Log in

Classes  >>  Metal Casting



Metal casting is an ancient process that is still widely used today. In a foundry, metal is cast into shape by placing it in a crucible and heating it until molten, then poured into a mold where it cools and solidifies.


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!

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

Upcoming classes

    • Thu, February 15, 2024
    • Thu, March 28, 2024
    • 6 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Dive into the captivating world of molten metal and unlock the secrets of cast metal sculpture in this immersive course! Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a curious beginner, join us on a journey through the essentials of mold-making, pouring bronze and aluminum, and a variety of finishing techniques.

    This project-driven class includes two endeavors:

    • Crafting a cast bronze bowl: This project combines the precision of sand molding from found objects along with the creative freedom of direct carve techniques. Unleash your creativity while mastering the intricacies of bronze casting in this engaging and rewarding project.

    • Mounted aluminum sculpture: Utilize clay techniques to create a one-of-a-kind mold for open-face castings. These sculptures are perfect for mounting and can be finished with a variety of colored inks. Learn the basics of crafting custom hardware to elegantly display your work.

    You'll emerge from this class with a newfound passion for casting, valuable skills and knowledge of multiple casting processes, along with two totally unique artworks.

    $285 ($235 tuition + $50 materials)  |  6 weeks
    Open to ages 16 and up.

    Instructor: Brighton McCormick

    • Thu, April 04, 2024
    • Thu, May 16, 2024
    • 6 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 7
    Register

    Dive into the captivating world of molten metal and unlock the secrets of cast metal sculpture in this immersive course! Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a curious beginner, join us on a journey through the essentials of mold-making, pouring bronze and aluminum, and a variety of finishing techniques.

    This project-driven class includes two endeavors:

    • Crafting a cast bronze bowl: This project combines the precision of sand molding from found objects along with the creative freedom of direct carve techniques. Unleash your creativity while mastering the intricacies of bronze casting in this engaging and rewarding project.

    • Mounted aluminum sculpture: Utilize clay techniques to create a one-of-a-kind mold for open-face castings. These sculptures are perfect for mounting and can be finished with a variety of colored inks. Learn the basics of crafting custom hardware to elegantly display your work.

    You'll emerge from this class with a newfound passion for casting, valuable skills and knowledge of multiple casting processes, along with two totally unique artworks.

    $285 ($235 tuition + $50 materials)  |  6 weeks
    Open to ages 16 and up.

    Instructor: Brighton McCormick

    • Tue, April 09, 2024
    • 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 8
    Register

    In this project-based workshop, you'll have the opportunity to experience the entire process of casting, from mold-making to pouring molten metal! You'll choose a small project to cast in bronze: a pendant, keychain, or small sculpture. All pieces will incorporate an element to hang or surface mount, so they can be useful as well as sculptural.

    You'll start by learning to make a direct carve sand mold and then help with the bronze pour so you can see metal casting in action. We'll also apply a finish to your piece and add hardware to make it into a necklace, keychain, or mount it with a nut and bolt. This workshop is for beginners of all skill levels and will ignite your interest in exploring the myriad methods of metal casting. 

    $90 ($70 tuition + $20 materials)
    Open to ages 16 and up.

    Instructor: Brighton McCormick

    • Sat, April 13, 2024
    • Sat, May 18, 2024
    • 6 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 8
    Register

    This class covers all the stages of mold-making and metal casting through a simple and creative project: a decorative piece of house hardware. You'll choose from a light switch plate, or a set of door handles/pulls. We’ll start with a blank of your selected hardware fastened to a wood bottom board, and then explore techniques for sculpting plasticine around it to create your own unique pattern for casting. You’ll learn how to work with resin-bonded sand, assemble flasks, and ram molds. We’ll also cover a variety of metal finishing methods, from patinas to painting, and you’ll use common metalworking tools such as the angle grinder and drill press. Leave the class knowing how to mold a common household object for metal casting purposes and modify it through clay sculpting techniques, resulting in a one-of-a-kind functional work of art. All audiences welcome, from novice to expert!

    $285 ($235 tuition + $50 materials)  |  6 weeks
    Open to ages 16 and up.

    Instructor: Woody Stauffer

    • Thu, May 23, 2024
    • 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 3
    Register

    In this project-based workshop, you'll have the opportunity to experience the entire process of casting, from mold-making to pouring molten metal! You'll choose a small project to cast in bronze: a pendant, keychain, or small sculpture. All pieces will incorporate an element to hang or surface mount, so they can be useful as well as sculptural.

    You'll start by learning to make a direct carve sand mold and then help with the bronze pour so you can see metal casting in action. We'll also apply a finish to your piece and add hardware to make it into a necklace, keychain, or mount it with a nut and bolt. This workshop is for beginners of all skill levels and will ignite your interest in exploring the myriad methods of metal casting. 

    $90 ($70 tuition + $20 materials)
    Open to ages 16 and up.

    Instructor: Brighton McCormick

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

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software