Public Glass is San Francisco’s only nonprofit public-access glass art studio and educational center, offering dynamic, hands-on experiences in glassmaking for artists, students, and community members of all ages and skill levels. For nearly 30 years, Public Glass has been a vibrant creative hub where people can explore the transformative power of glass through accessible, community-centered programming that sparks curiosity, creativity, and connection.

Our core programs include educational classes and workshops across a wide range of glass disciplines, including hot glass, kilnforming, flameworking, stained glass, and coldworking. From first-time experiences to advanced master classes led by nationally and internationally recognized artists, our programs encourage experimentation, collaboration, and artistic growth. Through scholarships, work exchange opportunities, subsidized tuition, and our Emerging Artist Membership, we actively work to remove financial barriers and expand equitable access to the arts.

At the heart of our community engagement is the intergenerational Light-a-Spark program, which provides free and reduced-cost workshops for schools, youth organizations, seniors, and underserved communities throughout the Bay Area. These programs emphasize participation, culturally responsive learning, teamwork, and creative problem-solving, helping participants build confidence and valuable life skills through hands-on artmaking.

Public Glass also produces lively public events that bring artists and communities together, including exhibitions, artist talks, community markets, and our signature Hot Glass Cold Beer events featuring live glassblowing demonstrations, music, food, and local artists. Our gallery showcases an ever-changing collection of work by emerging and established artists, creating opportunities for artists to exhibit, sell work, and connect with new audiences.

Through education, public programming, and strong community partnerships, Public Glass continues to expand access to glass art while inspiring creativity, cultural connection, and the next generation of artists, makers, and innovators.