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Classes   >>   Youth



We're the place for kids to fulfill their creative aspirations using heat, spark, and flame! Based on our adult curriculum, youth classes are designed for students 18 and under by taking scope and pace into consideration. 

Youth classes are offered in a four-day (Monday -Thursday) camp format in the summer, generally starting in mid-June and running through late-August. When registration opens in late February each year, you'll be able see complete class descriptions, including age ranges for specific classes. Common camp topics include blacksmithing, sculptural welding, metal casting, jewelry,  and glass.



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. We've also compiled a sensory rubric with more information about what to expect in a particular type of class. 

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

Upcoming classes

  • Little Critters: Glass + Metal Sampler

    • Mon, July 28, 2025
    • Thu, July 31, 2025
    • 4 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 2
    Register

    Create your own collection of critters while learning about multiple fire arts mediums! In this camp, you'll get to apply heat, spark, and flame to glass and metal. You'll learn the basics of flameworking with borosilicate glass and then move on to stained glass with copper foil and lead-free solder. We'll also make cast metal critters, using lead-free pewter and cuttlefish bones. All three of these mediums can be combined in your critter making. Bring your wildest imagination to this fun and fiery class!

    Open to ages 13 to 17.  |  $305 ($260 tuition + $45 materials)

    Instructor: Samael Leopold-Sullivan 

     


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  • Blacksmithing Basics

    • Mon, July 28, 2025
    • Thu, July 31, 2025
    • 4 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Shape iron with fire and hammer! Ignite your passion for blacksmithing as you learn shop safety and gain basic knowledge of the dynamics of forging by making some cool (hot!) stuff. This hands-on workshop will give you plenty of time to practice shaping hot steel with a hammer and anvil. You’ll make a variety of small items, but in this introductory class we will not be teaching bladesmithing or swordsmithing, which are advanced techniques.  

    Open to ages 13 to 17.  |  $300 ($260 tuition + $40 materials)   

    Instructor: Helene Carlson-Dakes

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  • Jewelry Arts Sampler

    • Mon, August 04, 2025
    • Thu, August 07, 2025
    • 4 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 3
    Register

    Have you ever wanted to make your own jewelry? In this class you will create your choice of pendants, necklaces, keychains, earrings and more using professional techniques like casting, soldering and enameling. We will explore different metals and learn correct use of tools. We will cover jewelry studio safety and basic shop protocols to assure we can all focus on our creations in a healthy environment. Bring your ideas and an interest in experimenting with new methods to manifest them. We will make at least one completed piece each day!

    Come explore the world of professional jewelry making techniques in this sampler class! You'll be able to make jewelry pieces like pendants, pins, bracelets, and rings. You'll focus on a different skill each day, including:

    • casting molten metal using the ancient technique of cuttlebone molding
    • learning to texture copper
    • using glass frit enamel to add brilliant color
    • soldering sterling silver
    • and even forging! 

    You'll be encouraged to explore your unique ideas within individual projects. Each class will end with time to finish pieces with beads and findings so they are ready to wear!

    Open to ages 9 - 12.  |  $305 ($260 tuition + $45 materials)

    Instructors: Jess Night


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  • Metal Arts Sampler

    • Mon, August 04, 2025
    • Thu, August 07, 2025
    • 4 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    What are metal arts? This class will introduce you to the fiery forms of artwork that are created with metal, heat, and flame! You'll observe as our plasma cutter cuts a sheet of metal into shapes you design and give blacksmithing a try, swinging a hammer to form metal that's been heated in a forge. Pick pieces out from our metal scrap bin and learn how they can be welded or brazed together. From there, you'll create a kinetic mobile with the pieces and scraps you've collected, designed to balance and spin as it hangs.

    Open to ages 8 to 12.  |  $300 ($260 tuition + $40 materials)

    Instructor: Heather Doyle

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  • Sculptural Metal Casting Fundamentals

    • Mon, August 04, 2025
    • Thu, August 07, 2025
    • 4 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 2
    Register

    Have you ever wondered what happens when you heat metal until it looks like lava? Discover the amazing world of cast metal sculpture in this beginner's course! In this class we will learn shop safety and pour metal each day, creating one of a kind pieces from four different molding and pouring techniques. You can expect to experiment with modern and traditional methods while gaining experience in the ancient art of metal casting!

    Open to ages 13 to 17.  |  $310 ($260 tuition + $50 materials)

    Instructor: Brighton McCormick 

     


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  • Blacksmithing Basics

    • Mon, August 18, 2025
    • Thu, August 21, 2025
    • 4 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Shape iron with fire and hammer! Ignite your passion for blacksmithing as you learn shop safety and gain basic knowledge of the dynamics of forging by making some cool (hot!) stuff. This hands-on workshop will give you plenty of time to practice shaping hot steel with a hammer and anvil. You’ll make a variety of small items, but in this introductory class we will not be teaching bladesmithing or swordsmithing, which are advanced techniques.  

    Open to ages 13 to 17.  |  $300 ($260 tuition + $40 materials)   

    Instructor: Jess Night

    Show details

  • Hot Glass: Make Glass Beads!

    • Mon, August 18, 2025
    • Thu, August 21, 2025
    • 4 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 6
    Register

    Explore the world of molten glass by creating handmade glass beads!  In this soft glass lampworking camp, you'll work with a torch and glass rods, as you create a series of beads in different shapes, sizes, and colors. We'll cover how to use the torch and tools while following safety protocol. Then, through plenty of hands-on practice, you'll learn basic glass shaping techniques and surface decorations.  With a rainbow of colored glass rods to choose from, the design possibilities are endless! Components will be available to create your own jewelry pieces for your very own.

    Open to ages 13 to 17 |  $300 ($260 tuition + $40 materials)

    Instructor: Mary Ila Duntemann 


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

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