Group Experiences: Private Glass Discoveries & Demonstrations
COVID-19 Update: Masks are not required but strongly recommended. View our COVID-19 Policy here.
Our Glass Socials are group Glass Discovery experiences for six or more participants that provide everybody with the opportunity to learn together. This art experience is unlike anything else available in the Twin Cities metro area, and is a fantastic group activity! Glass making provides an excellent team-building experience and is truly a unique venture. For more information on Glass Discoveries for groups smaller than six people, view our Discovery page. We look forward to hosting your group! An inquiry form may be submitted through the form at the bottom of this page.
There’s no experience required and all materials are provided.
Day-of Gallery Discount: Attendees receive 10% off their in-store Gallery glass art purchases the day of their class. Valid on Artist-Made Goods and Foci-made Goods and Merch. Valid only in the Marketplace Gallery. Non-transferable. Valid only on the day of your class.
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Booking requires a nonrefundable $60 administrative fee.
Availability: Dependent on our class schedule. Typically weekday afternoons and evenings have openings. Reservations with less than a 30 days notice are not guaranteed. Not available late August-early September since we are demonstrating at the Minnesota State Fair.
Option #1: Paperweight Glassblowing Social for 6-12 Participants
Create your own solid paperweight by collecting color onto the surface of molten glass and shaping it while sitting at the glassblower’s bench. An instructor will explain the safety, equipment, and tools while guiding you through the process.
Price: $95/person
Duration: 2-3 hours in length
Ages 9+
Option #2: Fusing Social for 6-8 Participants*
*Max at 8 individuals due to classroom size
Create a unique 5 x 5 inch square glass dish by cutting, shaping, and layering a variety of colored sheet glass pieces. An instructor will explain the safety, equipment, tools, and how to cut and decorate sheet glass. Please note that this is not a glassblowing class.
Price: $75/person
Duration: 1.5 hours in length
Ages 9+
Additional Services Available to Add On:
Private Room Rental: For consuming food or drinks, opening gifts, or having extra space for your items, there is a private classroom that may be rented for an additional fee. Dependent on availability. $76.80/hour. Only available for Paperweight Glassblowing Socials.
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Booking requires a nonrefundable $90 administrative fee.
Option #1: Paperweight Glassblowing Social
Create your own solid paperweight by collecting color onto the surface of molten glass and shaping it while sitting at the glassblower’s bench. An instructor will explain the safety, equipment, and tools while guiding you through the process.
Price: $95/per person
Duration: about 3 hours
Availability: Dependent on our class schedule. Typically weekday afternoons and evenings have openings. Reservations with less than a 30 days notice are not guaranteed. Not available late August-early September since we are demonstrating at the Minnesota State Fair.
Ages 14+
Option #2: Design Your Own Ornament (September-February) or
Design Your Own Flower (March-August)
Select the colors and design for your glass piece, and then watch a professional glass artist create your project step by step. These informative, up close experiences allow individuals to receive a high quality glass item made by an artist. Note that this is a hands-off experience.
Price: $78/person
Duration: 1-2 hours in length
Availability: Dependent on our class schedule. Typically weekday afternoons and evenings have openings. Reservations with less than a 30 days notice are not guaranteed. Not available late August-early September since we are demonstrating at the Minnesota State Fair.
Ages 14+
Option #3: Narrated Glassblowing Demonstration
Our glass blowing demonstrations are live educational experiences providing an insight into working with various hot glass techniques. Narrated by a glass professional, the Demonstration provides an informative and entertaining look at what glass is, how it behaves at high temperatures, and how people manipulate glass to create beautiful works of art. Seats will be provided. The type of glass pieces being made will vary depending on the artist demonstrating.
Pricing: Varies. See pricing here.
Group Size: 6-40 people
Duration: 1 hour
Availability: Varies. Reservations with less than a 30 days notice are not guaranteed. Not available late August-early September since we are demonstrating at the Minnesota State Fair.
No age minimum. Ages 5 and under are free.
Additional Services Available to Add On:
Private Room Rental: For consuming food or drinks, opening gifts, or having extra space for your items, there is a private classroom that may be rented for an additional fee. Dependent on availability. $76.80/hour.
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Booking requires a nonrefundable $120 administrative fee.
Option #1: Design Your Own Ornament (September-February) or
Design Your Own Flower (March-August)
Select the colors and design for your glass piece, and then watch a professional glass artist create your project step by step. These informative, up close experiences allow individuals to receive a high quality glass item made by an artist. Note that this is a hands-off experience.
Price: $78/person
Duration: 1.5-2.5 hours in length
Availability: Dependent on our class schedule. Typically weekday afternoons and evenings have openings. Reservations with less than a 30 days notice are not guaranteed. Not available late August-early September since we are demonstrating at the Minnesota State Fair.
Ages 14+
Option #2: Narrated Glassblowing Demonstration
Our glass blowing demonstrations are live educational experiences providing an insight into working with various hot glass techniques. Narrated by a glass professional, the Demonstration provides an informative and entertaining look at what glass is, how it behaves at high temperatures, and how people manipulate glass to create beautiful works of art. Seats will be provided. The type of glass pieces being made will vary depending on the artist demonstrating.
Pricing: Varies. See pricing here.
Group Size: 6-40 people
Duration: 1 hour
Availability: Varies. Reservations with less than a 30 days notice are not guaranteed. Not available late August-early September since we are demonstrating at the Minnesota State Fair.
No age minimum. Ages 5 and under may attend with a parent or guardian for free.
Additional Services Available to Add On:
Consultation Meetings: Event organizers can tour the studio and discuss your event with staff. 30 minutes long. $60 per consultation.
Bringing a Caterer, Decorator, or DJ? We can accommodate!(Consultation required)
Private Room Rental: For consuming food or drinks, opening gifts, or having extra space for your items, there is a private classroom that may be rented for an additional fee. Dependent on availability. $76.80/hour.
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Booking requires a nonrefundable $120 administrative fee.
For groups of this size, the entire studio will be closed for your reservation. Venue fees reflect this.
Event organizer must arrive at least 1 hour prior to the event start time.
Option #1: Design Your Own Ornament (September-February) or
Design Your Own Flower (March-August)
Select the colors and design for your glass piece, and then watch a professional glass artist create your project step by step. These informative, up close experiences allow individuals to receive a high quality glass item made by an artist. Note that this is a hands-off experience.
Price: $78/person and $144/hour venue fee. $60 per event consultation meeting.
Duration: 2-3 hours in length
Availability: Dependent on our class schedule. Typically weekday afternoons and evenings have openings. Reservations with less than a 30 days notice are not guaranteed. Not available late August-early September since we are demonstrating at the Minnesota State Fair.
Ages 14+
Option #2: Glassblowing Demonstration for Private Event
Would your guests prefer to watch and socialize rather than have a hands-on experience? This is the option for you!
Our glass blowing demonstrations are live educational experiences providing an insight into working with various hot glass techniques. Demonstrations provide an mesmerizing, up close look at what glass is, how it behaves at high temperatures, and how people manipulate glass to create beautiful works of art. Seats will be provided. The type of glass pieces being made will vary depending on the artist demonstrating.
Pricing: $1080 flat fee and $60 per event consultation meeting.
Duration: 3 hours of ongoing glassblowing demonstrations by artists.
Availability: Dependent on our class schedule. Typically weekday afternoons and evenings have openings. Reservations with less than a 30 days notice are not guaranteed. Not available late August-early September since we are demonstrating at the Minnesota State Fair.
Ages 14+
Additional Services Available to Add On:
Inquire for pricing and details.
Decorate Your Own Kiln Fused Glass Suncatcher/Ornament: Create a small square glass piece by decorating premade glass blanks with colored stringers and frit. Projects are decorated then put into a kiln to be melted together.
Bringing a Caterer, Decorator, or DJ? We can accommodate! (Consultation will be required)
Private Room Rental: For consuming food or drinks, opening gifts, or having extra space for your items, there is a private classroom that may be rented for an additional fee. Dependent on availability. $76.80/hour.
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Youth and teen groups are required to have at least one non-participating chaperone per 4 students.
Your group may qualify for an educational discount of 10% off your total cost, inquire in the form below.
Option #1: Paperweight Experience
Create your own solid paperweight by collecting color onto the surface of molten glass and shaping it while sitting at the glassblower’s bench. An instructor will explain the safety, equipment, and tools while guiding you through the process.
Price: $95/person
Group Size: 6-8 students (at least 1 non-participating chaperone required)
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Availability: Wednesday or Thursday afternoons 1:00-3:00 pm or 2:00-4:00pm depending on availability. Reservations with less than a 30 days notice are not guaranteed. Not available late August-early September since we are demonstrating at the Minnesota State Fair.
Ages 9+
Option #2: Kiln Fusing Experience
Create a unique 5 x 5 inch square glass dish by cutting, shaping, and layering a variety of colored sheet glass pieces. An instructor will explain the safety, equipment, tools, and how to cut and decorate sheet glass. Unlike glassblowing and flameworking, no hot equipment is involved and the experience is slower paced.
Price: $75/person
Group Size: 6-8 students (at least 1 non-participating chaperone required)
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Availability: Wednesday or Thursday afternoons 1:00-3:00pm or 2:00-4:00pm depending on availability. Reservations with less than a 30 days notice are not guaranteed. Not available late August-early September since we are demonstrating at the Minnesota State Fair.
Ages 9+
Option #3: Flameworking Experience
Create a glass marble on the flameworking torch by using rods of clear glass and adding color to create a fun internal pattern. An instructor will explain the safety, equipment, and tools.
Price: $90/person
Group Size: No more than 6 students (at least 1 non-participating chaperone required)
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Availability: Wednesday or Thursday afternoons 1:00-3:00pm or 2:00-4:00pm depending on availability. Reservations with less than a 30 days notice are not guaranteed. Not available late August-early September since we are demonstrating at the Minnesota State Fair.
Ages 9+
Option #4: Narrated Glassblowing Demonstration
Our glass blowing demonstrations are live educational experiences providing an insight into working with various hot glass techniques. Narrated by a glass professional, the Demonstration provides an informative and entertaining look at what glass is, how it behaves at high temperatures, and how people manipulate glass to create beautiful works of art. Seats will be provided. The type of glass pieces being made will vary depending on the artist demonstrating.
Pricing: Varies. See pricing here.
Group Size: 6-40 people
At least one chaperone required. Chaperones must pay for a seat for demonstrations.
Duration: 1 hour
Availability: Wednesday or Thursday afternoons 1:00-3:00pm or 2:00-4:00pm depending on availability. Reservations with less than a 30 days notice are not guaranteed. Not available late August-early September since we are demonstrating at the Minnesota State Fair.
No age minimum. Ages 5 and under may attend with a parent or guardian for free.
Additional Services Available to Add On:
Private Room Rental: For consuming food/drinks or having extra space for your items, there is a private classroom that may be rented for an additional fee. Dependent on availability. $76.80/hour. Only available for Paperweight Glassblowing Socials and Flameworking Socials.
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Requests for winter holiday parties must be submitted by November 1st.
Dependent on availability.
See options listed above based on your group size.
Glass Social & Private Event Requirements
Each participant must also fill out a Release & Indemnity Agreement either at the time of your arrival at the Foci MCGA Studio, or may be done in advance here: Adult Release Form / Minor Release Form.
Due to safety concerns, only individuals with closed toe shoes and full-length shirts covering the stomach may participate. Refunds will not be available due to incorrect attire.
Reservations with less than a 30 days notice are not guaranteed.
Youth and teen groups are required to have at least one non-participating chaperone per 4 students. Since chaperones are not participating, they do not need to pay.
Project Pickup: The glass pieces made will be cooled in a kiln for at least 24 hours, and then will be ready for pickup within 7 days of your reservation. For groups we package all the projects together, and request one person picks up the projects all at once. If your work is not picked up within 30 days of your group glass blowing experience, it is considered abandoned and it will be recycled. Shipping all paperweights to one location is available for an additional fee.
Minimum Requirements for Participation in Foci MCGA Programs
Students must be at least 14 years of age to work independently (excluding Kids Camps) with parent’s permission (signed guardian release form on file). Students aged 9-13 are allowed with the presence of a parent/guardian.
All students and parents/guardians of minor students are required to read and sign a waiver, which indicates all of the safety risks involved with glassblowing and provides contact information. Adult Release Form / Minor Release Form
It is the responsibility of the student to take care of themselves if they possess any health or cognitive conditions that could be affected by working in Foci MCGA’s facilities. It is the responsibility of the student to notify staff of such conditions, should it affect their health and impair regular studio operations.
Students are not permitted to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol during class.
Students must bring closed-toed shoes and wear the provided safety glasses.
Title IX Statement: Foci MCGA is committed to providing a learning and working environment that promotes personal integrity, civility, and mutual respect in an environment free of sexual misconduct and discrimination. Title IX makes it clear that violence and harassment based on sex and gender are Civil Rights offenses subject to the same kinds of accountability and the same kinds of support applied to offenses against other protected categories such as race, national origin, etc. Harassment is not acceptable. Immediately notify the Executive Director if you or someone you know has been harassed or assaulted during any Foci MCGA program, event, rental or on Foci MCGA premises.
Fees, Payment Transfers & Refunds
Deposits, administrative fees, and consultation fees are nonrefundable.
Refunds will not be available when individuals are unable to participate due to wearing the incorrect attire.
Foci MCGA does not fully refund any classes. A 50-percent refund will be given for cancellations made at least 14 days before the start of class. No refund will be given after that time. If you need to cancel, please email contact@mnglassart.org or call 612-759-8476. If it is necessary for us to cancel a class for any reason, a full refund will be given.
Group experiences are charged a $50.00 administrative fee--per group--for any reservation or registration cancellation made less than 14 days prior to the scheduled activity.
Group experiences may reschedule 25 or more days in advance of the event without penalty. Group experiences are charged a $50.00 administrative fee for any reservation cancellation made less than 14 days prior to the scheduled activity.
Inclement Weather Policy: Regular hours of operation may be impacted by weather, holidays, etc. Check the Hot Shop Calendar for closings. Foci MCGA is dedicated to providing a safe working environment for all renters and users. We do not want to create any unsafe situations. In the case of severe weather, please call to verify that the studio will be open for use. Severe weather closings are at the discretion of Staff and will be at the consideration of the safety of our renters and users.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Unfortunately no. For our group experiences we only offer the options listed above to ensure efficiency and success of each person’s experience. We offer Seasonal Glass Discoveries on our Introductory Glass Discoveries page if you’d like to try out a more specialized project!
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Due to limited space, we ask that all attendees are paying participants. You may purchase a seat for any individual wishing to attend and watch.
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Yes! Students must be at least 14 years of age to work independently, and students aged 9-13 are allowed with the presence of a parent/guardian. All students under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian sign a digital release form, completed online before the reservation date (link here). For groups containing students under the age of 14, one non-participating chaperone will be required to attend.
If you’d like to bring food and drinks, we have a private room available for rental that may be added for $60/hr.
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Yes! You will simply need to request renting our private classroom for food and drinks, opening gifts, or a place to store your items. The glass studios are a working space unsuitable for these activities, so we have a private room available for $64/hour. Just let us know what time you would like to reserve the room for and we will include this on your quote. Dependent on availability.