Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center upcoming events

Jewelry Fundamentals: Red Sand Casting (Thu, October 29, 2026)

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 19:00:00 GMT

In this class, you’ll learn the fundamentals of small scale sand casting using a special blend of delft clay and red sand. You will be guided to prepare and pack a two-part mold, working to capture fine detail, and safely pour molten metal to create your own unique design.

Feel free to bring your own small charm or object to cast or you can pick from our curated selection of found objects. you’ll practice embedding, carving, and venting techniques to produce clean, detailed castings. You'll work with both bronze and sterling silver to create two or three finished pieces, depending on the size and complexity of your designs. Once cooled and removed from the mold, you’ll learn basic finishing and polishing techniques to complete your cast project.

No experience is necessary—all tools, materials and safety equipment are provided. Whether you're exploring metalworking for the first time or beginning your journey into jewelry or sculpture, this class offers a fun and approachable introduction to sand casting.

$225 ($180 tuition + $45 materials) | 4 weeks
Open to ages 18 and up, or 16-17 with a parent/guardian in attendance.

Instructor: Laura Juul

Jewelry Project Shop: Rock & Wrap (Thu, October 29, 2026)

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 23:00:00 GMT

In this workshop, two jewelers are joining forces to teach you the basics of drilling into stones and wire wrapping! The first two sessions will focus on building your skill with the drill. All you need is the correct drill bits and some patience. Then in the final session, you'll learn the techniques to trap your stone using copper wire for your personal wearing. You'll also be able to explore various findings to finish your one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces. Bring your own river rock, stone, sea glass, or crystal. If you don’t have any we will have a variety to choose from. No prior experience is required.

$210 ($180 tuition + $30 materials) | 4 sessions

Open to ages 18 and up, or 16-17 with a parent/guardian in attendance.

Instructor: Laura Juul & Tamiko French

Soft Soldering: Low-Heat Techniques for Jewelry (Thu, October 29, 2026)

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Delve into the captivating art of soft soldering in this beginner level jewelry class. You'll choose from an array of projects, creating personalized pieces such as rings, pendants, or earrings. You'll practice a variety of low heat techniques with a soldering iron and be encouraged to explore your creativity with soldering.

The workshop will provide guidance through the entire process, from working with base metals to provide structure to polishing your work and adding any finishing touches. Along the way, we'll explore ways to create visual interest with beads and other findings, use soldering techniques to sculpt pieces, and apply patina to add color and depth to the metals. You'll leave with one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces that reflect your individual style and artistic expression.

No experience required! Whether you have a passion for jewelry, a curiosity about soldering, or simply a desire to acquire a new skill, join us on an artistic journey and discover the joy of crafting your own unique soldered jewelry pieces.

$210 ($180 tuition + $30 materials) | 4 sessions
Open to ages 18 and up, or 16-17 with a parent/guardian in attendance.

Instructor: Annemarie Hines

Jewelry Metalsmithing Fundamentals: Rolling Mill Techniques (Mon, November 02, 2026)

Tue, 03 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Do you like cool textures on metal? Intrigued about how to press textures into your jewelry pieces with a rolling mill? The list of things you can use for pressed textures is limitless: sponges, wire, bubble wrap, cardboard cut outs, lace, feathers, and more!

In this workshop, you'll use copper sheet metal to make a pair of earrings or a pendant and experiment with a variety of textures using a rolling mill. You'll learn how to use a jeweler's saw, drill holes with a flex shaft, and anneal your metal in preparation to press textures. We'll also cover easy oxidizing and hand polishing techniques, and how to add beads and findings to complete your earrings or pendant.

This class is open to beginners, as well as anyone interested in learning to use a rolling mill.

$110 ($90 tuition + $20 materials)

Open to ages 18 and up, or 16-17 with a parent/guardian in attendance.

Instructor: Laura D. Juul

Sand Casting with Gemstones (Wed, November 04, 2026)

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT

We're welcoming Brienna Hall of Shrine Jewelry back to the CAFAC jewelry studio for this specialty workshop!

Designed for students with experience doing sand casting for jewelry, this class focuses on casting gemstones into place on your jewelry objects. Elevate your work with some sparkly bling embedded in the precious metals you use. We'll cover multiple ways to incorporate gemstones with different setting options from flush set, prong set, tube set and more! You'll also be able to explore casting with other items besides gems (e.g., cremains, beach sand, rocks, etc.). We'll focus on the core casting system which incorporates sand casting with vacuum assist and allows for casting a greater variety of shapes.

Prerequisite: casting experience required. To be best prepared for this class, you'll have taken Brienna's Sand Casting for Jewelers workshop, or another sand casting workshop at CAFAC. If you haven't, but have experience with small scale casting techniques, you're welcome to join this class.

$300 ($240 tuition + $60 materials) | 3 sessions
Open to ages 16 and up.

Nestled along the rugged coastline of Mendocino, California, Brienna Hall is the creative force behind Shrine Jewelry. Operating her full-time jewelry business, Brienna also shares her expertise through workshops across northern California. With a keen eye for detail, she empowers her students to explore diverse techniques. Brienna's own creations often blend textile methods with metalwork and embrace the unique character of small-scale sand casting. Her designs fuse organic elements with modern aesthetics, imbued with hints of historical narrative. At the core of Shrine Jewelry lies the belief that each individual is a shrine deserving of meaningful adornment. Brienna encourages wearers to reflect on the intention behind their adornments, cherishing the quality and energy infused into each handmade piece.

Sand Casting with Gemstones (Thu, November 05, 2026)

Fri, 06 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT

We're welcoming Brienna Hall of Shrine Jewelry back to the CAFAC jewelry studio for this specialty workshop!

$300 ($240 tuition + $60 materials) | 3 sessions
Open to ages 16 and up.

Sand Casting with Gemstones (Fri, November 06, 2026)

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT

We're welcoming Brienna Hall of Shrine Jewelry back to the CAFAC jewelry studio for this specialty workshop!

$300 ($240 tuition + $60 materials) | 3 sessions
Open to ages 16 and up.

Memento Mori with Sand Casting (Sat, November 07, 2026)

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Memento mori is the Latin phrase meaning “remember death.” In this weekend workshop siblings scottie and Brienna Hall teach the ancient practice of sand casting intertwined with ritual and intention.

Through metalworking, fire, and guided ceremony, students cast a personal keepsake imbued with meaning and memory. Participants will explore the history of sand casting and be guided through the process from cradle to grave: making a mold, safely using a torch, casting with molten metal, and finishing a bespoke piece.

This is an invitation to reflect on impermanence, grief, and loss. We will look to death as a teacher, hold life gently as students, and remember that we too will die.

Participants are encouraged to bring a cherished object, cremains of a loved one, symbolic material, or a personal offering to incorporate into their piece. As part of our two-day ritual, teachers and students will co-create an altar and ceremony to honor the significance of the memento mori practice.

This workshop is open to all levels of experience. The only prerequisite is a willingness to reflect on the impermanence of life through ritual, storytelling, memories, and art making.

$500 ($400 tuition + $100 materials) | Weekend workshop
Open to ages 18 and up.

scottie hall (ze|zir) is a Minneapolis-based artist, hospice chaplain, budding harpist, and childless cat queer. Ze invites hospice patients and their circles of care to meet death with curiosity, self-discovery, and radical acceptance. A longtime Buddhist practitioner, scottie holds a MDiv from United Theological Seminary of Twin Cities where their studies included Interreligious Chaplaincy and Theopoetics.

Brienna Hall is a jewelry artist and educator based in Mendocino, California, with a BFA in Sculpture and a minor in Fiber Arts from the Kansas City Art Institute. Through her practice, Shrine Jewelry, she explores themes of memory, impermanence, and transformation using sand casting, fabrication and recycled precious metals. Brienna teaches regularly in California and loves the joy and spontaneity that sand casting brings—she’s passionate about sharing that excitement through teaching and helping others create meaningful, personal work.

From previous students...

“This was my very first time creating something from sand casting. I was a little bit nervous to try it because I really didn't know what to expect. With the excellent guidance from the artists teaching the class, it was very easy to catch on and I actually created a test piece and a keepsake to remember my youngest son, who passed away when he was 12 years old.” — January 2026 workshop participant

“The poetry and readings as we gathered around the altar beginning and ending each day. Sharing the love and memories of the ones we are missing and grieving for. The gentle encouragement each of us received when something didn't go quite right. Realizing I could learn this ancient art of sand casting in a weekend! WOW!!” — January 2026 workshop participant

Memento Mori with Sand Casting (Sun, November 08, 2026)

Sun, 08 Nov 2026 19:00:00 GMT

This is an invitation to reflect on impermanence, grief, and loss. We will look to death as a teacher, hold life gently as students, and remember that we too will die.

This workshop is open to all levels of experience. The only prerequisite is a willingness to reflect on the impermanence of life through ritual, storytelling, memories, and art making.

$500 ($400 tuition + $100 materials) | Weekend workshop
Open to ages 18 and up.

From previous students...

Jewelry Metalsmithing Fundamentals: Rolling Mill Techniques (Mon, November 09, 2026)

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This class is open to beginners, as well as anyone interested in learning to use a rolling mill.

$110 ($90 tuition + $20 materials)

Open to ages 18 and up, or 16-17 with a parent/guardian in attendance.

Instructor: Laura D. Juul

Soft Soldering: Low-Heat Techniques for Jewelry (Wed, November 11, 2026)

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT

$210 ($180 tuition + $30 materials) | 4 sessions
Open to ages 18 and up, or 16-17 with a parent/guardian in attendance.

Instructor: Annemarie Hines

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

Soft Soldering: Low-Heat Techniques for Jewelry (Wed, November 18, 2026)

Thu, 19 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT

$210 ($180 tuition + $30 materials) | 4 sessions
Open to ages 18 and up, or 16-17 with a parent/guardian in attendance.

Instructor: Annemarie Hines

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

Soft Soldering: Low-Heat Techniques for Jewelry (Wed, November 25, 2026)

Thu, 26 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT

$210 ($180 tuition + $30 materials) | 4 sessions
Open to ages 18 and up, or 16-17 with a parent/guardian in attendance.

Instructor: Annemarie Hines

Soft Soldering: Low-Heat Techniques for Jewelry (Tue, December 01, 2026)

Tue, 01 Dec 2026 20:00:00 GMT

$210 ($180 tuition + $30 materials) | 4 sessions
Open to ages 18 and up, or 16-17 with a parent/guardian in attendance.

Instructor: Annemarie Hines

Soft Soldering: Low-Heat Techniques for Jewelry (Wed, December 02, 2026)

Thu, 03 Dec 2026 00:00:00 GMT

$210 ($180 tuition + $30 materials) | 4 sessions
Open to ages 18 and up, or 16-17 with a parent/guardian in attendance.

Instructor: Annemarie Hines

Ring Setting Basics: Bezel Set 1 (Sat, December 05, 2026)

Sat, 05 Dec 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Love stones? Want to know how to make jewelry with them? This is your chance! In this course we'll start with basic silversmithing skills and learn to use a jeweler's saw, files, dual fuel torch and more. Each week you'll add to and combine your skills as we work towards making two completely hand fabricated rings, one with a round cabochon and another with a shape that offers more complexity. To maximize learning and success for everyone, your projects will allow some creative expression while also following some specifications.

Beginners are welcome in this class, but it will be best if you've taken Jewelry Metalsmithing Fundamentals or have some experience with making jewelry or similar crafts. It's also a great review for smiths with some experience who want to learn how to fabricate bezels.

$255 ($210 tuition + $45 materials) | 2 sessions
Open to ages 16 and up.

Instructor: Linda Seebauer Hansen

Silver Clay Sampler: Make It in Metal (Sat, December 05, 2026)

Sat, 05 Dec 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Ever dreamed of making your own jewelry from real silver? In this lively, no-pressure evening workshop, you’ll start to explore the fascinating world of silver metal clay — a soft, moldable material that transforms into 100% pure silver when fired.

Using our wide selection of design molds and textures, you'll create a small pendant, keychain, or pair of earrings. The magic happens as your creation is fired in the kiln, transforming from clay into solid silver. Once cooled, you’ll hand-polish and patina your art, leaving class with a sparkling, ready-to-wear treasure you made yourself.

It’s part science, part art, and entirely fun! We supply all the materials and tools you will need.

$95 ($70 tuition + $25 materials)
Open to ages 18 and up, or 16-17 with a parent/guardian in attendance.

Instructor: Laura Juul

Ring Setting Basics: Bezel Set 1 (Sun, December 06, 2026)

Sun, 06 Dec 2026 16:00:00 GMT

$255 ($210 tuition + $45 materials) | 2 sessions
Open to ages 16 and up.

Instructor: Linda Seebauer Hansen

Soft Soldering: Low-Heat Techniques for Jewelry (Tue, December 08, 2026)

Tue, 08 Dec 2026 20:00:00 GMT

$210 ($180 tuition + $30 materials) | 4 sessions
Open to ages 18 and up, or 16-17 with a parent/guardian in attendance.

Instructor: Annemarie Hines

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

Jewelry Project Shop: Stacker Rings (Sun, December 13, 2026)

Sun, 13 Dec 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Want to make some simple rings, ideal for wearing in multiples? Pick a finger or toe you'd like to adorn and learn how to make rings out of copper and sterling silver in an afternoon. Stacker rings are an easy, fun project and a great way to get a taste of silversmithing. We'll start by learning about the basic tools you’ll use, and then dive into fundamental silversmithing techniques like hammering, filing, sawing, and soldering as you work on your project.

No prior experience is required!

$110 ($90 tuition + $20 materials)
Open to ages 18 and up, or 16-17 with a parent/guardian in attendance.

Instructor: Laura D. Juul

Soft Soldering: Low-Heat Techniques for Jewelry (Tue, December 15, 2026)

Tue, 15 Dec 2026 20:00:00 GMT

$210 ($180 tuition + $30 materials) | 4 sessions
Open to ages 18 and up, or 16-17 with a parent/guardian in attendance.

Instructor: Annemarie Hines

Open Jewelry Studio: Bench Time (Sat, December 19, 2026)

Sat, 19 Dec 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Open Jewelry Studio is available to people who have taken (or are currently taking) a bench jewelry class at CAFAC.

Open Studio is your opportunity to get more time on the torch, get advice, and share studio time with your fellow artisans! You supply the materials and consumables and CAFAC will supply the tools and equipment. We have space for up to eight, so sign up today to reserve your bench spot.

Note: this Open Studio is available for working with red sand casting but doesn't include working with precious metal clay.

$45

Instructor: Laura Juul

Soft Soldering: Low-Heat Techniques for Jewelry (Tue, December 22, 2026)

Tue, 22 Dec 2026 20:00:00 GMT

$210 ($180 tuition + $30 materials) | 4 sessions
Open to ages 18 and up, or 16-17 with a parent/guardian in attendance.

Instructor: Annemarie Hines