Foci Minnesota Center for Glass Arts will be participating in the 2026 Doors Open Minneapolis on Saturday May 9th, 2026 and Sunday May 10th, 2026 from 10:00am-5:00pm each day (see schedule below for activity times and availability)
Visitors will experience the energy of a working glass studio through guided tours, live demonstrations, and hands-on activities that highlight both stained glass and glassblowing processes free of charge.
Individuals under 14 are required to attend with a parent or guardian.
Activities & Schedule:
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10:00am-5:00pm: Visitors can join brief guided studio tours offered every 20 minutes, providing a behind-the-scenes look at our hot shop, cold shop, and education spaces.
10:00am-5:00pm: In addition, guests may participate in a Stained Glass Pendant Activity. Participants will choose from pre-cut, copper-foiled glass pieces, which artists will solder on demand and finish with a jump ring. Those interested may try soldering themselves under supervision, and everyone leaves with a finished pendant.
2:00pm-5:00pm: Pre-register for Design Your Own Glassblown Mug, a hands- off beginner-friendly workshop that combines live glassblowing demonstration with guided design choices. Participants select the mug shape, colors, handle style, and functional details, then watch as the instructor creates their custom drinking vessel in the hot shop. While participants do not work directly with hot glass, they actively guide the aesthetic and structural design of their piece. This interactive experience blends craft education with personal expression—perfect for newcomers and anyone curious about the glassblowing process. This experience is observation-based only; participants do not handle hot glass or tools. Finished pieces cool slowly in the kiln and will be ready for gallery pickup within seven days. Registration coming soon!
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10:00am-5:00pm: Visitors can join brief guided studio tours offered every 20 minutes, providing a behind-the-scenes look at our hot shop, cold shop, and education spaces.
10:00am-5:00pm: Pre-register for Design Your Own Glassblown Flower, a hands-off hot glass experience. Participants work one-on-one with a professional glassblower to design custom glass flower by selecting colors and patterns, then observe as their designs are formed in real time using molten glass in the hot shop. This experience is observation-based only; participants do not handle hot glass or tools. Finished pieces cool slowly in the kiln and will be ready for gallery pickup within seven days. Registration is available below!
10:00am-1:00pm: Pre-register for Design Your Own Glassblown Mug, a hands- off beginner-friendly workshop that combines live glassblowing demonstration with guided design choices. Participants select the mug shape, colors, handle style, and functional details, then watch as the instructor creates their custom drinking vessel in the hot shop. While participants do not work directly with hot glass, they actively guide the aesthetic and structural design of their piece. This interactive experience blends craft education with personal expression—perfect for newcomers and anyone curious about the glassblowing process. This experience is observation-based only; participants do not handle hot glass or tools. Finished pieces cool slowly in the kiln and will be ready for gallery pickup within seven days. Registration coming soon!
Gallery Promotion: Throughout the weekend, Foci MCGA will host a promotional gallery sale featuring handmade glass artwork. Visitors who spend $30 will receive a free glass item, encouraging exploration of our gallery and supporting local artists. Offer is non-transferrable and only valid during 5/9/26-5/10/26 while supplies last.
Exhibition on View: Our on-site gallery space will also have a glass exhibition for attendees to view! The Solo Exhibition Streptomyces by MiNHi England, Netflix Blown Away Series 3 Finalist, explores the paradox of Streptomyces bacteria as a metaphor for grief. Through material transformations represented in glass, MiNHi’s artwork reflects how loss, illness, and love can metabolize decay into survival. This exhibit is also on view March 6-May 9, 2026 at Foci MCGA during public access hours.Learn more about the solo exhibition here!
View Travel & Parking Info, Accessibility Details, and FAQ here.
Only offered on Saturday May 9 and Sunday May 10. | 25 minute workshop.
This is a hands-off activity. Your custom glass piece will be created right before your eyes by one of our SAP Artists, Dave Wirth.
Only offered on Sunday May 10, 2026. 15 minute workshop.
This is a hands-off activity. Your custom glass piece will be created right before your eyes by a glass artist!