to become one piece. On day two, the fired glass stringers will be combined with other glass to make a 5" plate or wall hanging.
- Class limit: 6 students/6 family units
- Ages: 16 and up
- Tuition: $65
- Prerequisite: none
- Instructor: Gail Bridges Rea
Kiln Carved Plate
“Kilncarving” is a process used in kiln formed glass that produces glass with a 3 dimensional relief, textured, or sculpted appearance. To produce kiln carved glass a design is carved into ceramic fiber paper, glass is stacked on top, and the piece is fired in a kiln. The result of kiln heat and glass viscosity produces a glass piece with a “carved” underside that takes on the pattern and relief of the ceramic fiber paper.
During this 1 day class you will learn basic kilncarving techniques, how temperature and glass types affect kiln carved outcomes, and design your own 8” kiln carved plate. We will fuse and slump it for you and it will be ready to pick up in about a week.
- Class limit: 6 students/6 family units
- Ages: 16 and up
- Tuition: $65
- Prerequisite: none
- Instructor: Anne Brahaum
Mother's Day Fused Glass Lilies
Brighten up your yard or house with some beautiful fused glass lilies! In this class, you will design and decorate two fused glass lilies and we will fire and assemble them for you. Reference pictures will be provided of some of the stunning lily varieties and you are also welcome to make up your own designs or bring references for your favorite lily.
- Class size: 6 students/6 family units
- Ages: 12 and up
- Tuition: $70
- Prerequisite: none
- Instructor: Anne Brahaum
Fused Glass Pocket Vase
In this class you will be making two functional free standing or hanging window vases in bright festive colors. These vases are fused with a water tight pocket so you can put fake, fresh or dried flowers, herbs or whatever completes your look. We will have patterns and examples to inspire you with your project.
- Class limit: 6 students/6 family units
- Ages: 13 and up (children 13-16 must be accompanied by an adult)
- Tuition: $60
- Prerequisite: none
- Instructor: Gail Bridges-Rea