History & Glassworking Classes

Glassmaking

The Museums of Oglebay Institute offer a variety of classes, tours and workshops throughout the year – focusing on collections, exhibits, local history and historical figures. The Glass Museum, located below the Carriage House Glass Gift Shop in Oglebay, is one of the few places in the region where the beautiful art of glassworking can be observed and taught first-hand.

Glass History & Decorative Arts Classes

From Crystal to Carnival: The Story of Wheeling Glass with Holly McCluskey 
An overview of the five major companies that operated in Wheeling during the height of local glass production: Pre-Civil War Wheeling (Ritchie 1829-1837 and Sweeney 1835-1868); Hobbs, Brockunier (1845-1893); Central
(1863-1939); and Northwood (1902-1925). Participants will have the rare opportunity to study representative pieces up close at the Glass Museum while it is closed to the public. Mix ‘n match or attend all four sessions. Class meets at Oglebay Institute’s Glass Museum, located below the Carriage House Glass Gift Shop in Oglebay Park. Pre-registration required. (Limit 10)

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Ages: Adults
Meets: 6:30-8pm Tues., Jan. 7 (Pre-Civil War Wheeling), Jan. 14 (Hobbs, Brockunier), Jan. 21 (Central) and Jan. 28 (Northwood)
Begins: Tues., Jan. 7
Duration: 1 1/2 hours
Instructor(s): Holly McCluskey, Curator of Glass

$15/$13 OI members (per class)

Click here to register online or call 304-242-7272.

Decorative Arts a la Carte
This class is an introduction to popular American decorative styles: Federal (1790-1820); Empire (1810-1840); Victorian (1840-1900); and “Oglebay” (1901-1926). Social history, lifestyles, furniture and the decorative arts will be highlighted. Participants will have the rare opportunity to go into the Mansion’s period rooms. Mix ‘n match or attend all four sessions. Pre-registration required. Space is limited. (Limit 10)

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Ages: Adults
Meets: 6:30-8pm Tues., Feb. 4 (Federal), Feb. 11
(Empire), Feb. 18 (Victorian), Feb. 25 (“How the Oglebays Lived”)
Begins: Tues., Feb. 4
Duration: 1 1/2 hours
Instructor(s): Holly McCluskey, Curator of Glass

$15/$13 OI members (per class)

Click here to register online or call 304-242-7272.

Glassworking Classes

(Not available at this time.)

Beginning Glassworking
Learn glassworking basics including tools, equipment, and terminology. Gather, re-heat and shape molten glass. Make at least two paperweights and other free-form pieces. No experience is required. Class meets at Oglebay Institute’s Glass Museum, located below the Carriage House Glass Gift Shop in Oglebay Park.

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Ages: 18 & up
Meets: 11am-4pm by arrangement, scheduled 1 week in advance.
Begins:
Duration: 5 hours
Instructor(s): Bob Allen

$125/$106.25 OI members
Call 304-242-7272 to request a session.

Next Steps in Glassworking
Students who have completed a Beginning Glassworking Class are invited to build on their basic skills and learn to use molds and blowpipes. Basic glassworking skills are required. Class meets at Oglebay Institute’s Glass Museum, located below the Carriage House Glass Gift Shop in Oglebay Park.

View Course Details/Register

Ages: 18 & up
Meets: 11am-4pm by arrangement, scheduled 1 week in advance.
Begins:
Duration: 5 hours
Instructor(s): Bob Allen

$125/$106.25 OI members
Call 304-242-7272 to request a session.

Paperweight Making Class
Learn to make paperweights that contain colorful and interesting glass inclusions, such as twists, swirls and flowers. Learn how to gather, re-heat and shape glass under the guidance of the Glassworker. Make at least two paperweights in a three-hour session. No experience necessary. Class meets at Oglebay Institute’s Glass Museum, located below the Carriage House Glass Gift Shop in Oglebay Park.

View Course Details/Register

Ages: 18 & up
Meets: By arrangement, scheduled 1 week in advance.
Begins: –
Duration: 3 hours
Instructor(s): Bob Allen

$85/$72.25 OI members
Call 304-242-7272 to request a session.