Glass Blowing Demonstrations

Watch the process of live glassblowing in Minneapolis, MN!

Our glassblowing 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.

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. 

Demonstration Information

Demonstrations are scheduled based on availability. Please reach out at least 60 days in advance—or earlier—to secure your preferred date.

  • Tuesday–Friday: Morning, afternoon, and evening availability

  • Weekends: Very limited availability; we recommend reaching out 90 days in advance, though scheduling cannot be guaranteed due to our class calendar

A Close-Down Fee is required for larger groups (25–40 participants), as portions of the studio must be reserved to accommodate the event.

Youth & Teen Groups: A minimum of one non-participating chaperone per four students is required.

Booking & Payment:
Full payment is due two weeks prior to your scheduled demonstration. The event organizer will also be required to sign a digital contract (sent with the invoice) agreeing to Foci MCGA’s Terms and Conditions.

6-24 Glassblowing Demonstration Viewers

Price: $40/person + $150 admin fee

Duration: 45-60 minute demonstration with time for questions. Optional 15 minute tour before or after the demonstration. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early with your group.

25-40 Glassblowing Demonstration Viewers

Price: $40/person + $200 admin fee $400 additional staffing fee +100 close down fee

Duration: 45-60 minute demonstration with time for questions. Optional 15 minute tour before or after the demonstration. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early with your group.

Chaperone Requirements for Children ages 9-17

Foci MCGA Staff will have their hands full with equipment and studio management, therefore it will be the responsibility of chaperones to manage student behavior. Please review the following responsibilities with chaperones:

  • Prevent unsafe actions such as rough-housing or running in the studio.

  • Encourage students to keep talking to a minimum during narration. The studio is already quite noisy due to running equipment and fans.

  • Keep younger students from handling glass artwork in our Gallery or Exhibition space. Please request Staff to handle glass pieces for students to examine if they’d like a closer look.

  • Guide students to the restroom/water fountain. Our studio is in a shared space with other businesses and visitors.

  • Prevent students from touching equipment or tools since they may be very hot.

  • Keep students in the designated seating area and out of the working space.

Foci MCGA is not liable for any injury or resulting damage to guests or property arising from, or in connection with, the performance of their duties in sponsoring, planning, or conducting glassmaking activities.

Foci MCGA reserves the right to refuse further service if chaperone requirements are not met.