Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center upcoming events

Copper Enamel Jewelry Sampler (Tue, September 15, 2026)

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 23:00:00 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

Porcelain Enameling on Steel Sampler (Mon, October 05, 2026)

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 15:00:00 GMT

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.

$115 ($90 tuition + $25 materials)
Open to ages 16 and up.

Instructor: Jess Night

Copper Enamel Jewelry Sampler (Fri, October 09, 2026)

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 18:00:00 GMT

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

Instructor: Crystal Celeste

Copper Enamel Jewelry 1: Exploratory Approaches and Designs (Sat, October 10, 2026)

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Do you want to bring your creative vision to life with basic metal manipulation and a rich palette of enamels? Copper enameling is a world of ancient techniques that meet contemporary experimental approaches of today.

In this class you'll learn:

how to cut, file and sand basic shapes from copper sheet metal
general metal preparation for enameling
kiln-fired and torch-fired basic enameling approaches
dry enameling techniques such as; sifting, lump and thread, transparent enamels over wire and hammering effects, drawing and the use of negative space over enamel, etc.
basic jewelry finding techniques to bring your copper enamel pieces together

We'll explore cold metal manipulation as well as enamel on copper approaches using temperatures between 1300 - 1500 degrees. You'll walk away from this course with a new excitement for working with color and metal, several one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces, and practical skills and tips to continue exploring these techniques on your own. No experience required.

$315 ($270 tuition + $45 materials) | 4 sessions
Open to ages 16 and up.

Instructor: Crystal Celeste

Copper Enamel Jewelry 1: Exploratory Approaches and Designs (Sun, October 11, 2026)

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 18:00:00 GMT

In this class you'll learn:

how to cut, file and sand basic shapes from copper sheet metal
general metal preparation for enameling
kiln-fired and torch-fired basic enameling approaches
dry enameling techniques such as; sifting, lump and thread, transparent enamels over wire and hammering effects, drawing and the use of negative space over enamel, etc.
basic jewelry finding techniques to bring your copper enamel pieces together

$315 ($270 tuition + $45 materials) | 4 sessions
Open to ages 16 and up.

Instructor: Crystal Celeste

Open Copper Enamel Studio (Tue, October 13, 2026)

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 18:00:00 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: Crystal Celeste

Copper Enamel Jewelry 1: Exploratory Approaches and Designs (Sat, October 17, 2026)

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 18:00:00 GMT

In this class you'll learn:

how to cut, file and sand basic shapes from copper sheet metal
general metal preparation for enameling
kiln-fired and torch-fired basic enameling approaches
dry enameling techniques such as; sifting, lump and thread, transparent enamels over wire and hammering effects, drawing and the use of negative space over enamel, etc.
basic jewelry finding techniques to bring your copper enamel pieces together

$315 ($270 tuition + $45 materials) | 4 sessions
Open to ages 16 and up.

Instructor: Crystal Celeste

Copper Enamel Jewelry 1: Exploratory Approaches and Designs (Sun, October 18, 2026)

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 18:00:00 GMT

In this class you'll learn:

how to cut, file and sand basic shapes from copper sheet metal
general metal preparation for enameling
kiln-fired and torch-fired basic enameling approaches
dry enameling techniques such as; sifting, lump and thread, transparent enamels over wire and hammering effects, drawing and the use of negative space over enamel, etc.
basic jewelry finding techniques to bring your copper enamel pieces together

$315 ($270 tuition + $45 materials) | 4 sessions
Open to ages 16 and up.

Instructor: Crystal Celeste

Copper Enamel Project Shop: Lightswitch Cover (Mon, October 19, 2026)

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Learn the basics of copper enamel metal application while creating a unique, functional art in this introductory workshop. Sign up on your own or with a friend to enjoy an experimental session of kiln-fired copper enameling on a solid copper lightswitch or outlet covers. You'll start by practicing enamel application on scrap copper, including stencil and fade techniques, before moving on to your final pieces. Leave with 1-2 single lightswitch or outlet covers and the curiosity to continue exploring the copper enamel process! No experience required.

$105 ($70 tuition + $35 materials)
Open to ages 16 and up.

Instructor: Crystal Celeste

Porcelain Enameling Project Shop: Spooky Mugs (Sun, October 25, 2026)

Sun, 25 Oct 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Enamel your own steel camping mug with a spooky flair! 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

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

$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.

$50 ($40 tuition + $10 materials)

Instructor: Andrea Stronghart

Enameled Copper Jewelry Exploration (Mon, November 23, 2026)

Mon, 23 Nov 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Manifest your creative vision by creating one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces colored with a rich palette of enamels in this exploratory and skill-building class. We will cover basic enameling application and techniques as well as copper texturing, forming, preparation and treatment. Basic finding attachment will also be covered. Safety and exploration of your creative vision are priorities in this course, and you can expect to make several completed pieces during our time. No experience required!

In this course you will learn:

kiln-fired and torch-fired enameling
copper forming and preparation for enamel applications
dry enameling techniques including sifting, fade, lump & thread, and more
optional advanced wet application technique.
basic jewelry finding connection techniques to bring your copper enamel pieces together

$345 ($300 tuition + $45 materials) | 5 sessions
Open to ages 16 and up.

Instructor: Jess Night

Enameled Copper Jewelry Exploration (Mon, November 30, 2026)

Mon, 30 Nov 2026 16:00:00 GMT

In this course you will learn:

kiln-fired and torch-fired enameling
copper forming and preparation for enamel applications
dry enameling techniques including sifting, fade, lump & thread, and more
optional advanced wet application technique.
basic jewelry finding connection techniques to bring your copper enamel pieces together

$345 ($300 tuition + $45 materials) | 5 sessions
Open to ages 16 and up.

Instructor: Jess Night

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

Enameled Copper Jewelry Exploration (Mon, December 07, 2026)

Mon, 07 Dec 2026 16:00:00 GMT

In this course you will learn:

kiln-fired and torch-fired enameling
copper forming and preparation for enamel applications
dry enameling techniques including sifting, fade, lump & thread, and more
optional advanced wet application technique.
basic jewelry finding connection techniques to bring your copper enamel pieces together

$345 ($300 tuition + $45 materials) | 5 sessions
Open to ages 16 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

Enameled Copper Jewelry Exploration (Mon, December 14, 2026)

Mon, 14 Dec 2026 16:00:00 GMT

In this course you will learn:

kiln-fired and torch-fired enameling
copper forming and preparation for enamel applications
dry enameling techniques including sifting, fade, lump & thread, and more
optional advanced wet application technique.
basic jewelry finding connection techniques to bring your copper enamel pieces together

$345 ($300 tuition + $45 materials) | 5 sessions
Open to ages 16 and up.

Instructor: Jess Night

Enameled Copper Jewelry Exploration (Mon, December 21, 2026)

Mon, 21 Dec 2026 16:00:00 GMT

In this course you will learn:

kiln-fired and torch-fired enameling
copper forming and preparation for enamel applications
dry enameling techniques including sifting, fade, lump & thread, and more
optional advanced wet application technique.
basic jewelry finding connection techniques to bring your copper enamel pieces together

$345 ($300 tuition + $45 materials) | 5 sessions
Open to ages 16 and up.

Instructor: Jess Night