Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center upcoming events

Porcelain Enameling Project Shop: May Flowers Mugs (Mon, May 18, 2026)

Mon, 18 May 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Enamel your own steel camping mug with your favorite spring theme -- or bring your own design to make your one-of-a-kind mug!

You'll start by choosing a mug in your favorite color and then learn to paint on your own decoration and imagery using porcelain enameling techniques. Next, your mug will be fired to create a durable finish on your design. Afterwards, you'll be able try it out as we share cocoa or hot cider (your finished mug will be all non-toxic materials)! Participants of all ages are welcome, but children under 9 should plan to register with an adult.

This class is appropriate for beginners or those with some enamel experience.

$70 ($55 tuition + $15 materials)
Open to ages 9 and up.

Instructor: Jess Night

Blacksmithing Basics (Mon, June 15, 2026)

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT

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. | $340 ($300 tuition + $40 materials)

Instructor: Helene Constantine

Stained Glass Jewelry & Sculpture (Mon, June 15, 2026)

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Learn how to make your own stained glass jewelry and sculptures! In this weeklong class we will cover how to safely work with glass and lead-free solder. Our first project will be making our own pendants or earrings to learn the basics of the medium and practice skills like cutting and soldering. After that, we will dive into following patterns or drafting your own to make three-dimensional sculptures and vessels out of glass! We'll also talk about how you can make your own stained glass workspace at home.

Open to ages 13 to 17. | $345 ($300 tuition + $45 materials)

Instructor: Samael Leopold-Sullivan

Blacksmithing Basics (Tue, June 16, 2026)

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Open to ages 13 to 17. | $340 ($300 tuition + $40 materials)

Instructor: Helene Constantine

Stained Glass Jewelry & Sculpture (Tue, June 16, 2026)

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Open to ages 13 to 17. | $345 ($300 tuition + $45 materials)

Instructor: Samael Leopold-Sullivan

Blacksmithing Basics (Wed, June 17, 2026)

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Open to ages 13 to 17. | $340 ($300 tuition + $40 materials)

Instructor: Helene Constantine

Stained Glass Jewelry & Sculpture (Wed, June 17, 2026)

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Open to ages 13 to 17. | $345 ($300 tuition + $45 materials)

Instructor: Samael Leopold-Sullivan

Blacksmithing Basics (Thu, June 18, 2026)

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Open to ages 13 to 17. | $340 ($300 tuition + $40 materials)

Instructor: Helene Constantine

Stained Glass Jewelry & Sculpture (Thu, June 18, 2026)

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Open to ages 13 to 17. | $345 ($300 tuition + $45 materials)

Instructor: Samael Leopold-Sullivan

Flameworking: Make Glass Beads! (Mon, June 22, 2026)

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Flameworking or lampworking is the art of creating decorative beads of glass using a dual-fuel torch. In this camp you'll work with a torch and Italian soft glass, as you create a series of beads in different shapes, sizes, and colors. We'll cover how to use flameworking tools and equipment and follow safety protocol. Then, through plenty of hands-on practice, you'll learn basic glass manipulation, shaping techniques and surface decoration. You'll create a collection of unique handcrafted glass beads to then fabricate jewelry, sculpture, sun-catchers....the possibilities are endless.

Open to ages 13 to 17 | $340 ($300 tuition + $40 materials)

I nstructor: Mary Ila Duntemann

Metal Arts Sampler (Mon, June 22, 2026)

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT

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. | $340 ($300 tuition + $40 materials)

Instructor: Heather Doyle

Flameworking: Make Glass Beads! (Tue, June 23, 2026)

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Open to ages 13 to 17 | $340 ($300 tuition + $40 materials)

I nstructor: Mary Ila Duntemann

Metal Arts Sampler (Tue, June 23, 2026)

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Open to ages 8 to 12. | $340 ($300 tuition + $40 materials)

Instructor: Heather Doyle

Flameworking: Make Glass Beads! (Wed, June 24, 2026)

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Open to ages 13 to 17 | $340 ($300 tuition + $40 materials)

I nstructor: Mary Ila Duntemann

Metal Arts Sampler (Wed, June 24, 2026)

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Open to ages 8 to 12. | $340 ($300 tuition + $40 materials)

Instructor: Heather Doyle

Flameworking: Make Glass Beads! (Thu, June 25, 2026)

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Open to ages 13 to 17 | $340 ($300 tuition + $40 materials)

I nstructor: Mary Ila Duntemann

Metal Arts Sampler (Thu, June 25, 2026)

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Open to ages 8 to 12. | $340 ($300 tuition + $40 materials)

Instructor: Heather Doyle

Blacksmithing Basics (Mon, July 13, 2026)

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Open to ages 13 to 17. | $340 ($300 tuition + $40 materials)

Instructor: Jess Night

Hot Glass: Explore Borosilicate Glass! (Mon, July 13, 2026)

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Experience science through blowing glass! In this borosilicate flameworking camp we will experience the wonders of physics and the magic of chemistry while creating borosilicate glass objects. Using gravity, fire, and a few tools, you'll learn to manipulate rods of borosilicate glass and turn them into art. We'll start by covering safety and the basics of working with a flameworking torch. Then you'll learn a variety of glass manipulation techniques such as implosions, surface decoration, twists, and swirls. You'll explore how glass is colored and ways to change colors with glass frit and heat while making different types of glass objects and sculptures you will take home.

Open to ages 13 to 17 | $340 ($300 tuition + $40 materials)

I nstructor: Ashley Austin

Blacksmithing Basics (Tue, July 14, 2026)

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Open to ages 13 to 17. | $340 ($300 tuition + $40 materials)

Instructor: Jess Night

Hot Glass: Explore Borosilicate Glass! (Tue, July 14, 2026)

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Open to ages 13 to 17 | $340 ($300 tuition + $40 materials)

I nstructor: Ashley Austin

Blacksmithing Basics (Wed, July 15, 2026)

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Open to ages 13 to 17. | $340 ($300 tuition + $40 materials)

Instructor: Jess Night

Hot Glass: Explore Borosilicate Glass! (Wed, July 15, 2026)

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Open to ages 13 to 17 | $340 ($300 tuition + $40 materials)

I nstructor: Ashley Austin

Blacksmithing Basics (Thu, July 16, 2026)

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Open to ages 13 to 17. | $340 ($300 tuition + $40 materials)

Instructor: Jess Night

Hot Glass: Explore Borosilicate Glass! (Thu, July 16, 2026)

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Open to ages 13 to 17 | $340 ($300 tuition + $40 materials)

I nstructor: Ashley Austin

Torch + Pour + Solder: Mixed Materials Sculpture (Mon, July 20, 2026)

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Create a sculptural piece using three fire arts in this combo camp! You'll learn the basics of flameworking with borosilicate glass, cuttlebone casting with lead-free pewter, and soft soldering techniques, as well as how to combine all three into one piece. We'll start with boro flameworking, making glass components using a torch. The next session will cover pewter casting, melting solid metal into liquid form and pouring it into molds to create additional components. Finally, you'll learn how to use soft soldering techniques using a soldering iron to combine your glass and pewter elements into a sculpture. Leave with a one-of-a-kind artwork of your own design and experience in three fire arts!

Open to ages 13 to 17. | $345 ($300 tuition + $45 materials)

Instructor: Samael Leopold-Sullivan

Torch + Pour + Solder: Mixed Materials Sculpture (Tue, July 21, 2026)

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Open to ages 13 to 17. | $345 ($300 tuition + $45 materials)

Instructor: Samael Leopold-Sullivan

Torch + Pour + Solder: Mixed Materials Sculpture (Wed, July 22, 2026)

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Open to ages 13 to 17. | $345 ($300 tuition + $45 materials)

Instructor: Samael Leopold-Sullivan

Torch + Pour + Solder: Mixed Materials Sculpture (Thu, July 23, 2026)

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Open to ages 13 to 17. | $345 ($300 tuition + $45 materials)

Instructor: Samael Leopold-Sullivan

Jewelry Arts Sampler (Mon, August 03, 2026)

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 14:00:00 GMT

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 12 - 17 | $345 ($300 tuition + $45 materials)

Instructors: Jess Night

Metal Arts Sampler (Mon, August 03, 2026)

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Open to ages 8 to 12. | $340 ($300 tuition + $40 materials)

Instructor: Heather Doyle

Jewelry Arts Sampler (Tue, August 04, 2026)

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 14:00:00 GMT

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 12 - 17 | $345 ($300 tuition + $45 materials)

Instructors: Jess Night

Metal Arts Sampler (Tue, August 04, 2026)

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Open to ages 8 to 12. | $340 ($300 tuition + $40 materials)

Instructor: Heather Doyle

Jewelry Arts Sampler (Wed, August 05, 2026)

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 14:00:00 GMT

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 12 - 17 | $345 ($300 tuition + $45 materials)

Instructors: Jess Night

Metal Arts Sampler (Wed, August 05, 2026)

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Open to ages 8 to 12. | $340 ($300 tuition + $40 materials)

Instructor: Heather Doyle

Jewelry Arts Sampler (Thu, August 06, 2026)

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 14:00:00 GMT

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 12 - 17 | $345 ($300 tuition + $45 materials)

Instructors: Jess Night

Metal Arts Sampler (Thu, August 06, 2026)

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Open to ages 8 to 12. | $340 ($300 tuition + $40 materials)

Instructor: Heather Doyle

Oxy-Acetylene Found Object Sculpture (Mon, August 10, 2026)

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Discover scrap metal and learn to make sculptural projects from it using oxy-acetylene welding and metal fabrication techniques. This beginning-level camp will cover cutting, welding and brazing processes using an oxy-acetylene torch. Learn the limitations and benefits of these processes through the design and fabrication of your own work of art! Methods for identifying metals, surface preparation for scrap welding, along with aesthetic and protective surface treatments for finishing pieces will also be covered.

Open to ages 13 to 17. | $350 ($300 tuition + $50 materials)

Instructor: Gaea Dill-D'Ascoli

Oxy-Acetylene Found Object Sculpture (Tue, August 11, 2026)

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Open to ages 13 to 17. | $350 ($300 tuition + $50 materials)

Instructor: Gaea Dill-D'Ascoli

Oxy-Acetylene Found Object Sculpture (Wed, August 12, 2026)

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Open to ages 13 to 17. | $350 ($300 tuition + $50 materials)

Instructor: Gaea Dill-D'Ascoli

Oxy-Acetylene Found Object Sculpture (Thu, August 13, 2026)

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Open to ages 13 to 17. | $350 ($300 tuition + $50 materials)

Instructor: Gaea Dill-D'Ascoli

Small Things Casting with Lost Wax (Mon, August 17, 2026)

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Do you have an idea for a small-scale sculpture or jewelry piece that you'd like to make in cast silver or bronze? Dive into the world of lost wax casting in miniature form. The lost wax process starts with carving/forming a pattern out of wax, molding the pattern, and then melting the wax out of the mold to create a hollow vessel into which you'll pour molten metal. You'll be able to cast small art objects (things you can fit in your hand) or jewelry pieces using centrifugal and vacuum assist casting equipment. We'll cover safety protocols, the tools and techniques for carving and pouring, and basic finishing and patination of our cast artwork.

Open to ages 13 to 17. | $350 ($300 tuition + $50 materials)

Instructor: Jess Bergman Night