This Art is on Fire

Pittsburgh Glass Center’s Art on Fire is Pittsburgh’s hottest annual event. 

It’s also one of the most philanthropic. 

Celebrating 25 years in 2026, Pittsburgh Glass Center in Friendship is a nonprofit, public access hub where anyone can take classes, explore the contemporary glass gallery, shop for gifts and watch live glassblowing demonstrations.

Featuring close to 200 handmade glass works by local and internationally renowned glass artists in both live and silent auctions, the nonprofit’s Art on Fire fundraiser typically generates more than 10% of its annual operating funds in just one evening.

Proceeds from the event directly support free public programming and accessibility initiatives at PGC, including free monthly open houses, demonstrations and exhibitions, as well as scholarship programs.  

One of the event’s longtime sponsors is Bistro to Go, which has proudly catered the gathering for the last six years. While previous celebrations were held at Nova Place and Rockwell Park, for the last two years the event has been held at the PGC building, which underwent a multimillion-dollar expansion in 2024. 

“The event takes place over three floors of the building and the live auction is in the parking area,” says Laurie Streiner, Bistro to Go’s event director. “Guests are treated to a variety of food stations throughout the building, each with its own special menu and creative way of execution.”

She adds Bistro to Go’s grand display — a kaleidoscope of vibrant color and flavor — is always a favorite with attendees. Other popular food stations have included chef-attended action stations of stromboli and sliders; at this year’s event in September, Bistro grilled steak on-site for a small chef’s plate for guests to enjoy.  

“Bistro always brings a special flare of color and ‘glass’-inspired options for the catering choices,” Laurie says.