Public Glass is a nonprofit arts organization that is committed to providing access to the resources needed to make explorations in glass a possibility for everyone.
We aim to break down barriers and connect people through education and entertainment. Bridging Bay Area communities ensures a new generation of residents are invested in the creative culture that San Francisco is known for.
Since 1996, Public Glass has been San Francisco's only public access glass studio and school. We started as a small, underfunded arts studio and have continued to grow and learn each year. We still rely on volunteers, donors, and community engagement today. Glass is a communal art form, and we are always looking for ways to honor and grow our community.
As a 501(c)3 arts organization located in the Bayview/Hunters Point neighborhood of San Francisco, our outreach includes a full curriculum of glass courses taught by local and nationally recognized artists, as well as programming for under served youth and adults, corporate group experiences, events, and exhibitions.
The Light-a-Spark program exemplifies our commitment to equity, access, and community engagement. Established in 2014, this initiative provides subsidized or free workshops to youth, seniors, and schools, and creates partnerships with organizations such as College Track SF and the Dr. George W. Davis Seniors Center. Our collaboration with the Senior Center, for example, has grown significantly—from just five participants with one volunteer instructor in 2017 to hosting more than 20 participants monthly in activities like fusing, flameworking, and glassblowing. Many seniors have developed technical independence while forming meaningful new friendships, underscoring the program's transformative impact.
The growing demand for our subsidized programming inspires us to meet rising operational costs with renewed dedication. We remain steadfast in our mission to expand outreach and deepen our impact. In the coming year, our goals include deepening connections within the Bayview community, broadening our audience, and establishing new partnerships with local schools and community groups through our Light-a-Spark program.
.jpg)
Hot Glass Cold Beer is an evening of art and entertainment, starting over 15 years ago as a fundraiser to support on-going programming and studio access at Public Glass. Hot Glass Cold Beer is a premier event hosted by Public Glass to provide an outlet for gathering with art as a shared interest. This festive evening features two glass artists working in different parts of the studio in an array of processes to highlight all that can be done with glass. There is a live band, a food vendor as well as a variety of beverages available to fill your Hot Glass Cold Beer cup throughout the evening.