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Oxy-acetylene and MIG welding, brazing, torch cutting and forming.
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This beginning class will focus on applying oxy-acetylene welding techniques to the fabrication of a sculptural project. Oxy-fuel cutting, welding and brazing processes will be covered. Learn the limitations and benefits of these processes through the design and fabrication of your own work of art. Discover scrap metal! Methods for identifying metals, surface preparation for scrap welding, along with aesthetic and protective surface treatments for finishing pieces will be covered. Additionally, we will touch on the history of art welding so that students develop an understanding of the art form’s past as well as the tools to inspire its future.
$435 ($360 tuition + $75 materials) | 8 weeks Open to ages 18 and up, or 17 with a parent/guardian in attendance.
Instructor: Doug Misterek
Join us for a one-day workshop that's all about taking your metal artwork across the finish line.
In this hands-on class, you’ll learn how to safely and confidently use angle grinders, die grinders, dremels, and other finishing tools to refine surfaces and remove casting or weld marks. We’ll also dive into needle scalers and sandblasters for texturing and cleanup, giving you a full toolkit for professional-quality finishes. A comprehensive patina demo will introduce you to color, oxidation, and sealing options so your work looks intentional and gallery-ready. This class is perfect for past casting students who have unfinished pieces waiting for attention, as well as artists who want to add hardware or make minor adjustments so their work functions smoothly. Bring your “almost done” projects and leave with completed, exhibition-ready metal sculpture.
$90 ($75 tuition + $15 materials) Open to ages 18 and up.
Instructor: Brighton McCormick
This class presents a deep dive into MIG (metal inert gas) welding and hand plasma cutting to create sculptural objects. We'll also cover fixture fabrication to ensure your finished project meets your design criteria. With these equipment options and techniques, you can easily replicate quality projects with speed and efficiency. Alternatively, you may apply your new fabrication skills to individual, one-of-a-kind sculptural pieces. Open and lively discussions on art, design and the making of artifacts are encouraged.
Beginning welders are welcome, though we recommend you have some welding background, ideally the Oxy-Acetylene Found Object Sculpture class. Our goal is to provide for your artistic growth while you acquire additional welding and fabrication techniques.
$380 ($310 tuition + $70 materials) | 8 sessions Open to ages 16 and up.
Instructor: Cassi Rebman
Instructor: Carly Marie Odegard
This one-day hands-on workshop will give you a solid introduction on MIG welding while you make a classy vessel form for your coffee table, shelf or nook. With this course you will learn basic tacking, forming and full welds on 16 gauge steel to create a geodesic vessel structure. No experience required! Just bring yourself, cotton fiber clothing, closed toe shoes and a willingness to get a little sooty.
Open to ages 16 and up.
Take the skills you learned in Oxy-Acetylene Found Object Sculpture and add some electricity! Enter the world of electric welding in this six-session introduction to GTAW/TIG Welding. You'll spend the first three weeks learning what TIG welding is, how to safely TIG weld, and when to use it. You will take turns welding and observing others weld so you have a chance to fully grasp the complexities of this advanced welding process from all angles. During the last three weeks you will apply the skills you've learned to create a small project of your choosing that we will plan step-by-step throughout the class. We have all the PPE you need for TIG welding, simply bring an eagerness to learn and a bit of patience!
Please note: this is an introductory class for DC TIG welding of steel only. We will not be learning to weld aluminum, stainless steel, etc. though the skills you learn here will help you if you pursue TIG welding for other metals down the road.
Prerequisite: Oxy-Acetylene Found Object Sculpture at CAFAC or an equivalent Oxy-Acetylene welding class elsewhere.
$345 ($270 tuition + $75 materials) | 6 weeks Open to ages 18 and up
Instructor: Becca Cerra
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CHICAGO AVENUE FIRE ARTS CENTER 3749 Chicago Avenue | Minneapolis, MN 55407 | 612-294-0400 | info@cafac.org