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Classes  >>  Glass 



Our glass program includes hot and coldworking options. Lampworking (also known as flameworking) uses soft glass rods and an oxy-fuel torch to create beads and other small pieces. We also offer fundamental and project-based classes in stained glass, including sculptural and jewelry-scale techniques.

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

If you're looking for a Reheater option, select the class you'd like to Reheat and choose the appropriate fee when registering.

Please read these FAQs for details about what to bring/wear, refund policy, age requirements and more. We've also compiled a sensory rubric with more information about what to expect in a particular type of class. 

Joining a waitlist? Before you add yourself to a waitlist for a class that's full, it helps us if you're pretty certain you'll be available. If a spot becomes available, you'll be automatically registered and given about 24 hours to confirm your registration by paying. If we have a long list of folks who are no longer interested, it can be time-consuming to fill that spot. Thank you!

Upcoming classes

  • Leaded Stained Glass Fundamentals

    • Tue, October 22, 2024
    • Tue, November 26, 2024
    • 6 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 2
    Register

    Leaded stained glass, also known as lead lighting, dates back to the 11th century and is the form of most stained glass windows found in churches and architecture. The process involves fitting glass pieces into the channels of a strip of lead called “came” and then soldering the pieces together.

    In this class you'll create your own stained glass window using this traditional method. You'll start by choosing from a selection of patterns (approximately 1ft by 1ft). Then you'll learn how to cut and grind glass pieces to fit, build the window using lead came, and solder and putty the piece. At the end of the class you'll have a beautiful panel of your own design, proper understanding of lead safety measures, confidence in glass cutting, and a basic knowledge of leading and soldering a window.

    $285 ($235 tuition + $50 materials)  |  6 weeks
    Open to ages 18 and up.

    Instructor: Evalin Becker 


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  • Open Torch Time

    • Sun, November 17, 2024
    • 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 0
    Join waitlist

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

    Keep your chops up with regular Torch Time and share studio time with your fellow artisans! You supply the consumables (glass, mandrels, and bead release) and CAFAC will supply the torches and tools. We have space for up to six artisans, so sign up today to reserve your spot at the torch!

    $40

    Instructor: Mary Ila Duntemann 

    Show details

  • Hot Glass, Cool Beads: Italian Glass Bead Sampler

    • Sat, November 23, 2024
    • 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Class extended to four hours by popular demand! Get more time on the torch!

    This class is a glass bead primer to get you acquainted with working a torch and Italian soft glass. You will learn safety protocol, tool and equipment use, and beginner flameworking techniques. Through hands-on practice, you'll explore glass manipulation, shaping techniques and surface decoration. Expect to go home with 4-6 beads and the flamework basics to explore more techniques with confidence. Wear long pants, closed-toe shoes and bring a readiness to experiment!

    $80 ($70 tuition + $10 materials)
    Open to ages 16 and up.

    Instructor: Mary Ila Duntemann

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  • Stained Glass Project Shop: Snowflake

    • Sun, November 24, 2024
    • 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 0
    Join waitlist

     Celebrate the season by making your own stained glass snowflake! This is an ideal project to learn the basics: how to read a stained glass pattern, cut glass, assemble and solder components into a 2-D or 3-D form, and patina and seal your finished project. Patterns will be provided and you can choose between making a 2-D or 3-D snowflake. No prior stained glass experience needed. 

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

    Instructor: Samael Leopold-Sullivan explores the relationships between self and other through a variety of media with the goal of deepening self-understanding and reflection within the viewer. They graduated Cum Laude from Macalester College in 2014 with a B.A. in Studio Art and Environmental Studies, and completed an M.F.A. in Sculpture/Dimensional Studies at Alfred University in 2019. They love learning new skills and teaching them to others, and stained glass is their current favorite medium for making three-dimensional work.


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  • Bottle to Bead: Torchwork Techniques for Recycling Glass

    • Sun, December 01, 2024
    • 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 2
    Register

    Can beads be made from recycled glass bottles? Yes, they can! In this workshop, you'll use the torch to transform bottles into glass rods  and then into beautiful beads. We'll have a fine selection of bottle colors available during class, but feel free to bring your own lovely, colored glass vessel.

    Previous experience on a dual-gas torch is required. Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes.

    $80 ($70 tuition + $10 materials)
    Open to ages 16 and up.

    Instructor: Mary Ila Duntemann

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  • Open Stained Glass Studio

    • Sun, December 01, 2024
    • 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 8
    Register

    Open Stained Glass Studio is available to people who have taken (or are currently taking) a stained glass 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. You supply the consumables (glass, lead-free solder, foil, flux, and patina) and CAFAC will supply the tools and equipment. 

    $50

    Instructor: Samael Leopold Sullivan

    Show details

  • Open Torch Time

    • Sat, December 21, 2024
    • 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 4
    Register

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

    Keep your chops up with regular Torch Time and share studio time with your fellow artisans! You supply the consumables (glass, mandrels, and bead release) and CAFAC will supply the torches and tools. We have space for up to six artisans, so sign up today to reserve your spot at the torch!

    $40

    Instructor: Mary Ila Duntemann 

    Show details

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

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