Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center upcoming events

Open Stained Glass Studio (Sun, June 14, 2026)

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 15:00:00 GMT

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.

$45

Instructor: Samael Leopold-Sullivan

Torch + Pour + Solder: Mixed Materials Sculpture (Mon, June 15, 2026)

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Create a sculptural piece using three fire arts in this combo class! You'll learn the basics of flameworking with borosilicate glass, cuttlebone casting with lead-free pewter, and soft soldering techniques, as well as how to combine all three into one piece. We'll start with boro flameworking, making components to soft solder together into a sculpture. The next session will cover pewter casting, creating additional components. Finally, you'll learn how to use soft soldering techniques to combine your glass and pewter elements into a sculpture.

This is a semi-intermediate class where ambitious beginners are welcome but the pace will be fast. If you have prior experience with at least one of the mediums, you'll be more comfortable keeping up.

$170 ($135 tuition + $35 materials) | 3 weeks
Open to ages 16 and up.

Instructor: Samael Leopold-Sullivan

Stained Glass: Copper Foil Fundamentals (Thu, June 18, 2026)

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Learn the basics of stained glass and add some color and sparkle to your life! This class will introduce the basics of stained glass using the copper foil technique, which involves wrapping each glass piece in copper tape and then soldering the pieces together to form the whole. You'll learn and practice all the steps in the process of creating stained glass pieces, including using patterns, cutting and grinding glass, foiling, and soldering. We'll start with 2D pieces and you'll have the opportunity to explore 3D forms. As we progress, you're encouraged to bring your own ideas and the instructor will assist in translating them into stained glass.

$320 ($270 tuition + $50 materials) | 6 weeks
Open to ages 16 and up.

Instructor: Samael Leopold-Sullivan

Open Torch Time: Soft Glass (Sat, June 20, 2026)

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 19:30:00 GMT

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 seven lampworkers, so sign up today to reserve your spot at the torch!

$45

Instructor: Mary Ila Duntemann

Torch + Pour + Solder: Mixed Materials Sculpture (Mon, June 22, 2026)

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 23:00:00 GMT

$170 ($135 tuition + $35 materials) | 3 weeks
Open to ages 16 and up.

Instructor: Samael Leopold-Sullivan

Stained Glass: Copper Foil Fundamentals (Thu, June 25, 2026)

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 23:00:00 GMT

$320 ($270 tuition + $50 materials) | 6 weeks
Open to ages 16 and up.

Instructor: Samael Leopold-Sullivan

Open Torch Time: Borosilicate Glass (Sat, June 27, 2026)

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 19:00:00 GMT

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

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

$45

Instructor: Ashley Austin

Stained Glass Project Shop: Pride Suncatcher (Sun, June 28, 2026)

Sun, 28 Jun 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Celebrate Pride by learning to make your own stained glass Pride-themed suncatcher! This is an ideal project to learn the basics: how to read a stained glass pattern, cut glass, assemble and solder components, and patina and seal your finished project. Patterns will be provided and you can choose between three different styles of leaves. No prior stained glass experience needed.

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

Instructor: Samael Leopold-Sullivan

Borosilicate Glass Project Sampler: Little Critters (Sun, June 28, 2026)

Sun, 28 Jun 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Learn how to make your own little critter in borosilicate glass! Borosilicate is the beefy cousin of soft glass. It's in the same family as Pyrex, allowing it to withstand multiple heat/cool cycles with minimal cracking and is commonly used to make vessels for laboratory experiments (aka scientific glass). Because it takes more heat to melt, it allows artists more time and control while sculpting with it. In this class, you'll learn how to light a torch, melt glass, and play with color and shape. You'll assemble and join components into a solid 3-D form, anneal your critter and give it a name if you'd like! No prior glass experience needed.

Please note: Your little critter will be available to pick up two days after class, in order to give it time to complete the annealing process.

$75 ($65 tuition + $10 materials)
Open to ages 16 and up.

Instructor: Samael Leopold-Sullivan

Stained Glass Project Shop: Night Light (Wed, July 08, 2026)

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Welcome to a crash course in stained glass! This is a beginner-level stained glass class, no prior experience necessary. We will learn all of the techniques required to make a colorful, custom night light to take home with you at the end of class. All supplies and tools will be provided.

In this workshop, you'll learn how to use the tools and techniques necessary for cutting glass. Next, we'll choose from a selection of patterns and cut the glass pieces for your project. (There will be lots of colors and textures to choose from!) Once we've cut all our pieces we'll apply the copper foil to the glass pieces in preparation for assembly. Then we'll heat up our soldering irons and assemble our pieces. After soldering, you will apply patina to the solder seams for your desired metal finish. We will wrap up the class by attaching them to the night light assembly.

$110 ($90 tuition + $20 materials) | 2 sessions
Open to ages 18 and up; 16+ with parent/guardian in attendance.

Instructor: Annemarie Hines

Open Torch Time: Soft Glass (Sat, July 11, 2026)

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 15:00:00 GMT

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

$45

Instructor: Mary Ila Duntemann

Open Stained Glass Studio (Sun, July 12, 2026)

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Open Stained Glass Studio is available to people who have taken (or are currently taking) a stained glass class at CAFAC.

$45

Instructor: Samael Leopold-Sullivan

Stained Glass Project Shop: Flower Suncatcher (Sun, July 12, 2026)

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Celebrate growing season by making a flower-shaped suncatcher! This is an ideal project to learn the basics: how to read a stained glass pattern, cut glass, assemble pieces, foil and solder components, and patina and seal your finished project. Patterns will be provided for you to choose from. No prior stained glass experience needed.

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

Instructor: Samael Leopold-Sullivan

Stained Glass Project Shop: Night Light (Wed, July 15, 2026)

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 23:00:00 GMT

$110 ($90 tuition + $20 materials) | 2 sessions
Open to ages 18 and up; 16+ with parent/guardian in attendance.

Instructor: Annemarie Hines

A Cage So Light: Flameworked Hollow Vessels for Tiny Precious Objects (Thu, July 30, 2026)

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 22:00:00 GMT

This workshop accompanies for Samael Leopold-Sullivan's solo exhibit, "A Cage So Light You Hardly Feel It," showing in the CAFAC gallery from July 23 to September 23.

In this intermediate borosilicate flameworking class, you'll learn how to turn clear borosilicate tubing into small-scale hollow forms, which can be used to house a tiny precious or emotionally charged object. Bring your object(s) to class to ensure they will fit inside the form. Your finished and annealed piece will be available to pick up the day after the class in the CAFAC gallery.

$60
Open to ages 16 and up.

Instructor: Samael Leopold-Sullivan

This Cultural Districts Art Fund program activity is funded, in part, by the Arts & Cultural Affairs Department in the City of Minneapolis

Borosilicate Glass Project Sampler: Little Critters (Mon, August 03, 2026)

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Please note: Your little critter will be available to pick up two days after class, in order to give it time to complete the annealing process.

$75 ($65 tuition + $10 materials)
Open to ages 16 and up.

Instructor: Samael Leopold-Sullivan

Stained Glass Project Shop: Photo Frames (Sun, August 09, 2026)

Sun, 09 Aug 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Learn how to make your own copper foil stained glass photo frames in this all-levels class! You'll need to bring an instant or printed photo to frame, which you'll use to make a paper template. Then you'll learn how to cut glass, apply tinned copper wire to your pieces, and use lead-free solder to assemble your open-air picture frame. These frames work best with photos from instant cameras or photo booths - if you're printing your own make sure it's on heavier/stiffer paper.

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

Instructor: Samael Leopold-Sullivan

A Cage So Light: Tiny Homes for Precious Objects - FREE Make & Take Workshop (Thu, August 13, 2026)

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 22:00:00 GMT

This workshop accompanies for Samael Leopold-Sullivan's solo exhibit, "A Cage So Light You Hardly Feel It," showing in the CAFAC gallery from July 23 to September 23.

In this free workshop, you'll cut and tape thin plexiglass to create house-shaped reliquaries for precious or emotionally charged objects. As we make our pieces together, we'll talk about the meanings/emotions your objects hold and how the process of building them a tiny home feels. Bring your own object to include in your tiny home (smaller than 3"x3"x3").

FREE!
Open to ages 16 and up.

Instructor: Samael Leopold-Sullivan

This Cultural Districts Art Fund program activity is funded, in part, by the Arts & Cultural Affairs Department in the City of Minneapolis

Open Torch Time: Soft Glass (Sat, August 15, 2026)

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 15:00:00 GMT

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

$45

Instructor: Mary Ila Duntemann

Stained Glass: Copper Foil Fundamentals (Mon, August 17, 2026)

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 23:00:00 GMT

$320 ($270 tuition + $50 materials) | 6 weeks
Open to ages 16 and up.

Instructor: Samael Leopold-Sullivan

Stained Glass: Copper Foil Fundamentals (Mon, August 24, 2026)

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 23:00:00 GMT

$320 ($270 tuition + $50 materials) | 6 weeks
Open to ages 16 and up.

Instructor: Samael Leopold-Sullivan

A Cage So Light: Stained Glass Homes for Tiny Precious Objects (Sun, August 30, 2026)

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 18:00:00 GMT

This workshop accompanies for Samael Leopold-Sullivan's solo exhibit, "A Cage So Light You Hardly Feel It," showing in the CAFAC gallery from July 23 to September 23.

In this all-levels class you'll learn how to make a small 3D house-shaped reliquary using copper foil and lead-free solder. Bring your object(s) to class to ensure they will fit inside the form (2"x2"x2" or smaller). Your piece can have an opening or you can choose to fully encase your object within the form.

$60
Open to ages 16 and up.

Instructor: Samael Leopold-Sullivan

This Cultural Districts Art Fund program activity is funded, in part, by the Arts & Cultural Affairs Department in the City of Minneapolis

Stained Glass: Copper Foil Fundamentals (Mon, August 31, 2026)

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 23:00:00 GMT

$320 ($270 tuition + $50 materials) | 6 weeks
Open to ages 16 and up.

Instructor: Samael Leopold-Sullivan

Stained Glass Project Shop: Geometric Suncatcher (Wed, September 02, 2026)

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Welcome to a crash course in stained glass! This is a beginner-level stained glass class, no prior experience necessary. We will learn all of the techniques required to make a geometric suncatcher that you will get to take home with you at the end of class. All of the supplies and tools will be provided.

In this workshop, you'll learn how to use the tools and techniques necessary for cutting glass. Next, we'll choose from a selection of patterns and cut the glass pieces for your project. (There will be lots of colors and textures to choose from!) Once we've cut all our pieces we'll apply the copper foil to the glass pieces in preparation for assembly. Then we'll heat up our soldering irons and assemble our suncatchers! After soldering, you will apply patina to the solder seams for your desired metal finish. We will wrap up the class by polishing our suncatchers. At this point your new stained glass suncatcher will be ready to go home with you!

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

Instructor: Annemarie Hines

Open Torch Time: Soft Glass (Sat, September 12, 2026)

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 15:00:00 GMT

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

$45

Instructor: Mary Ila Duntemann

Open Stained Glass Studio (Sun, September 13, 2026)

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Open Stained Glass Studio is available to people who have taken (or are currently taking) a stained glass class at CAFAC.

$45

Instructor: Samael Leopold-Sullivan

Borosilicate Glass Project Sampler: Little Critters (Sun, September 13, 2026)

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Please note: Your little critter will be available to pick up two days after class, in order to give it time to complete the annealing process.

$75 ($65 tuition + $10 materials)
Open to ages 16 and up.

Instructor: Samael Leopold-Sullivan

Stained Glass: Copper Foil Fundamentals (Mon, September 14, 2026)

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 23:00:00 GMT

$320 ($270 tuition + $50 materials) | 6 weeks
Open to ages 16 and up.

Instructor: Samael Leopold-Sullivan

A Cage So Light: Encaustic Image Transfer onto Glass (Sun, September 20, 2026)

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 18:00:00 GMT

This workshop accompanies for Samael Leopold-Sullivan's solo exhibit, "A Cage So Light You Hardly Feel It," showing in the CAFAC gallery from July 23 to September 23.

$60
Open to ages 16 and up.

Instructor: Samael Leopold-Sullivan

This Cultural Districts Art Fund program activity is funded, in part, by the Arts & Cultural Affairs Department in the City of Minneapolis

Stained Glass: Copper Foil Fundamentals (Mon, September 21, 2026)

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 23:00:00 GMT

$320 ($270 tuition + $50 materials) | 6 weeks
Open to ages 16 and up.

Instructor: Samael Leopold-Sullivan

Hot Glass, Cool Beads: Italian Glass Bead Sampler (Sat, September 26, 2026)

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 15:00:00 GMT

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

Stained Glass: Copper Foil Fundamentals (Mon, September 28, 2026)

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 23:00:00 GMT

$320 ($270 tuition + $50 materials) | 6 weeks
Open to ages 16 and up.

Instructor: Samael Leopold-Sullivan

Adaptability and Narrative in Flameworking with Visiting Artist Kimberly Thomas (Wed, October 07, 2026)

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 14:00:00 GMT

In partnership with Foci Minnesota Center for Glass Arts, CAFAC is thrilled to welcome visiting artist Kimberly Thomas!

Register here through Foci MCGA.

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

In this workshop, students will develop technical proficiency and material fluency through the sculptural possibilities of borosilicate glass. Students will move from foundational techniques into more complex constructions, learning to shape and assemble components with precision and intent. Alongside technical refinement, the class integrates storytelling, guiding participants to build a personal sculptural language and articulate narrative through form, structure, and detail. Instruction includes both group and individual demonstrations, with an emphasis on process, craftsmanship, and the steady expansion of creative voice.

This five-day workshop is held at CAFAC and Foci MCGA:

Wednesday 10/7/26 - Thursday 10/8/26 at CAFAC (3749 Chicago Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55407)
Friday 10/9/26 - Sunday 10/11/26 at Foci MCGA (2213 Snelling Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404)

$750 (includes all materials and supplies) | Register through Foci MCGA
Registration deadline: 9/23/26

Visiting artist Kimberly Thomas is a biracial interdisciplinary sculptor and flameworker. She is a current artist in residence at Penland School of Crafts in Bakersville, NC. and is known for her work’s intentionally flawed and unusual motifs as well as her intricate sculptural inventions. A self-taught glass artist, Thomas earned a BFA in Ceramics from the Rhode Island School of Design and spent six years as a special effects make-up artist before she began flameworking in 2009.

Thomas’s work is often autobiographical and conveys her unique perception of the world. Drawing her influence from concepts, questions, and theories about human nature, she combines realism and fantasy. She imparts her truth into dark, yet entertaining, narratives. Recurring themes in her work include the undesirable facets of life and human nature, freedom from the corruption imposed by society, and expansion of self-knowledge. Thomas challenges viewers to face what makes them uncomfortable in order to invite opportunities for fresh perspectives and personal development. Artist’s Website

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.

Adaptability and Narrative in Flameworking with Visiting Artist Kimberly Thomas (Thu, October 08, 2026)

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 14:00:00 GMT

In partnership with Foci Minnesota Center for Glass Arts, CAFAC is thrilled to welcome visiting artist Kimberly Thomas!

Register here through Foci MCGA.

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

This five-day workshop is held at CAFAC and Foci MCGA:

Wednesday 10/7/26 - Thursday 10/8/26 at CAFAC (3749 Chicago Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55407)
Friday 10/9/26 - Sunday 10/11/26 at Foci MCGA (2213 Snelling Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404)

$750 (includes all materials and supplies) | Register through Foci MCGA
Registration deadline: 9/23/26

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.

Adaptability and Narrative in Flameworking with Visiting Artist Kimberly Thomas (Fri, October 09, 2026)

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 14:00:00 GMT

In partnership with Foci Minnesota Center for Glass Arts, CAFAC is thrilled to welcome visiting artist Kimberly Thomas!

Register here through Foci MCGA.

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

This five-day workshop is held at CAFAC and Foci MCGA:

Wednesday 10/7/26 - Thursday 10/8/26 at CAFAC (3749 Chicago Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55407)
Friday 10/9/26 - Sunday 10/11/26 at Foci MCGA (2213 Snelling Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404)

$750 (includes all materials and supplies) | Register through Foci MCGA
Registration deadline: 9/23/26

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.

Adaptability and Narrative in Flameworking with Visiting Artist Kimberly Thomas (Sat, October 10, 2026)

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 14:00:00 GMT

In partnership with Foci Minnesota Center for Glass Arts, CAFAC is thrilled to welcome visiting artist Kimberly Thomas!

Register here through Foci MCGA.

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

This five-day workshop is held at CAFAC and Foci MCGA:

Wednesday 10/7/26 - Thursday 10/8/26 at CAFAC (3749 Chicago Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55407)
Friday 10/9/26 - Sunday 10/11/26 at Foci MCGA (2213 Snelling Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404)

$750 (includes all materials and supplies) | Register through Foci MCGA
Registration deadline: 9/23/26

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.

Adaptability and Narrative in Flameworking with Visiting Artist Kimberly Thomas (Sun, October 11, 2026)

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 14:00:00 GMT

In partnership with Foci Minnesota Center for Glass Arts, CAFAC is thrilled to welcome visiting artist Kimberly Thomas!

Register here through Foci MCGA.

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

This five-day workshop is held at CAFAC and Foci MCGA:

Wednesday 10/7/26 - Thursday 10/8/26 at CAFAC (3749 Chicago Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55407)
Friday 10/9/26 - Sunday 10/11/26 at Foci MCGA (2213 Snelling Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404)

$750 (includes all materials and supplies) | Register through Foci MCGA
Registration deadline: 9/23/26

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.