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Shape metal with hammer, anvil, and forge.

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What to bring/wear, refund policy, waitlists, age requirements, gift certificate redemption, and more.

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What kinds of sensory impact to expect in a particular type of class. 


Click on the class name to see all meeting dates, times, and fees. 

Current & Upcoming classes

  • Build Your Own Forge

    • Tue, March 10, 2026
    • Tue, April 28, 2026
    • 8 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 1
    Register

    Build a propane blacksmithing forge of your own to take home! In this introductory course, we will begin by learning the metal fabrication and welding techniques needed to build your own propane forge. This process will provide you with an intimate understanding of the equipment and how to safely operate and maintain it, inspiring the confidence to use it on your own. All supplies and materials needed to build your own forge are included.

    Please bring or wear the following personal protective equipment to class: safety glasses, head covering, long sleeves and long pants. Loose-fitting welding gloves are optional.

    Fee: $690 ($360 tuition + $330 materials)  |  8 weeks
    Open to ages 16 and up.

    Instructor: Jim Ricci

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  • Blacksmithing Project Shop: Bottle Openers for Beginners

    • Fri, March 13, 2026
    • 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Build your blacksmith skills with a fun and useful project: making a bottle opener. They’re quick to make and can incorporate all basic blacksmithing processes in one compact project. We'll end class with a celebratory bottle-opening to try out your new tool - that means a beer or soda is included! No experience necessary.

    $100 ($75 tuition + $25 materials)
    Open to ages 16 and up.

    Instructor: John Hehre



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  • Blacksmithing Project Shop: Ram's Head Bottle Openers

    • Tue, March 24, 2026
    • Wed, March 25, 2026
    • 2 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Come welcome in the warm energy of Aries season by forging your own ram's head bottle opener! This two-day workshop channels in the fiery spirit of spring with forge, hammer, and anvil. You will learn fundamental blacksmithing techniques like tapering, texturing, and forming, while shaping a sculptural ram's head in steel. The finished piece is both functional and symbolic, celebrating endurance, renewal, and creative energy as the season shifts.

    We'll end class with a celebratory bottle-opening to try out your new tool - that means a beer or soda is included! No experience necessary.

    $115 ($90 tuition + $25 materials)
    Open to ages 18 and up.

    Instructor: Carly Marie Odegard



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  • Open Forge Time

    • Fri, March 27, 2026
    • 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 8
    Register

    Open Forge Time is available to people who have taken (or are currently taking) a blacksmithing class at CAFAC.

    Let's fire up the forges and work on personal projects! This is a great opportunity to make tools or finish something you've been working on, with an instructor on hand to answer questions as needed. You'll provide your own metal and CAFAC will supply the tools, equipment, and shop consumables. 

    Experience is required. Please don't sign up if you haven't taken a blacksmithing class at CAFAC.

    $45
    Open to ages 18 and up.

    Instructor: Lee Meilleur


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  • Blacksmithing Project Shop: Charcuterie Set

    • Sun, March 29, 2026
    • Sun, April 12, 2026
    • 3 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 7
    Register

    Combine your love of food and craft! Dive into the world of blacksmithing with our hands-on workshop in which you’ll create a stunning hand-forged cheese knife and fork set. This class is designed for enthusiasts of beginner to intermediate skill levels who are eager to learn the traditional techniques of metalworking and craft their own eating tools.

    In this class you will gain a solid understanding of blacksmithing basics by learning key forging techniques such as drawing out, tapering, twisting, and scrolling. You will start by forging a handle and blade to shape. Then, you will move on to making a unique twisted fork to complete your bespoke charcuterie set. On the last day of class, students are invited to bring their favorite meats and cheeses to share in a charcuterie potluck meal.

    $170 ($135 tuition + $35 materials)
    Open to ages 18 and up.

    Instructor: Sergey Vaynshenk


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  • Blacksmithing Basics 1 (TUE AFTN)

    • Tue, March 31, 2026
    • Tue, May 19, 2026
    • 8 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 1
    Register

    If you had a hammer, would you use it to drive a nail? Or would you rather use it to forge a nail from red hot iron? This course is designed to ignite your passion for blacksmithing and introduce you to the seemingly endless ways of expressing yourself by shaping iron with fire and hammer. You'll gain basic knowledge of iron and its characteristics, an understanding of the dynamics of forging, and the ability to safely shape iron with heat and a hammer.

    By the end of class, you'll have covered the basic forging processes, including drawing and tapering, splitting, cutting, drifting, punching, twisting, upsetting. You'll develop those skills through projects such as: hooks, utensils, bottle openers, trivets, and forging tools.

    $415 ($360 tuition + $55 materials)  |  8 weeks
    Open to ages 18 and up, or 17 with a parent/guardian in attendance.

    Instructor: Dan Osadchuk

    Show details

  • Forged Wearables: Jewelry-Scale Blacksmithing

    • Wed, April 08, 2026
    • Wed, May 06, 2026
    • 5 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 0
    Join waitlist


    Blacksmithing is not all swords and armor! It can also include making small forged objects that you can wear. In this class, we'll explore designing unique jewelry pieces, from bracelets and earrings to whatever you can imagine. You can expect to create at least three steel and/or copper jewelry projects. These projects will vary in size (from small to extremely small), allowing you to practice and gain skills in forging fine and detailed objects with a hammer and anvil. We'll practice delicate tapering, twisting, punching holes, chisel work, and finishes. Along with these traditional blacksmithing techniques, this class has a strong focus on learning problem solving, creative thinking, challenging perfectionism, and developing healthy posture and form while swinging your hammer.

    *Some* blacksmithing experience is recommended, but we can accommodate beginners.

    $260 ($225 tuition + $35 materials)  |  5 sessions
    Open to ages 16 and up.

    Instructor: Pete Gierzynski 


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  • Blacksmithing Project Shop: Penannular Brooch

    • Sat, April 11, 2026
    • 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 8
    Register

    Want to pin your kilt or cloak, or add a clever brooch to your scarf? Have an appreciation for Celtic fashion? In this introductory blacksmithing workshop, you'll make a penannular brooch of your very own! Penannular refers to an incomplete ring, which when combined with a pin serves as a clothing fastener. You'll be introduced to and practice basics blacksmithing techniques while you twist and taper your penannular and sharpen its accompanying pin. No experience necessary. 

    $85 ($70 tuition + $15 materials)
    Open to ages 16 and up.

    Instructor: Gaea Dill-D'Ascoli



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  • Blacksmithing Project Shop: Hair Accessories

    • Sat, April 18, 2026
    • 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 6
    Register

    Keep your flowing locks in place with hand-forged hair accessories that you'll craft yourself in this introductory blacksmithing workshop! We'll start by crafting a straight hairpin, practicing bends and twists along the way. Then you can continue making straight pins or veer into curved pieces to go with your hairpin. You'll be introduced to and practice basics blacksmithing techniques while you twist and taper your hair accessories to your satisfaction. No experience necessary.

    $90 ($75 tuition + $15 materials)
    Open to ages 16 and up.

    Instructor: Gaea Dill-D'Ascoli



    Show details

  • Blacksmithing Project Shop: Spoon-Making

    • Sun, April 19, 2026
    • 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Dip your fingers into basic blacksmithing and come out with a spoon, suitable for slurping soup (or anything else you'd  eat with a spoon). In this short workshop, you'll learn basic blacksmithing techniques and have fun creating a unique and functional piece. We'll start with pre-cut spoon blanks, then dish the spoon using hammer and swage block, and finish the handle with twists, curves, or other decorative techniques.

    You'll make two spoons - one to keep for yourself, and one for our Bowls & Spoons Harvest Feast happening this fall! No experience necessary. 

    $85 ($70 tuition + $15 materials)
    Open to ages 16 and up.

    Instructor: Pete Gierzynski



    Show details

  • Blacksmithing Project Shop: Whimsical Wand Forging

    • Sun, April 26, 2026
    • Sun, May 03, 2026
    • 2 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 6
    Register
    In this workshop, you'll learn how to use a hammer and flame to fashion a piece of metal into a wand of iron as well as a familiar/companion piece for your wand. Through these pieces, the basics of forging will be covered: tapering, twisting, scrolling, upsetting, as well as other forms of bending, shaping, and finishing. As time and interest allow, we can also explore specialized techniques such as punching, chiseling, engraving, and sparkling (a finishing technique invented by the instructor!).

    Open to all skill levels -- no experience necessary.

    $110 ($90 tuition + $20 materials)
    Open to ages 16 and up.

    Instructor: Helene Constantine



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  • Unfinished Business: Finishing Techniques for Metalwork

    • Fri, May 01, 2026
    • 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 7
    Register

    Join us for a one-day workshop that's all about taking your metal artwork across the finish line.

    In this hands-on class, you’ll learn how to safely and confidently use angle grinders, die grinders, dremels, and other finishing tools to refine surfaces and remove casting or weld marks. We’ll also dive into needle scalers and sandblasters for texturing and cleanup, giving you a full toolkit for professional-quality finishes. A comprehensive patina demo will introduce you to color, oxidation, and sealing options so your work looks intentional and gallery-ready. This class is perfect for past casting students who have unfinished pieces waiting for attention, as well as artists who want to add hardware or make minor adjustments so their work functions smoothly. Bring your “almost done” projects and leave with completed, exhibition-ready metal sculpture.

    $90 ($75 tuition + $15 materials)
    Open to ages 18 and up.

    Instructor: Brighton McCormick


    Show details

  • Blacksmithing Project Shop: Forged Flowers & Leaves

    • Sun, May 03, 2026
    • Sun, June 07, 2026
    • 5 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 6
    Register

    Transform inorganic material into organic shapes in this hands-on workshop. You’ll learn how to manipulate metal into delicate, lifelike forms inspired by nature. Discover the intricate balance between strength and finesse as you hammer, bend, and texture steel to mimic the flowing lines of flower petals and leaves. By the end of the session, you’ll not only create a beautiful, hand-forged piece but also gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry and precision involved in blacksmithing while practicing essential forging techniques.


    $265 ($225 tuition + $40 materials), 5 sessions
    Open to ages 18 and up.

    Instructor: Sergey Vaynshenk


    Show details

  • Blacksmithing Basics 1 (TUE EVE)

    • Tue, May 05, 2026
    • Tue, June 23, 2026
    • 8 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 3
    Register

    If you had a hammer, would you use it to drive a nail? Or would you rather use it to forge a nail from red hot iron? This course is designed to ignite your passion for blacksmithing and introduce you to the seemingly endless ways of expressing yourself by shaping iron with fire and hammer. You'll gain basic knowledge of iron and its characteristics, an understanding of the dynamics of forging, and the ability to safely shape iron with heat and a hammer.

    By the end of class, you'll have covered the basic forging processes, including drawing and tapering, splitting, cutting, drifting, punching, twisting, upsetting. You'll develop those skills through projects such as: hooks, utensils, bottle openers, trivets, and forging tools.

    $415 ($360 tuition + $55 materials)  |  8 weeks
    Open to ages 18 and up, or 17 with a parent/guardian in attendance.

    Instructor: Sergey Vaynshenk

    Show details

  • Creating Curves with Oxy-Acetylene and Blacksmithing Techniques

    • Wed, May 06, 2026
    • Wed, June 10, 2026
    • 6 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    In this intro to bending workshop, you'll learn how to harness the heat of the flame to create intricate and complex bends and shapes. You'll learn and practice techniques using an oxy-acetylene torch and blacksmithing forge. By pairing these two tools, you'll create a tabletop sculpture that bends and wraps around itself and stands on its own without any welding necessary.  Leave this class a master at making squiggles! Materials for practice are provided and you are welcome to create your personal project using our scrap or you can purchase your own metal stock.

    No prior experience is necessary though some blacksmithing and/or oxy-acetylene knowledge is a plus.

    $295 ($270 tuition + $25 materials)  |  6 weeks
    Open to ages 18 and up, or 17 with a parent/guardian in attendance.

    Instructor: Becca Cerra

    Show details

  • Blacksmithing Project Shop: Spoon-Making

    • Sun, May 17, 2026
    • 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 8
    Register

    Dip your fingers into basic blacksmithing and come out with a spoon, suitable for slurping soup (or anything else you'd  eat with a spoon). In this short workshop, you'll learn basic blacksmithing techniques and have fun creating a unique and functional piece. We'll start with pre-cut spoon blanks, then dish the spoon using hammer and swage block, and finish the handle with twists, curves, or other decorative techniques.

    You'll make two spoons - one to keep for yourself, and one for our Bowls & Spoons Harvest Feast happening this fall! No experience necessary. 

    $85 ($70 tuition + $15 materials)
    Open to ages 16 and up.

    Instructor: Gaea Dill-D'Ascoli



    Show details

  • Coal Forge Blacksmithing Basics 1

    • Thu, May 21, 2026
    • Thu, July 09, 2026
    • 8 sessions
    • 365 Marie Ave W, West St Paul, MN 55118

    Join us for a 8-session dive into the basics of blacksmithing at Dodge Nature Center's open-air smithy at Shepard Farm!

    Register here through Dodge Nature Center. 

    Questions? Get in touch with us at info@cafac.org.

    Please note: classes at Dodge are not eligible for CAFAC scholarship awards.

    This course is designed to ignite your passion for blacksmithing and introduce you to the seemingly endless ways of expressing yourself by shaping iron with fire and hammer. You'll gain basic knowledge of iron and its characteristics, an understanding of the dynamics of a coal forge, and the ability to safely shape iron with heat and a hammer.

    By the end of class, you'll have covered the basic forging processes, including drawing and tapering, drifting, punching, twisting, and setting shoulders. You'll develop those skills through projects such as: quick tongs, scribe/center punch, round punch/drift, basic heat treating, hooks, multi hook rack, trivet… and you'll know what a clinker is!

    $450 (includes all materials and supplies)  |  8 sessions 
    Open to ages 16 and up.

    Instructor: Dan Osadchuk

    Show details

  • Open Forge and Weld Shop

    • Fri, May 29, 2026
    • 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 6
    Register

    Open Forge  and Weld Shop is available to people who have taken (or are currently taking) a blacksmithing and/or welding class at CAFAC.

    Open Shop is your opportunity to practice the skills you've used in class while you work on personal projects. Let's fire up the forges and oxy-acetylene rigs to work on personal projects! This is a great opportunity to make tools or finish something you've been working on, with an instructor on hand to answer questions as needed. You'll provide your own metal and CAFAC will supply the tools, equipment, and shop consumables. 

    Experience is required. Please don't sign up if you haven't taken a blacksmithing and/or welding class at CAFAC.

    $45

    Instructor: Becca Cerra


    Show details

  • Blacksmithing Project Shop: Penannular Brooch

    • Sat, May 30, 2026
    • 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 5
    Register

    Want to pin your kilt or cloak, or add a clever brooch to your scarf? Have an appreciation for Celtic fashion? In this introductory blacksmithing workshop, you'll make a penannular brooch of your very own! Penannular refers to an incomplete ring, which when combined with a pin serves as a clothing fastener. You'll be introduced to and practice basics blacksmithing techniques while you twist and taper your penannular and sharpen its accompanying pin. No experience necessary. 

    $85 ($70 tuition + $15 materials)
    Open to ages 16 and up.

    Instructor: Gaea Dill-D'Ascoli



    Show details

  • Unfinished Business: Finishing Techniques for Metalwork

    • Sat, June 13, 2026
    • 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 8
    Register

    Join us for a one-day workshop that's all about taking your metal artwork across the finish line.

    In this hands-on class, you’ll learn how to safely and confidently use angle grinders, die grinders, dremels, and other finishing tools to refine surfaces and remove casting or weld marks. We’ll also dive into needle scalers and sandblasters for texturing and cleanup, giving you a full toolkit for professional-quality finishes. A comprehensive patina demo will introduce you to color, oxidation, and sealing options so your work looks intentional and gallery-ready. This class is perfect for past casting students who have unfinished pieces waiting for attention, as well as artists who want to add hardware or make minor adjustments so their work functions smoothly. Bring your “almost done” projects and leave with completed, exhibition-ready metal sculpture.

    $90 ($75 tuition + $15 materials)
    Open to ages 18 and up.

    Instructor: Brighton McCormick


    Show details

  • Blacksmithing Project Shop: Hori Hori Garden Tool

    • Sun, June 14, 2026
    • Sun, June 28, 2026
    • 3 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 6
    Register

    Hammer your way to a unique gardening tool to use for many summers to come! In this workshop, you'll make a unique, hand-forged hori hori garden knife.  This traditional Japanese hand tool (meaning dig-dig) can be used for all your digging, planting and weeding needs. You'll gain a solid understanding of blacksmithing basics by learning key forging techniques such as drawing out and tapering as you create the blade of your hori hori. This class is designed for enthusiasts of beginner to intermediate skill levels who are eager to learn the traditional techniques of metalworking.

    $170 ($115 tuition + $35 materials)
    Open to ages 18 and up.

    Instructor: Sergey Vaynshenk


    Show details

  • Blacksmithing Project Shop: Forging a Hummingbird

    • Wed, June 17, 2026
    • Wed, June 24, 2026
    • 2 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Transform steel into a hummingbird figure in this fun two-day workshop! Using forge, hammer, and anvil, you'll learn core blacksmithing techniques such as tapering, shaping, and texturing.

    Aligned with the energy of the summer solstice, this class invites lightness, focus, and presence into the forging process. The hummingbird carries deep spiritual symbolism across many cultures. It often represents joy, resilience, adaptability, and the ability to find sweetness even in moments of intensity. As we work with heat to shape and form steel, you'll be encouraged to slow down and move with purpose.

    By the end, you'll leave with a completed sculptural hummingbird and new forging skills. No prior blacksmithing experience is required. All levels are welcome.

    $110 ($90 tuition + $20 materials)
    Open to ages 18 and up.

    Instructor: Carly Marie Odegard



    Show details

  • Open Forge and Weld Shop

    • Fri, June 26, 2026
    • 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 7
    Register

    Open Forge  and Weld Shop is available to people who have taken (or are currently taking) a blacksmithing and/or welding class at CAFAC.

    Open Shop is your opportunity to practice the skills you've used in class while you work on personal projects. Let's fire up the forges and oxy-acetylene rigs to work on personal projects! This is a great opportunity to make tools or finish something you've been working on, with an instructor on hand to answer questions as needed. You'll provide your own metal and CAFAC will supply the tools, equipment, and shop consumables. 

    Experience is required. Please don't sign up if you haven't taken a blacksmithing and/or welding class at CAFAC.

    $45

    Instructor: Becca Cerra


    Show details

CHICAGO AVENUE FIRE ARTS CENTER   3749 Chicago Avenue  |  Minneapolis, MN 55407  |  612-294-0400  |  info@cafac.org 

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