Glass Flameworking, Beadmaking & Neon 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, beadmaking, and neon classes in Minneapolis, MN, are the perfect fit and provide you with a finished product you can be proud of. These glass classes introduce students to all the necessary tool for creating glass art on the torch. 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! While working outside of class hours is not required, it is recommended to practice skills between classes - all actively enrolled students get discounted rental rates in the Flame and Neon Shop.
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.
Magic Marble Weekend: Local Artist Workshop with Ashley Austin
Over this 2 day workshop we will be focusing on marble making. We will explore a few different color application techniques as well as how to back your marbles. Through this process we will learn how to form round spheres of glass with graphite molds, add clear lenses to cabochons, how to work with striking colors, and how to finish our marbles with decorative backings.
Prerequisite: Intro to Flameworking/Flameworking 1 or equivalent required for this workshop.
2-day local artist workshop from December 13-14, 2025. Saturday-Sunday 10am-4pm (with a daily 1 hour lunch break).
Registration Deadline 11/29/25
$400/person
2 day workshop from December 13 & 14, 2025
Saturday - Sunday 10am-4pm
Registration Deadline 11/29/25
Prerequisite: Intro to Flameworking or equivalent required for this workshop
Intro to Flameworking (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! This course works with borosilicate glass COE33 and does not cover beadmaking. While working outside of class hours is not required, it is recommended to practice skills between classes - all actively enrolled students get discounted rental rates in the Flame Shop.
No experience required. All materials provided.
6-week course. Offered seasonally.
$525/person
Wednesdays 6-9pm
Registration Deadline 12/24/2025
Sunday 10 am-1pm
Registration Deadline 2/1/2026
Intermediate Flameworking
Flameworking takes time, practice, and focus. Beginners in this medium typically need numerous hours of practice to master turning, heat management, flame size and adjustments, and using tools to shape the glass. After many hours of practice, they are ready to take on more challenging projects covered in this class, including using different colors and overlays, sculptural work with small flames, and building a final project that takes advantage of their new skills and pushes them to new heights. This course works with borosilicate glass COE33 and focuses on solid techniques.
Prerequisite: Completed Intro to Flameworking/Flameworking 1 or equivalent
6-week course. Offered semiannually.
$550/person
Check back soon for new dates! Sign up for our email newsletter for class postings.
Intro to Neon (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. While working outside of class hours is not required, it is recommended to practice skills between classes - all actively enrolled students get discounted rental rates in the Neon Shop.
No experience required.
6-week course. Offered seasonally.
$545/person
Tuesdays 6-9pm, NO CLASS ON 11/18
Registration Deadline 10/21/2025
Saturdays 10am-1pm
Registration Deadline 1/17/2026
Intermediate Neon
During this class students receive in-depth instruction to practice and refine their skills. Students focus on the completion of an individual 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, installation, and how to wire projects.
Prerequisite: Completed Intro to Neon/Neon 1 or equivalent
6-week course. Offered semiannually.
$545/person
Light up your Neon (Safely)!
Learn how to hook up your new neon sign - or rewire an old one that’s been sitting in the basement for a few years. Wiring a neon sign can be complicated, especially creating a series of multiple pieces wired together to build your final vision. We’ll chat about mounting equipment, safety when using transformers and GTO wire, and answer any lingering questions about your next museum installation. Students will come away from this tech session with the ability to wire their neon sign, and a basic understanding of how to safely display their light art at home.
No experience required. We will not have torches on for this session, come with questions and bring your piece and transformer along.
1 day, 2 hour tech session.
$50/person
Saturday 10am-1pm. One day workshop.
Registration Deadline 2/28/2026
Intro to Glass Beadmaking
Try your hands at melting and forming soda lime, also known as “soft”, glass rods over a torch to make glass 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. This course works with soft glass COE104. While working outside of class hours is not required, it is recommended to practice skills between classes - all actively enrolled students get discounted rental rates in the Flame Shop.
No experience required. All materials are provided.
4-week course. Offered seasonally.
$425/person
Check back soon for new dates! Sign up for our email newsletter for class postings.
All Recurring Flameworking and Neon Classes Offered
Intensive Core Classes
Intro to Flameworking, 6-week course. Offered seasonally. No experience required.
Intermediate Flameworking, 6-week course. Offered semiannually (Prerequisite: Intro to Flameworking).
Intro to Beadmaking, 4-week course. Offered seasonally. No experience required.
Intro to Neon, 6-week course. Offered seasonally. No experience required.
Intermediate Neon - more details coming soon!
Visiting Artist Workshops, 5 day intensive class. Offered annually. (prerequisite is dependent on curriculum).
One Day Tech Sessions
Light up your Neon (Safely)!, 1 day, 2 hour tech session. Offered annually. No experience required.
Weld Your Way To Success - more details coming soon! (Prerequisite: Intro to Neon)
Other Programming
Flameworking Open Studio, one day session, offered quarterly (Prerequisite: Intro to Flameworking).
We strive to offer new and exciting classes and workshop each year. If you are interested in a specific technique, please inquire at contact@mnglassart.org.
Looking for our One-Day Glass Art Experiences? Check out our current Glass Discovery offerings here.