Classes.Workshops. Events.
Upcoming events.
10th Annual RedHot Art Market
Mark those calendars for Saturday, December 13th!
Join us at the Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center (CAFAC),3749 Chicago Avenue, for a day filled with creativity, community, and craft.
We are so excited to present you with our 10th Annual RedHot Art Market, a celebration of talented makers and incredible art! From 11 AM to 5 PM (with an exclusive Fuelers’ Preview Hour from 10–11 AM), both buildings will be transformed into a vibrant marketplace featuring the work of 40 phenomenal local artists and makers.
Expect a stunning array of handcrafted treasures: from molten metalwork and delicate ceramics to imaginative prints, jewelry, textiles, and more. Each piece is a story, a spark, a perfect find for your gift-giving season (or your own collection).
And to top it off, 30% of all sales go directly to CAFAC’s Scholarship Fund, helping fuel the next generation of fire arts and community creators.
Come for the art. Stay for the fire. Leave inspired.
Encaustic Painting Exploration
Learn the ancient art of encaustic painting, which uses beeswax, pigment, and damar resin fused to a substrate with a torch or heat gun to create luminous depth-filled paintings. In this class we'll cover the safety and basics of using heated wax, before moving on to explore multiple techniques for making imagery, texture, and marks. You'll be able to experiment with non-traditional substrate shapes and materials as well as collage and inclusions in your work. You can expect to make multiple pieces and will be encouraged to try different techniques and to work on different substrates throughout this exploratory class.
This course is appropriate for both beginners and those with some encaustic experience.
Porcelain Enameling on Steel Exploration
Learn the time-honored techniques of creating artwork with porcelain enamel. In this class, you'll learn how to shape enameling steel as well as methods for applying designs and color by fusing porcelain enamel to the surface. We'll work with thin gauge steel as our base, onto which we'll add kiln-fired illustrative imagery using porcelain glass enamels to create jewelry-scale works of art. Skills covered in this course include:
Shaping and basic fabrication techniques used with enameling steel
Safe preparation of porcelain enamels
Application methods including sgraffito, painting, sifting, spraying, and stenciling
Kiln firing safety and operation
Creating or adding findings to your pieces
You can expect to make several pieces in this immersive class, which is appropriate for both beginners and those with some experience with porcelain enamel and jewelry fabrication.
Wednesdays, 2-5pm, January 7th - February 11th
Porcelain Enameling Project Shop: Winter Mugs
Enamel your own steel camping mug with your favorite winter theme -- snowflakes, mittens, sledding, trees and more!
You'll start by choosing a mug in your favorite color and then learn to paint on your own decoration and imagery using porcelain enameling techniques. Next, your mug will be fired to create a durable finish on your design. Afterwards, you'll be able try it out as we share cocoa or hot cider (your finished mug will be all non-toxic materials)! Participants of all ages are welcome, but children under 9 should plan to register with an adult.
This class is appropriate for beginners or those with some enamel experience.
Porcelain Enameling Project Shop: Valentine Mugs
Enamel your own steel camping mug with your favorite Valentine theme -- hearts, flowers, and cupids -- or perhaps you are feeling more in the mood for thorns, daggers, and fire? Both takes on this holiday are welcome!
You'll start by choosing a mug in your favorite color and then learn to paint on your own decoration and imagery using porcelain enameling techniques. Next, your mug will be fired to create a durable finish on your design. Afterwards, you'll be able try it out as we share cocoa or hot cider (your finished mug will be all non-toxic materials)! Participants of all ages are welcome, but children under 9 should plan to register with an adult.
This class is appropriate for beginners or those with some enamel experience.
Copper Enamel Jewelry Sampler
Manifest your creative vision by creating one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces colored with a rich palette of enamels. In this sampler style class, we'll explore basic copper enamel techniques using pre-fabricated or hand cut copper shapes.
You will walk away from this course with a new excitement for working with glass, color and metal.
In this workshop you will learn:
kiln-fired and torch-fired enameling
at least three dry enameling techniques including sifting, fade, lump & thread, and more
basic jewelry finding connection techniques to bring your copper enamel pieces together
Cuttlebone Casting with Lead-Free Pewter
Learn the ancient technique of cuttlebone casting in this sampler class. We'll start by covering the basics of direct carving your own pattern to create a cuttlebone mold. Next, we'll pour lead-free pewter into our patterns, and then you'll finish your creation as a small sculpture, pendant, keychain, pin, magnet, or more. The workshop will cover the basics of carving, techniques for pouring metal, and basic finishing of small-scale cast artworks. You can expect to make at least one finished pieces during the class. No prior experience is required in this fun class!
Encaustic Painting Sampler
Dip your toes into the world of encaustic painting in this sampler scale course. Painting with the ancient, luminous medium of encaustic wax offers unlimited creative possibilities. Encaustic painting is a process of applying the heated wax with pigmented damar resin onto a substrate by fusing layers of wax with a heat gun or torch. You'll learn the basics of encaustic painting including safety, materials, and several techniques to create your own work and explore your individual creative style! This workshop is a great entry point to those curious about this wonderful medium. You can expect to complete one to three small scale pieces.
Porcelain Enameling Project Shop: Lucky Mugs
Enamel your own steel camping mug with your favorite lucky theme -- think four-leaf clovers, horse shoes, Celtic knots and all things Irish for those that celebrate -- or bring your own theme to your one of a kind mug!
You'll start by choosing a mug in your favorite color and then learn to paint on your own decoration and imagery using porcelain enameling techniques. Next, your mug will be fired to create a durable finish on your design. Afterwards, you'll be able try it out as we share cocoa or hot cider (your finished mug will be all non-toxic materials)! Participants of all ages are welcome, but children under 9 should plan to register with an adult.
This class is appropriate for beginners or those with some enamel experience.
Porcelain Enameling on Steel Sampler
Learn the time-honored techniques of creating artwork with porcelain enamel. In this workshop, you'll learn to create a simple shape in enameling steel and then to safely apply rich color and create imagery by fusing porcelain enamel to the surface. We'll work with thin gauge enameling steel as our base, onto which we'll add kiln-fired illustrative imagery using porcelain glass enamels creating jewelry-scale works of art. You'll also have the option to add findings such as jump rings and chain to create jewelry pieces. Skills covered in this course include:
Basic shaping techniques used with enameling steel
Application methods including sgraffito, painting, sifting, and stenciling
Kiln firing safety and operation
Basic techniques for adding findings
This workshop is aimed at beginners to porcelain enameling. You can expect to make one to three jewelry-scale pieces.
2025 Uptown Winter Wonderland Holiday Market
Join us on Small Business Saturday! Shop small & peruse goods from local makers in the Seven Points storefronts along Hennepin Avenue...and join ARTrageous Adventures and friends for ornament crafting, photo-ops, and holiday merriment.
Powderhorn Art Fair
I will be in the community portion of the 33rd annual Powderhorn Art Fair! Sat, Aug 3rd and Sunday Aug 4th 10am-5pm. Hope to see you!
Youth Small Things Casting
Do you have an idea for a small-scale sculpture or jewelry piece that you'd like to make in cast silver or bronze? Dive into the world of lost wax casting in miniature form. The lost wax process starts with carving/forming a pattern out of wax, molding the pattern, and then melting the wax out of the mold to create a hollow vessel into which you'll pour molten metal. You'll be able to cast small art objects (things you can fit in your hand) or jewelry pieces using centrifugal and vacuum assist casting equipment. We'll cover safety protocols, the tools and techniques for carving and pouring, and basic finishing and patination of our cast artwork.
RedHot Art Market @ CAFAC
You’re invited to join us for our 8th annual RedHot Art Market on Saturday, December 16, from 11am to 5pm!
This event is our biggest fundraiser of the year for our scholarship fund, with 30% of sales going towards the fund. Our scholarship program has never been more popular - as of October 2023 we have provided more than $10,000 in scholarships this year! The RedHot Art Market will have a wide variety of items for sale by our incredibly talented local community of artists & makers. It is a fun day filled with lots of good energy and creative joy, designed to allow artists & makers to help each other learn and flourish as a community. It’s an opportunity to support a creative community resource, buy some kick ass artwork, and have fun doing it.
https://www.facebook.com/events/335305515771033
Small Thing Casting @ CAFAC
Do you have an idea for a small-size sculpture or jewelry piece that you'd like to make in cast silver or bronze? This comprehensive class will immerse you in the process of lost wax casting in miniature form. You'll learn to carve wax, make molds, and cast small art objects or jewelry, using both centrifugal and vacuum assist casting. The class will cover safety protocols, the tools used for wax carving, techniques for pouring metal, and basic finishing of cast artworks. Our focus will be on wax carving to create patterns for casting, but not silicone/rubber molding or inclusion of stones. Questions about whether your project is suitable for this class? Get in touch with the instructor at jess.bergman.tank@cafac.org. Class fee includes 1.5 troy ounces of silver and up to a pound of bronze.
Small Thing Casting @ CAFAC
Do you have an idea for a small-size sculpture or jewelry piece that you'd like to make in cast silver or bronze? This comprehensive class will immerse you in the process of lost wax casting in miniature form. You'll learn to carve wax, make molds, and cast small art objects or jewelry, using both centrifugal and vacuum assist casting. The class will cover safety protocols, the tools used for wax carving, techniques for pouring metal, and basic finishing of cast artworks. Our focus will be on wax carving to create patterns for casting, but not silicone/rubber molding or inclusion of stones. Questions about whether your project is suitable for this class? Get in touch with the instructor at jess.bergman.tank@cafac.org. Class fee includes 1.5 troy ounces of silver and up to a pound of bronze.
Small Thing Casting @ CAFAC
Do you have an idea for a small-size sculpture or jewelry piece that you'd like to make in cast silver or bronze? This comprehensive class will immerse you in the process of lost wax casting in miniature form. You'll learn to carve wax, make molds, and cast small art objects or jewelry, using both centrifugal and vacuum assist casting. The class will cover safety protocols, the tools used for wax carving, techniques for pouring metal, and basic finishing of cast artworks. Our focus will be on wax carving to create patterns for casting, but not silicone/rubber molding or inclusion of stones. Questions about whether your project is suitable for this class? Get in touch with the instructor at jess.bergman.tank@cafac.org. Class fee includes 1.5 troy ounces of silver and up to a pound of bronze.
Small Thing Casting @ CAFAC
Do you have an idea for a small-size sculpture or jewelry piece that you'd like to make in cast silver or bronze? This comprehensive class will immerse you in the process of lost wax casting in miniature form. You'll learn to carve wax, make molds, and cast small art objects or jewelry, using both centrifugal and vacuum assist casting. The class will cover safety protocols, the tools used for wax carving, techniques for pouring metal, and basic finishing of cast artworks. Our focus will be on wax carving to create patterns for casting, but not silicone/rubber molding or inclusion of stones. Questions about whether your project is suitable for this class? Get in touch with the instructor at jess.bergman.tank@cafac.org. Class fee includes 1.5 troy ounces of silver and up to a pound of bronze.
Small Thing Casting @ CAFAC
Do you have an idea for a small-size sculpture or jewelry piece that you'd like to make in cast silver or bronze? This comprehensive class will immerse you in the process of lost wax casting in miniature form. You'll learn to carve wax, make molds, and cast small art objects or jewelry, using both centrifugal and vacuum assist casting. The class will cover safety protocols, the tools used for wax carving, techniques for pouring metal, and basic finishing of cast artworks. Our focus will be on wax carving to create patterns for casting, but not silicone/rubber molding or inclusion of stones. Questions about whether your project is suitable for this class? Get in touch with the instructor at jess.bergman.tank@cafac.org. Class fee includes 1.5 troy ounces of silver and up to a pound of bronze.
Small Thing Casting @ CAFAC
Do you have an idea for a small-size sculpture or jewelry piece that you'd like to make in cast silver or bronze? This comprehensive class will immerse you in the process of lost wax casting in miniature form. You'll learn to carve wax, make molds, and cast small art objects or jewelry, using both centrifugal and vacuum assist casting. The class will cover safety protocols, the tools used for wax carving, techniques for pouring metal, and basic finishing of cast artworks. Our focus will be on wax carving to create patterns for casting, but not silicone/rubber molding or inclusion of stones. Questions about whether your project is suitable for this class? Get in touch with the instructor at jess.bergman.tank@cafac.org. Class fee includes 1.5 troy ounces of silver and up to a pound of bronze.
Small Thing Casting @ CAFAC
Do you have an idea for a small-size sculpture or jewelry piece that you'd like to make in cast silver or bronze? This comprehensive class will immerse you in the process of lost wax casting in miniature form. You'll learn to carve wax, make molds, and cast small art objects or jewelry, using both centrifugal and vacuum assist casting. The class will cover safety protocols, the tools used for wax carving, techniques for pouring metal, and basic finishing of cast artworks. Our focus will be on wax carving to create patterns for casting, but not silicone/rubber molding or inclusion of stones. Questions about whether your project is suitable for this class? Get in touch with the instructor at jess.bergman.tank@cafac.org. Class fee includes 1.5 troy ounces of silver and up to a pound of bronze.
Small Thing Casting @ CAFAC
Do you have an idea for a small-size sculpture or jewelry piece that you'd like to make in cast silver or bronze? This comprehensive class will immerse you in the process of lost wax casting in miniature form. You'll learn to carve wax, make molds, and cast small art objects or jewelry, using both centrifugal and vacuum assist casting. The class will cover safety protocols, the tools used for wax carving, techniques for pouring metal, and basic finishing of cast artworks. Our focus will be on wax carving to create patterns for casting, but not silicone/rubber molding or inclusion of stones. Questions about whether your project is suitable for this class? Get in touch with the instructor at jess.bergman.tank@cafac.org. Class fee includes 1.5 troy ounces of silver and up to a pound of bronze.
Small Thing Casting @ CAFAC
Do you have an idea for a small-size sculpture or jewelry piece that you'd like to make in cast silver or bronze? This comprehensive class will immerse you in the process of lost wax casting in miniature form. You'll learn to carve wax, make molds, and cast small art objects or jewelry, using both centrifugal and vacuum assist casting. The class will cover safety protocols, the tools used for wax carving, techniques for pouring metal, and basic finishing of cast artworks. Our focus will be on wax carving to create patterns for casting, but not silicone/rubber molding or inclusion of stones. Questions about whether your project is suitable for this class? Get in touch with the instructor at jess.bergman.tank@cafac.org. Class fee includes 1.5 troy ounces of silver and up to a pound of bronze.
Small Thing Casting @ CAFAC
Do you have an idea for a small-size sculpture or jewelry piece that you'd like to make in cast silver or bronze? This comprehensive class will immerse you in the process of lost wax casting in miniature form. You'll learn to carve wax, make molds, and cast small art objects or jewelry, using both centrifugal and vacuum assist casting. The class will cover safety protocols, the tools used for wax carving, techniques for pouring metal, and basic finishing of cast artworks. Our focus will be on wax carving to create patterns for casting, but not silicone/rubber molding or inclusion of stones. Questions about whether your project is suitable for this class? Get in touch with the instructor at jess.bergman.tank@cafac.org. Class fee includes 1.5 troy ounces of silver and up to a pound of bronze.
First Tuesday Social with the DID
PM foundry will be back and ready for you to carve your own cuttlebone molds and have them cast in bronze while you watch the molten metal flow! We will be making fobs to add to your own personal chapstick holder this round. Molding assistance will be available.
This event is FREE and open to the public!
Sculptural Metalcasting Fundamentals @ CAFAC
Mondays, 10/4/21-12/6/21 , 2-5pm
This course will turn you into a molten metal lover (if you're not one already!) as we explore the fundamentals of creating cast metal sculpture through mold-making, pouring metal, and finishing techniques. You will begin by learning traditional cuttlebone mold making and move into more contemporary sand molding and ceramic shell. We will cast with lead-free pewter, aluminum, and bronze and you can expect to complete three separate castings. You'll leave the class with basic skills and knowledge in the processes of lost wax, direct carve or pattern based mold making. You will have an understanding of foundry safety, pouring metal, chasing, and finishing.
Sculptural Metalcasting Fundamentals @ CAFAC
Mondays, 10/4/21-12/6/21 , 2-5pm
This course will turn you into a molten metal lover (if you're not one already!) as we explore the fundamentals of creating cast metal sculpture through mold-making, pouring metal, and finishing techniques. You will begin by learning traditional cuttlebone mold making and move into more contemporary sand molding and ceramic shell. We will cast with lead-free pewter, aluminum, and bronze and you can expect to complete three separate castings. You'll leave the class with basic skills and knowledge in the processes of lost wax, direct carve or pattern based mold making. You will have an understanding of foundry safety, pouring metal, chasing, and finishing.
Sculptural Metalcasting Fundamentals @ CAFAC
Mondays, 10/4/21-12/6/21 , 2-5pm
This course will turn you into a molten metal lover (if you're not one already!) as we explore the fundamentals of creating cast metal sculpture through mold-making, pouring metal, and finishing techniques. You will begin by learning traditional cuttlebone mold making and move into more contemporary sand molding and ceramic shell. We will cast with lead-free pewter, aluminum, and bronze and you can expect to complete three separate castings. You'll leave the class with basic skills and knowledge in the processes of lost wax, direct carve or pattern based mold making. You will have an understanding of foundry safety, pouring metal, chasing, and finishing.
Sculptural Metalcasting Fundamentals @ CAFAC
Mondays, 10/4/21-12/6/21 , 2-5pm
This course will turn you into a molten metal lover (if you're not one already!) as we explore the fundamentals of creating cast metal sculpture through mold-making, pouring metal, and finishing techniques. You will begin by learning traditional cuttlebone mold making and move into more contemporary sand molding and ceramic shell. We will cast with lead-free pewter, aluminum, and bronze and you can expect to complete three separate castings. You'll leave the class with basic skills and knowledge in the processes of lost wax, direct carve or pattern based mold making. You will have an understanding of foundry safety, pouring metal, chasing, and finishing.
Fall Market
I will be setup with some work for this fun outdoor event, hope to see you!
Please join 2010 Artblok for our annual Fall Sale, Saturday, November 6th, 11 AM - 3 PM
Over 20 artists & craftspeople will be on hand for this outdoor shopping event. Enjoy a hot beverage and pastry while strolling our "Artist Alley." All are welcome to attend. This is a wonderful pre-holiday opportunity to support art in our community. Free on-site parking available. 2010 E. Hennepin Ave.
First Tuesday Social with the DID
PM foundry will be back and ready for you to carve your own cuttlebone molds and have them cast in bronze while you watch the molten metal flow! We will be making fobs to add to your own personal chapstick holder this round. Molding assistance will be available.
This event is FREE and open to the public!
Sculptural Metalcasting Fundamentals @ CAFAC
Mondays, 10/4/21-12/6/21 , 2-5pm
This course will turn you into a molten metal lover (if you're not one already!) as we explore the fundamentals of creating cast metal sculpture through mold-making, pouring metal, and finishing techniques. You will begin by learning traditional cuttlebone mold making and move into more contemporary sand molding and ceramic shell. We will cast with lead-free pewter, aluminum, and bronze and you can expect to complete three separate castings. You'll leave the class with basic skills and knowledge in the processes of lost wax, direct carve or pattern based mold making. You will have an understanding of foundry safety, pouring metal, chasing, and finishing.
Northwest Passage High School Casting Experience Workshop Day 2 (Private Event)
Individualized casting experience designed for students at Northwest Passage High School during their “Experience Week”. Students will visit the Walker Sculpture Garden prior to casting experience, will make patterns, create sand molds, and cast molten aluminum to complete their own sculptures.
Northwest Passage High School Casting Experience Workshop Day 1 (Private Event)
Individualized casting experience designed for students at Northwest Passage High School during their “Experience Week”. Students will visit the Walker Sculpture Garden prior to casting experience, will make patterns, create sand molds, and cast molten aluminum to complete their own sculptures.
Sculptural Metalcasting Fundamentals @ CAFAC
Mondays, 10/4/21-12/6/21 , 2-5pm
This course will turn you into a molten metal lover (if you're not one already!) as we explore the fundamentals of creating cast metal sculpture through mold-making, pouring metal, and finishing techniques. You will begin by learning traditional cuttlebone mold making and move into more contemporary sand molding and ceramic shell. We will cast with lead-free pewter, aluminum, and bronze and you can expect to complete three separate castings. You'll leave the class with basic skills and knowledge in the processes of lost wax, direct carve or pattern based mold making. You will have an understanding of foundry safety, pouring metal, chasing, and finishing.
Sculptural Metalcasting Fundamentals @ CAFAC
Mondays, 10/4/21-12/6/21 , 2-5pm
This course will turn you into a molten metal lover (if you're not one already!) as we explore the fundamentals of creating cast metal sculpture through mold-making, pouring metal, and finishing techniques. You will begin by learning traditional cuttlebone mold making and move into more contemporary sand molding and ceramic shell. We will cast with lead-free pewter, aluminum, and bronze and you can expect to complete three separate castings. You'll leave the class with basic skills and knowledge in the processes of lost wax, direct carve or pattern based mold making. You will have an understanding of foundry safety, pouring metal, chasing, and finishing.