Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center upcoming events

Experimental Enamel for Sculptural Surfaces (Fri, November 13, 2026)

Fri, 13 Nov 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Porcelain (or vitreous) enameling is an ancient decorative technique that is highly durable and UV-resistant, once commonly found throughout our homes on appliances, bathtubs, and kitchen sinks. The process involves fusing powdered glass mixed with pigmented minerals to a metal substrate at high heat. Not only is it an ideal finish for adding long-lasting color to works that are installed outdoors, it also provides endless and sometimes unexpected finishes to metal sculpture, similar to the relationship of glaze to clay.

The focus of this immersive workshop, led by Omaha-based artist Lee Emma Running and CAFAC’s artistic director Heather Lasair, is experimentation and exploration.

Our first day will be spent in ideation looking at the history of metalworking techniques and preparation of existing metal work to incorporate enamel. We'll begin with an analysis of each student's work to imagine the incorporation of enamel techniques. You'll have the opportunity to cut, shape, and attach sculptural pieces using welding and blacksmithing techniques on enameling steel (a specific alloy that allows enamel to permanently fuse to the steel). You are also encouraged to bring cast metal pieces created previously, including iron or bronze castings. We’ll sandblast and prepare pieces in preparation for playing with enamel to create one-of-a-kind, expressive surfaces.

Our next two days will be a deep dive into enamel, covering tools, equipment, and techniques. You’ll learn about the differences of ground, cover, and graphic enamel coats and experiment with application methods such as spray, stencil, brush, and photo transfer, using both dry and wet frit. We’ll approach the medium with an experimenter’s mindset, learning from unexpected results as well as intended outcomes, cultivating a shared learning experience amongst fellow workshop participants.

$275 ($225 tuition + $50 materials) | 3 days (weekend intensive)
Open to ages 18 and up.

Instructors:

Lee Emma Running is an artist based in Omaha, NE, who creates monumental public installations on windows, and arresting objects using cast iron, enamel, glass, bone, and handmade paper. For the last 15 years, she has been using this work to engage audiences in conversations about the impact of human-built systems on the natural world.

Traditional craft has been the core of Lee’s practice and ethic as an artist. She began her career in hand papermaking, and in the past five years has expanded her sculpture to include cast glass, cast iron, and enamel. She has studied at Penland School of Crafts, and completed residencies at Kohler Arts/Industry in the Cast Iron Foundry, as well as residencies in iron at Western North Carolina Sculpture Park, Rivers of Steel, and Sloss Furnaces. Permanent installations of her work are at the University of Nebraska, Omaha, the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, and the Bernheim Arboretum in Kentucky. She was a professor of sculpture at Grinnell College in Iowa from 2005-2021.

Heather Lasair is a Founder & Artistic Director of the Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center (CAFAC) She has been inspired by fire as a creative and empowering tool since her first industrial arts class in high school. After working in industry as a welder, fabricator, and product designer, she became a fire arts educator in 2003 and developed a sculptural welding and blacksmithing program at Minneapolis Community & Technical College. At CAFAC, she continues her work as an educator and mentor in sculptural welding, blacksmithing, enameling and public art. She served on the Minneapolis Arts Commission and continues to contribute to the creative sector through educational partnerships, sculpture fabrication, and emerging artist mentorship.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

Experimental Enamel for Sculptural Surfaces (Sat, November 14, 2026)

Sat, 14 Nov 2026 19:00:00 GMT

The focus of this immersive workshop, led by Omaha-based artist Lee Emma Running and CAFAC’s artistic director Heather Lasair, is experimentation and exploration.

$275 ($225 tuition + $50 materials) | 3 days (weekend intensive)
Open to ages 18 and up.

Instructors:

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

Experimental Enamel for Sculptural Surfaces (Sun, November 15, 2026)

Sun, 15 Nov 2026 19:00:00 GMT

The focus of this immersive workshop, led by Omaha-based artist Lee Emma Running and CAFAC’s artistic director Heather Lasair, is experimentation and exploration.

$275 ($225 tuition + $50 materials) | 3 days (weekend intensive)
Open to ages 18 and up.

Instructors:

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

Copper Enamel Jewelry Sampler (Mon, November 16, 2026)

Tue, 17 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This hands-on, single-session workshop will introduce you to the vibrant art of copper enameling — a fire art form in which powdered glass is fused to metal at high temperature to create brilliant, durable color. No prior experience is required; the class is designed for curious beginners who want to explore a new medium and leave with finished, wearable art.

During the class, you'll prepare copper blanks, select your color palette, and apply enamel using sifting techniques. Each piece is fired in a kiln, providing a close look at the transformation that heat makes possible. By the end of the session, you'll have completed a coordinated set: one pendant and one pair of earrings, finished and ready to wear or gift.

This class is ideal for anyone drawn to jewelry making, mixed media art, or simply the magic of working with fire and color. If you enjoy painting, ceramics, or metalwork, you'll find enameling to be a natural and exciting next step!

$70 ($55 tuition + $15 materials)
Open to ages 16 and up.

Instructor: Andrea Stronghart

Open Copper Enamel Studio (Thu, November 19, 2026)

Fri, 20 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Open Copper Enamel Studio is available to people who have taken (or are currently taking) the Copper Enamel Sampler or Copper Enamel Jewelry I class at CAFAC.

This is your opportunity to get into the studio to work on projects or keep practicing your skills. You'll work independently with an instructor on hand if you have questions. CAFAC will supply the tools and equipment, along with scrap copper and some enamels (enough for 3-4 smaller pieces). You are also welcome to bring your own copper and enamels, if you'd like to make larger or more pieces.

$50 ($40 tuition + $10 materials)

Instructor: Andrea Stronghart

Porcelain Enameling Project Shop: Holiday Mugs (Sun, December 06, 2026)

Sun, 06 Dec 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Enamel your own steel camping mug with your favorite holiday theme -- stars, trees, candles, and more -- or maybe go the holiday folktale villain route, like Krampus, Frau Perchta, or Yule Lads!

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.

$70 ($55 tuition + $15 materials)
Open to ages 9 and up.

Instructor: Jess Night

Copper Enamel Jewelry Sampler (Thu, December 10, 2026)

Fri, 11 Dec 2026 00:00:00 GMT

$70 ($55 tuition + $15 materials)
Open to ages 16 and up.

Instructor: Andrea Stronghart