Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center upcoming events

Creating Curves with Oxy-Acetylene and Blacksmithing Techniques (Sat, August 15, 2026)

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 15:00:00 GMT

In this intro to bending workshop, you'll learn how to harness the heat of the flame to create intricate and complex bends and shapes. You'll learn and practice techniques using an oxy-acetylene torch and blacksmithing forge. By pairing these two tools, you'll create a tabletop sculpture that bends and wraps around itself and stands on its own without any welding necessary. Leave this class a master at making squiggles! Materials for practice are provided and you are welcome to create your personal project using our scrap or you can purchase your own metal stock.

No prior experience is necessary though some blacksmithing and/or oxy-acetylene knowledge is a plus.

$295 ($270 tuition + $25 materials) | 6 weeks
Open to ages 18 and up, or 17 with a parent/guardian in attendance.

Instructor: Becca Cerra

Oxy-Acetylene Found Object Sculpture (Sun, August 16, 2026)

Sun, 16 Aug 2026 15:00:00 GMT

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

Oxy-Acetylene Found Object Sculpture (Sun, August 23, 2026)

Sun, 23 Aug 2026 15:00:00 GMT

$435 ($360 tuition + $75 materials) | 8 weeks
Open to ages 18 and up, or 17 with a parent/guardian in attendance.

Instructor: Doug Misterek

Oxy-Acetylene Found Object Sculpture (Sun, August 30, 2026)

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 15:00:00 GMT

$435 ($360 tuition + $75 materials) | 8 weeks
Open to ages 18 and up, or 17 with a parent/guardian in attendance.

Instructor: Doug Misterek

Oxy-Acetylene Found Object Sculpture (Sun, September 13, 2026)

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 15:00:00 GMT

$435 ($360 tuition + $75 materials) | 8 weeks
Open to ages 18 and up, or 17 with a parent/guardian in attendance.

Instructor: Doug Misterek

Unfinished Business: Finishing Techniques for Metalwork (Tue, September 15, 2026)

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 17:00:00 GMT

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