Hot Shop

Housed in a covered outdoor pavilion in the North Courtyard, the Hot Shop features daily glassblowing demonstrations by local, professional gaffers. The gaffers will walk guests through every step of the glassblowing process as they gather molten glass and transform it into a finished piece of artwork.

The Hot Shop also offers popular studio classes where participants can get hands-on, guided experience with glassblowing and sculpting. Participants must register for classes in advance. For an even more in-depth glassblowing experience, request a Personal Glassblowing Session for up to two individuals.

Classes during March – July can be doubled up as necessary, if you are interested please add your name to the waitlist. Second class running is dependent on instructor availability.

Glass art made in the Hot Shop can be purchased at Botanica Gift Shop & Greenhouse.

Know Before You Go Studio Classes

Personal Sessions Hot SHOP PROPOSAL

Hot Shop Studio Classes

Stay tuned for 2026 Class Registration!

Introduction to Glassblowing

INTERMEDIATE GLASSBLOWING

Personal Glassblowing Sessions

Sizzling Saturdays

Hummingbird Feeders

BLOWN ICE CREAM BOWLS

SCULPTED PAPERWEIGHTS

sculpted mushroom paperweights

Introduction to Glassblowing Description: In this six week introductory class, participants will learn the fundamental skills necessary to gather molten glass from the furnace and shape it into simple blown shapes. The small group class will start with learning about safety, how to use the equipment, materials, and proper glass blowing techniques. Each class will build on their skill set with the last class culminating into open studio time where participants can create their own vessel. No previous experience required.

Maximum students: 4 (2 instructors), 2 minimum (1 instructor).

Adults 18+ only.

Dates:
To be announced!

Time: 6-9pm

Cost: $750, $680 for members (*Pricing subject to change*)

Registration closed

Intermediate Glassblowing In this six-week intermediate class students will develop and build on skills practiced in our Introduction to Glassblowing class. We will start the first 3 weeks of intermediate glass by building our base and refreshing skills learned in the introductory class. In the second half of our session, students will build and refine those skills with intermediate glass techniques. Glass color application techniques will also be introduced throughout the class. Each week we will build on the previous classes' lessons, culminating into open studio time the final week where students can explore their newly learned techniques and skills.

Maximum students: 4 (2 instructors), 2 minimum (1 instructor).

Adults 18+ only.

Introduction to Glassblowing class is required before taking this intermediate class.

Dates:
To be announced!

Time: 6-9pm

Cost: $750, $680 for members (*Pricing subject to change*)

Registration closed

Personal Glassblowing Sessions Description: Book a three hour personal glass blowing session and work one on one with a professional gaffer to create 3-6 pieces of glass. No experience is necessary. The instructor will assist you with picking vessels appropriate for your experience and skill level. This experience is for individual instruction, or up to two participants under one registration. Personal sessions are available during times when the hot shop is not being used for demonstrations or classes.

Cost: $375, $337 for members (*Pricing subject to change*)

We will begin accepting requests in mid to late February once the 2026 schedule is finalized. Please note that our season officially begins on March 21, 2026.

Sizzling Saturdays Vessel Class Description: Every Saturday, create a vessel of your choice –wavy candy bowl, bud vase, or tumbler. No experience is necessary. Pre-registration is required.

Maximum students: 5

Dates: Saturdays: To be announced!

Time: 6-9pm

Cost: $120, $108 for members (*Pricing subject to change*)

Classes run on a first come, first serve basis as the instructor will work one on one with each student to complete their work during this three hour class.

Registration closed

Hummingbird Feeders Description: Create a bright, blown glass, hummingbird feeder for your yard with the guidance of a professional gaffer. Stoppers provided by the Conservatory when feeders are picked up. Pre-registration is required.

Maximum students: 5

Dates: Thursdays: To be announced!

Time: 6-9pm

Cost: $120, $108 for members (*Pricing subject to change*)

Classes run on a first come, first serve basis as the instructor will work one on one with each student to complete their work during this three hour class.

Registration Closed

Blown Ice Cream Bowls What’s better than ice cream during the dog days of summer? Now you can make yourself a fancy, frit sprinkled, ice cream bowl to use when you indulge in your favorite treat! No experience is necessary. Pre-registration is required.

Dates: Fridays: To be announced!

Time: 6-9pm

Cost: $75, $68 for members (*Pricing subject to change*)

Classes run on a first come, first serve basis as the instructor will work one on one with each student to complete their work during this three hour class.

Registration Closed

Sculpted Glass Paperweights Choose your favorite shape, egg or round, and two of your favorite color frits (colored glass granules), gather and melt them in molten glass, and manipulate them into your very own unique design encased in clear glass. No experience is necessary. Pre-registration is required.

Dates: Fridays: To be announced!

Time: 6-9pm

Cost: $70, $63 for members (*Pricing subject to change*)

Classes run on a first come, first serve basis as the instructor will work one on one with each student to complete their work during this three hour class.

Registration Closed

Sculpted Mushroom Paperweights Whether used as a paperweight, or a showpiece for your faery gardens; mushrooms are a hot home decor item right now! Make your own mushroom with the assistance of an experienced gaffer. These mushrooms will have a glass cookie foot base to ensure they can stand upright. No experience is necessary. Pre-registration is required.

Dates: Wednesdays: To be announced!

Time: 6-9pm

Cost: $70, $63 for members (*Pricing subject to change*)

Classes run on a first come, first serve basis as the instructor will work one on one with each student to complete their work during this three hour class.

Registration Closed

Ornament Suncatchers Ornaments aren’t just for the holidays! Hung from a shepherd's hook, a hand blown glass ornament can add a splash of color to your outside garden or in your window as a suncatcher! Create your very own with the guidance of a professional gaffer. No experience is necessary. Pre-registration is required.

Dates: Wednesdays: To be announced!

Time: 6-9pm

Cost: $66, $60 for members (*Pricing subject to change*)

Classes run on a first come, first serve basis as the instructor will work one on one with each student to complete their work during this three hour class.

Registration Closed

Pride Paperweights Visit the Conservatory during Columbus Pride weekend and work one on one with a professional gaffer to make a solid round rainbow paperweight to commemorate the weekend. Pre-registration is required.

Dates & Times: To be announced!

Cost: $70, $63 for members (*Pricing subject to change*)

Registration Closed

Pumpkins & Pumpkin Patch Pop Up Description:The Conservatory’s most popular class! Make your own solid glass pumpkin with the guidance of a professional gaffer. Sign-up early, as these classes will sell out! Fall pumpkin classes and registration are available now! No experience is necessary. Pre-registration is required.

Dates & Times: To be announced!

Cost: $100, $90 for members (*Pricing subject to change*)

Classes run on a first come, first serve basis as the instructor will work one on one with each student to complete their work during this three hour class.

Registration closed

Ornaments & Pop Up Description: Create a blown glass ornament with the guidance of a professional gaffer. Perfect for the holiday season! No Experience is necessary. Pre-registration is required.

Dates & Times: To be announced!

Cost: $66, $60 for members (*Pricing subject to change*)

Classes run on a first come, first serve basis as the instructor will work one on one with each student to complete their work during this three hour class.

Registration closed

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