Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center

Are you ready to Leave Your Mark on your community?

2012-01-21T10:25:00.004-06:00

2 weeks from today - Mark it on your calendar!

The Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center will be hosting it's second Leave Your Mark event. The format remains the same as the first, if you couldn't make it then, now is your chance!

Our Nokomis Gallery will also be open from 10am to 5pm with some interesting new work for the Valentines season and CAFAC board members will be on hand to show you around and answer questions. Please stop by!

Fire Performance Classes at CAFAC!

2012-01-05T21:34:00.000-06:00

It's a new year, why not learn a new trick? How about fire spinning? Seriously, why not? All you have to do is sign up for a class at your friendly local fire arts center. Starting this month, we're offering a series of four fire spinning classes, each one focused on a different fire prop (double staff, poi, staff, nunchucks), each one meeting for two nights, each one an awesome bargain at $50! Check out our Fire Performance 101 series, taught by Cody Fiereck of Insphyre Performance, and sign up today!

Help us turn BEFORE into AFTER

2011-12-31T10:43:00.001-06:00

Doesn't everyone love before and after photos? Whether it's your newly organized closet, someone's extreme makeover, or the the transition of an auto body shop into a community art center... photos that tell the story of then and now and the journey in between are compelling.

Here are a few of ours. When our volunteer coordinator extraordinaire, Jasmine McAleavey, put them together, we were struck again by what a radical transformation has taken place at 3749 Chicago Avenue. The physical changes are striking, but beyond that, we are even more encouraged by the shifts taking place at our neighborhood intersection. Our doors are now open to welcome the community from nearby and farther away. Doors are open at other new businesses around us. We're pretty thrilled to be part of this "after" - and we couldn't have done it without a whole lot of support along the way.

We've still got a lot of "before" to turn into "after." New programs to launch, additional equipment to acquire, more opportunities to provide. If you're able to help us with a financial contribution today, the last day of CAFAC's first full year in operation, you'll be helping us stoke the fire for an even better new year. Thank you!

Our shop, then and now. One of the first things we did was tear down the old false ceiling and remove tons of crumbling plaster from the walls. There's still more work to be done in this end of our shop, including the construction of a grinding bay.

The mezzanine level is new construction. Tucked underneath it is our classroom, shop sink area, and tool crib. Above - and accessible by wheelchair lift - will be used for our future glass and jewelry programs.

It's one of the most visually striking components of the facility - the railing that surrounds the entire mezzanine level. Designed by a student of our instructor/board member Roger Karlson, the panels were plasma cut and then welded into place.

We were giddy the day our contractor called to say he'd uncovered the original subway tile behind the drywall in what had up until recently been the auto body shop's office. That subway tile had lined the lobby of the Nokomis Theater - the building's original use - and we had no idea it was still there.

And that's the tile floor of the Nokomis Theater's lobby - also a thrilling surprise when it was revealed under a layer of industrial tile flooring. We've taken care to preserve as many of the building's original elements as possible, and the former theater's lobby now serves as our inviting gallery and face to the street.

Above, the Nokomis Gallery, shortly before its grand opening in December 2010. Board members Ryan Knoke and Montana Scheff did miraculous work turning a former auto body shop office into a beautiful, welcoming art gallery. Below, the Nokomis Gallery today, featuring glass and metal work by local artists.

Winter Break Welding!

2011-12-19T13:49:00.001-06:00

To teachers, students, anyone with a few weeks off in late December/early January: how about an intensive Oxy-Acetylene Found Object Sculpture class? Normally we run this class over the course of 10 weeks, but during winter break we fit it into three weeks, meeting five hours a day, twice per week. It's a great opportunity to immerse yourself quickly and walk away with a project (or two) just a few weeks later. Registration is open now - class starts on December 27, so sign up today!

Leave Your Mark: A Community Art-Making Event at CAFAC

2011-12-03T20:21:00.001-06:00

We invite you to leave your mark on our community by helping us create of a piece of public art. Through a series of open house events over the winter, we would like to learn who you are, what ties bind you to this community, and how you feel about this place by answering one simple question:

What brought you here?

We'll have our forges fired up and you'll have the opportunity to swing a hammer and stamp your response into a piece of hot metal. Those pieces will eventually be assembled into a sculpture entitled "Pillar of Community," to be installed at our intersection, 38th & Chicago.

Please join us for our first Leave Your Mark event on Saturday, December 10th, from 2 to 5 p.m., at 3749 Chicago Avenue. Open to anyone with an interest!

Our Nokomis Gallery will also be open and CAFAC board members will be on hand to show you around and answer questions. Please stop by!

Keep it hot all winter long... take classes at CAFAC!

2011-12-03T20:19:00.000-06:00

We've got our winter quarter classes open and ready for registration on our website. Fall classes filled quickly, so we recommend signing up early. In addition to our welding, blacksmithing, and precious metal clay classes, we've also got a new series of fire performance classes. Something for everyone - and in case you were wondering, we do have gift certificates good for classes or items in our Nokomis Gallery.

Fall Classes Start Next Week!

2011-09-26T13:10:00.000-05:00

It's hard to believe it's been a year since we opened our doors, and that we're now looking forward to welcoming students to another fall quarter! Enrollments have been great (thank you!) but we do still have spots left in a few classes:

Oxy-Acetylene Found Object Sculpture, starting Wednesday, 10/5, 2 to 5 p.m.
Blacksmithing Basics, starting Thursday, 10/6, 6 to 9 p.m.
Blacksmithing Level 2, starting Tuesday, 10/4, 6 to 9 p.m.

Find complete details and register on our website today!

Pound for Pound: Classes for Continuing Blacksmiths!

2011-09-21T19:31:00.000-05:00

So you've taken our Blacksmithing Basics class and are looking to continue? We've got a couple opportunities for you! First is a brand-new class, taught by our master blacksmith, David Mariette. It's called... wait for it... Blacksmithing Level 2! OK, maybe we didn't pull out all the stops on coming up with the most creative new title, but that does sum it up: continue building on the skills you learned in Blacksmithing Basics, while also moving into upsetting, splitting, more tool making, twisting, scrolls, and forge welding.

And, if you've been wishing you could pound on hot metal at home whenever you like, you might want to consider our Build Your Own Forge class. You'll fabricate your own propane forge, just like the ones you use in class. You'll gain an intimate understanding of the equipment and how to safely operate and maintain it.

A few spots are still left in our Blacksmithing Basics class too. Visit our website to find complete descriptions of all these classes and register online. Classes start the first week of October!

Our first welding class for youth!

2011-07-14T09:09:00.000-05:00

There are a lot of budding welders and metal sculptors out there who have not been able to take part in our current Oxy-Acetylene Found Object Sculpture classes. So, by popular demand, we've added a four-day intensive version of this class, especially for 12- to 17-year-olds. It's running August 8 - 11, from 9:30 to 3:30 each day. Find complete details and a registration form on our website. Space is limited to 8 students, so sign up today!

Scholarships and Summer Classes

2011-06-13T17:34:00.000-05:00

Student work, spring 2011

Summer classes are starting soon and now's the time to sign up! Seeing some garden art in your future? Why not make it yourself? We've got our Oxy-Acetylene Found Object Sculpture and Blacksmithing Basics classes starting the first week of July. And for something completely different, we're offering a Fire Performance and Prop Fabrication class, starting the second week of July. Towards the end of July, learn how to make your sculptures interactive in our Artbot: Arduino class. Find the complete details and register today on our website!

Thanks to grant funding made available by the Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund of the Legacy Amendment, along with grants from the Bancroft Neighborhood Association and the Central Area Neighborhood Development Organization, we are pleased to offer income-based tuition assistance. The application is simple and can be downloaded from our website, or call us at 612.294.0400 to get one. A portion of our scholarship funding runs out on June 30, so we encourage you to apply for summer or fall classes today.

New spring class announced!

2011-04-07T12:32:00.001-05:00

We're really excited about this one:

Fire Performance and Prop Fabrication

In this course, you'll build your very own fire prop (choose from staff, double staff, poi, or nunchaku). You'll also learn about the history of fire performance, fire safety while performing and the foundational spinning moves to get you started. The course provides a solid introduction to fire performing while also allowing you to choose which prop you want to progress further with. Class sessions will include practice and individual help, and the course will culminate in a group performance.

Instructor: Cody “Pyrus” Fiereck has been a fire performer for four years. He is also a red belt in Shaolin Kung Fu. He loves teaching and growing the spinning community.

10 weeks: Tuesdays, 4/19 - 6/28 (no class 5/17), 7 to 9 p.m.
Fee: $250 (all materials included)

Still room left...

2011-04-06T21:45:00.000-05:00

but time's running out, with most spring classes starting next week! We still have at least a couple spots left in all classes, so now's the time to grab them. Read all about 'em and register online at www.cafac.org/classes, or give us a call. We hope to see you at CAFAC soon!

Register for Spring 2011 classes!

2011-02-27T09:13:00.000-06:00

With spring around the corner (really, it is, really), now is the time to shake yourself out of hibernation mode and head on down to CAFAC to learn how to use heat, spark, or flame to create those projects you've been thinking about all winter. Garden art season is right around the corner!

Most classes are starting in mid-April. Visit our website to see what we're offering so far in welding, blacksmithing, and Precious Metal Clay, and check back often as we add new classes in the coming weeks. You can register online or by calling us at 612.294.0400.

Scholarships available!
Thanks to funding from the Bancroft Neighborhood Association and from the MN State Arts Board (through funds from the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment), tuition assistance scholarships are available for CAFAC classes. Email info@cafac.org or call 612.294.0400 to request an application.

(Photo courtesy Courtney Conk, CAFAC neighbor and volunteer. Thanks Courtney!)

Artist Profile: Lonny McLaughlin

2011-02-16T19:55:00.011-06:00

At the Nokomis Gallery, we are so fortunate to have such an amazing group of local artists currently exhibiting their work. One of these artists is Lonny McLaughlin.

Lonny's career as an artist began in 1970. It was then, while still a student, Lonny began to exhibit his paintings; art fairs, local art centers, and the like. During the years that followed, Lonny’s development as an artist grew as a private, independent, studio-based, self-generated activity that from time to time showed up as an obsession and would take all the skills he could master to pull out what he imagined.

Currently Lonny is working on a fused series called “Woven Work”. This is an attempt to represent glass as textile. Each piece is as though a piece of fabric were torn from a much larger whole and magnified several times to capture the color detail of each “thread”. In the process of finding color combinations, textures, opacity, transparency, reflection and refraction, making tableware and jewelry have become a practical way as well as a fine benefactor for his larger experimental and studio pieces. Several of these woven pieces are currently being exhibited in the gallery.

In Lonny’s words, “In the process of discovery, I am imagining a time when I have satisfied my attempt to marry the joy of mixing paint with the magical transparency and sparkle of glass. The outcome of this journey will be something, I can’t see it yet, but it will be something. Each piece, both painting and glass brings me a bit closer.”

Lonny resides in the Central neighborhood in Minneapolis and has been a strong supporter of CAFAC since it was just an idea. He is currently exhibiting a wide variety of work at the gallery; from affordable jewelry on up to a fabulous stained glass screen.

To see Lonny's work in person, stop by the Nokomis Gallery, open Thursdays from 6 to 8pm, and on Saturdays from 10am to 5pm. We're also available by appointment by calling 612.294.0400.

Your sweetie loves Precious Metal Clay

2011-02-11T07:44:00.000-06:00

What? You think Valentine's Day isn't a real holiday? It's just a marketing ploy to sell more stuff? Well... you may have a point. But still, we're pretty sure there's someone in your life that would heart a class at CAFAC, and it just so happens we've got one starting on February 15: Metal Clay Exploration. Join instructor Laura Juul in this 6-week introductory course covering the basics of working with amazing Precious Metal Clay. It's deceptively simple, allowing you to make beautiful jewelry items and other small sculpture out of pure silver clay, using your hands and simple tools. Full details and online registration can be found here. It'll make a perfect gift for someone you love, and that includes yourself!

Nokomis Gallery Open Tomorrow: New 2011 Hours Set!

2011-02-04T15:06:00.003-06:00

It's finally warming up outside!...time to get out of the house and heat things up even more by stopping in to the Chicago Avenue Fire Art Center's new Nokomis Gallery! We'll be open all day Saturday, February 5, from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Current Exhibition and Sale
Our current exhibition and sale features an array of gorgeous glass and metal works (from one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces to large sculptures, and everything in-between) by local artists Lonny McLaughlin, Jacob Honer, Jim Wadsworth, Emily Johnson, and Betty Jager. Check out our website for photos!

New 2011 Hours
Our new 2011 hours are set, so if you can't make it tomorrow, be sure and stop in anytime during our new open hours:

Thursdays, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
By appointment. Call 612.294.0400

Interested in volunteering at the Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center or in the Nokomis Gallery?
Fill out our volunteer profile form.

Register now for Winter 2011 classes!

2011-01-03T13:29:00.000-06:00

They're the perfect way to keep warm all winter long - classes at CAFAC! Welding, blacksmithing, electronics, jewelry - there's something for everyone, starting this month. Check out our class listings for complete descriptions and to register online, or give us a call at 612.294.0400.

Here's a summary of what we're offering for winter quarter:

Oxy-Acetylene Found Object Sculpture
This beginning course focuses on applying oxy-acetylene welding, cutting, and brazing techniques to the fabrication of a sculptural project.
Choose a session:
Wednesdays, 1/19 – 3/23, 2 to 5 p.m., $330
Wednesdays, 1/19 – 3/23, 6 to 9 p.m., $330
Saturdays, 1/22 – 3/26, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., $330

Abstract Metal Sculpture
This intermediate-level course focuses on making nonrepresentational metal sculpture using oxy-acetylene welding, hot forging, and cold working techniques.
Fridays, 1/21 – 3/18, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., $340

Blacksmithing Basics
This beginners’ course is designed to ignite your passion for blacksmithing and to introduce you to the endless ways of shaping iron with fire and hammer.
Choose a session:
Thursdays, 1/20 – 3/31 (no class 1/27), 6 to 9 p.m., $350
Mondays, 1/17 – 3/21, 6 to 9 p.m., $350

Build Your Own Propane Forge
In this introductory course, you will learn the metal fabrication and welding techniques needed to build your own propane forge to take home.
Choose a session:
Thursdays, 2/3 – 3/24, 2 to 5 p.m., $400
Thursdays, 2/3 – 3/24, 6 to 9 p.m., $400

Metal Clay Exploration
In this class, you will learn the sculpting and forming techniques used to create pendants, beads, and rings out of art out silver metal clay.
Tuesdays, 2/15 – 3/22, 6 to 9 p.m., $220

LED Hoop-Making Workshop
In this half-day workshop, you’ll assemble your own LED hoop from scratch, using PVC pipe, wire, LEDs and tape. Open to ages 14 and up.
Choose a session:
Saturday, 1/29, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., $80
Saturday, 3/12, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., $80

Arduino: Hands-On Physical Computing
Learn how to use the Arduino open-source physical computing platform to build and program small projects using the Sparkfun Inventors Kit.
Tuesdays, 1/18 – 3/8 (no class 1/25 & 2/22) 7 to 9 p.m., $230

Photos from the Nokomis Gallery Event

2010-12-21T11:10:00.008-06:00

Hey Everyone!

Wanted to share some photos from the Nokomis Gallery event that we had on December 17th. Lots of people attended and helped us celebrate the opening of the gallery and showed their support for CAFAC. Many of the artists that are currently featured in the gallery were in attendance and mingled with shoppers. We also had some of the coolest jazz holiday tunes around, provided by Minneapolis duo Charmin & Shapira.

If you weren't able to attend, don't be discouraged! The gallery is open again tomorrow night, December 22nd, from 6 - 9pm. New gallery hours will be posted in early January.

You Asked For 'Em, You Got 'Em!

2010-12-21T10:49:00.007-06:00

Due to popular demand, CAFAC T-Shirts are back! They are from American Apparel, are 100% cotton, cost $25, and available in the following sizes:

Women: M, L, XL

Men: M, L, XL, XXL

Kids: 10

Limited quantities available in the blue version that is pictured. There is also an orange and yellow version available in all sizes listed above.

Visit the Nokomis Gallery at the Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center, or contact us to get one of your very own!

Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-FUNDRAISER!

2010-12-02T19:22:00.008-06:00

The Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center cordially invites you to:

A Festive Fundraiser, Gallery Grand Opening & Holiday Sale
‘Tis the season for giving…so please join us to show your support for CAFAC while checking off your holiday shopping list in our just-opened Nokomis Gallery! Choose from hundreds of one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces and other decorative giftables by local fire artists, enjoy festive fare and libations while touring our new facility, delight in the live swingin' sounds of jazz duo Charmin & Shapira, and make a much-appreciated donation to a great cause.

Give generously. Shop generously. Have fun.
Friday, December 17, 2010
6 – 9 pm

Nokomis Gallery

Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center
3749 Chicago Avenue South
Minneapolis

*A minimum $25 donation requested.

Looking for That Perfect Holiday Gift? CAFAC's Nokomis Gallery Opens Dec. 8!

2010-12-01T10:29:00.004-06:00

The Nokomis Gallery at the Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center is opening December 8, and it's the place to do your shopping this holiday season! Come check out our beautiful new space in the former Nokomis Theater lobby, featuring the original 1915 decorative wall and floor tiles. Discover an array of stunning glass and metal works by local artists Lonny McLaughlin, Jacob Honer, Jim Wadsworth, and Betty Jäger of 3 Jäg Design. Our 2010 holiday sale offers everything from hundreds of one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces and other smaller giftable items to larger, dramatic works of art. The Nokomis Gallery has something for everyone, every space, and at every price range!

Nokomis Gallery
3749 Chicago Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55407

Hours:
• Wednesday, December 8, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
• Thursday, December 9, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
• Saturday, December 11, Noon - 6:00 pm
• Sunday, December 12, Noon - 6:00 pm
• Wednesday, December 15, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
• Thursday, December 16, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
• Saturday, December 18, Noon - 6:00 pm
• Sunday, December 19, Noon - 6:00 pm

LED Hoop-making Workshop POSTPONED

2010-11-29T19:16:00.001-06:00

We need a few more hoop-makers to run our LED Hoop-Making class, so we have postponed it until Saturday, December 11. If you've been thinking about signing up, now's the time! Give us a call at 612.294.0400 or register online and soon you'll be hooping and glowing too!

Keeping it hot all winter long!

2010-11-23T21:32:00.002-06:00

We've still got space left in our December 4th LED Hoop-Making class, so if you're interested, give us a call at 612.294.0400 or register online. What could be hotter? How about a FREE cup of coffee or hot chocolate at the South City Cafe? Our awesome neighbors down the street are offering a special warm-up to everyone who registers for the December 4th LED Hoop-making Workshop! Pick up your coupon at class and then stop by this new neighborhood hot spot anytime to warm up with your FREE hot beverage. South City is located just three blocks north of CAFAC at 3405 Chicago Avenue South. Check them out at www.southcitycafe.com or on Facebook.

Winter Break OAW Found Object Sculpture Class

2010-11-18T18:53:00.002-06:00

For teachers, college students, and others taking a holiday season break, we're offering our Oxy-Acetylene Found Object Sculpture class in a short-term, intensive format this December/January. Complete details:

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.

Please bring or wear the following personal protective gear to class: safety glasses, welding gloves and head covering. Attendance at the first class session is required, as important safety information will be presented.

Instructor: Roger Karlson has a BFA from UW-Stout, with a concentration in Interior Design. He has been teaching for the last 6 years, assisting students in the creative design process to resolve clients' needs. Roger's exploration of sculptural welding began several years ago, and as an instructor, he finds inspiration in observing the unique way others create objects and resolve problems as they acquire new skills.

Dates/Times: Tuesdays & Thursdays, December 28 - January 13, Noon to 5 p.m.

Fee: $330

Give early, give often - you could win the golden ticket!

2010-11-15T21:05:00.001-06:00

Giving - everyone's going to be doing it tomorrow, Tuesday, November 16. It's Give to the Max Day, a 24-hour, massive online fundraising event for hundreds of worthy Minnesota charities. Last year's event blew away all expectations and this year the hope is to beat that record. We hope you'll consider making a donation to yours truly, the little fire arts center that could, as we strive to purchase new equipment that will allow us to grow our already successful programs.

As an added incentive, this year you could be singing like Charlie Bucket, because every hour one donor will be randomly chosen to have his/her donation increased by $1000. So, consider making multiple donations throughout the day - or if you're a night owl or early bird, how about increasing your odds by making those donations during the wee morning hours? Any amount, from $10 on up, is greatly appreciated. Join the fun tomorrow - it really is an amazing experience to see so many generous folks coming together to make a huge difference in a single day.

Who needs daylight?

2010-11-11T11:20:00.015-06:00

LED Hoop-making Workshop

Shorter days got you down? We’ve got the solution! Get ready to greet the winter solstice by making your own LED hoop, and you’ll be spinning your own sparks throughout the long nights ahead. In this half-day workshop, you’ll assemble your own LED hoops from scratch, using PVC pipe, wire, LEDs and tape. Then we’ll lower the lights, turn our hoops on, and spin! You’ll also learn the basics of hooping, so no previous experience is necessary. Open to ages 13 and up.

Instructor: Connie Nompelis discovered hooping two years ago, and was instantly enchanted by the activity. She has brought hoops and the joy of hooping to kids and adults across Minneapolis, and as far as Greece and Honduras. When not hooping, Connie sells real estate in the Twin Cities.

Saturday, December 4, 12:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Fee: $75 (includes all materials to make your own LED hoop)

Space is limited and you must register in advance. Sign up and pay online or call 612.294.0400 to register today!

Space left in daytime OAW class!

2010-11-01T13:35:00.000-05:00

We're starting another Oxy-Acetylene Found Object Sculpture class this Wednesday, November 3. It runs for seven weeks, from 12:30 to 4:30-ish p.m. We've got enough students to run but have space for more! Call 612.294.0400 to register.

Daytime Oxy-Acetylene Welding Class Added

2010-10-22T10:12:00.000-05:00

Classes are officially up and running! We have a great group of students, and we’ve heard from a few more of you that had your hearts set on taking the Oxy-Acetylene Found Object Sculpture class, but these filled up pretty quickly. Good news - we’re adding another one! We're trying a daytime class this time, so this one will run Wednesdays from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. We’ll need a minimum of six participants to run it, and the maximum is ten, so if you’re interested please give us a call at 612 294 0400.

Complete details:

Oxy-Acetylene Found Object Sculpture

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.

7 Wednesdays, November 3 - December 15, 12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Price: $320

*Please call 612 294 0400 to register, and don't forget, we do have scholarships available!

Fall class dates

2010-10-04T10:38:00.001-05:00

For those of you registered for a class this fall, or those interested in one of the spots still available, here's a handy list of all classes, with dates and times!

Blacksmithing Basics
Mondays, 10/11 - 12/13, 6 to 9 p.m. - 3 SPOTS AVAILABLE

Blacksmithing Basics
Tuesdays, 10/12 - 12/14, 6 to 9 p.m. -1 SPOT AVAILABLE

Oxy-Acetylene Found Object Sculpture
Wednesdays, 10/13 - 12/15, 6 to 9 p.m. - SPACE STILL AVAILABLE

Oxy-Acetylene Found Object Sculpture
Thursdays, 10/14 - 12/16, 6 to 9 p.m. - FULL

Build Your Own Propane Forge
Mondays, 10/18 - 11/22, 6 to 9 p.m. - 2 SPOTS AVAILABLE

Give us a call at 612/294.0400 to register!

Note to those already signed up: please bring/wear safety glasses, welding/leather work gloves, natural fiber clothing including long pants/long sleeves, work boots/shoes. Head covering (hat, scarf) is also recommended for welding classes.

Space left in our first round of classes!

2010-10-01T09:28:00.000-05:00

We've filled a few classes so far (thank you!) but still have space available in these two classes:

Blacksmithing Basics (If I Had a Hammer...)
If you had a hammer, would you use it to drive a nail? Or, would you use it as a means to discover the fundamentals of forging iron? This course is designed to ignite your passion for blacksmithing and to introduce you to the seemingly endless ways of expressing yourself by shaping iron with fire and hammer. You’ll gain basic knowledge of iron and its characteristics, and understanding of the dynamics of forging, and the ability to safely shape iron with heat and a hammer. You’ll have the opportunity to learn by making basic forging tools and then use those tools to make some really cool stuff !

Please bring or wear the following personal protective equipment to class: safety glasses, gloves, steel toed shoes or boots, all cotton clothing with long sleeves. A Nomex lab jacket or leather apron is advisable.

Instructor: David Mariette

Mondays, October 11 - December 13, 6 - 9 p.m., $340

Oxy-Acetylene Found Object Sculpture
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 you develop an understanding of the art form’s past as well as the tools to inspire its future.

Please bring or wear the following personal protective gear to class: safety glasses, welding gloves and head covering. Attendance at the first class session is required, as important safety information will be presented.

Instructor: Heather Doyle/Ryan Salmon

Wednesdays, October 13 - December 15, 6 - 9 p.m., $320

To register, please call us at 612.294.0400 or email fireartscenter@gmail.com. If you don't reach us, please leave your contact info and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Exterior Restoration: One small step for man, one giant leap for CAFAC

2010-09-30T17:32:00.002-05:00

We’ve just made a giant leap towards completing the restoration of the exterior of the historic Nokomis Theatre.

A few months back, the first floor windows and doors made a return (complete with historically appropriate mullion transoms) after years of the front being bricked in.

Next came the unearthing of the gorgeous original encaustic tiles in the second floor parapet (they’d long been hidden under layers of paint). We had once only hoped that remnants of these tiles might still exist, but in our wildest dreams we never imagined that they’d all still be there--and be in such amazing condition!

Then, board member Scott made historically-appropriate wood storm windows to protect our soon-to-arrive replicas of the original (but long-ago removed) Prairie-style stained glass windows, courtesy of the amazing talent and generosity of stained glass artist (and neighborhood resident) Lonny McLaughlin.

But the latest icing on this nearly completed cake is the just-finished exterior paint job, thanks to a generous grant from the Pohlad Foundation! We originally hoped to have the facade (which had been painted for decades) stripped down to the original bare brick, but we soon discovered that there were countless barriers to this approach: aside from a hefty price tag, experts warned that due to the nature of the highly porous brick we would run the risk of not getting the brick clean enough to look good. So, after much deliberation, we decided to investigate the option of painting, and after board member Montana came up with this stunning color scheme (inspired by the historic colors in the original encaustic tiles), we were sold on the idea…and we couldn’t be more thrilled with the results! (Now we just need to get our marquee restored…that will be the cherry on top! Time to do some more fundraising…)

And so, the CAFAC Board is pleased (downright giddy, in fact) to present the beautiful new face of the former historic Nokomis Theatre to the world. Drum roll please…

Check it out!

2010-09-29T12:15:00.000-05:00

Lend a hand at CAFAC

2010-09-23T20:51:00.000-05:00

As we get closer to the start of our first round of classes, we've got many small projects to complete and would love your help. If you've got a few hours and some elbow grease to spare, please join us on Wednesday, September 29, at 6 p.m. We'll be working on prepping cabinets and shelving units for painting, removing the old linoleum tile from the gallery floor, and a few other projects. We'll have additional work dates in the coming weeks. Thanks so much for your help - we couldn't do this without your support!

Fall classes update

2010-09-23T20:45:00.000-05:00

We've filled our Tuesday night Blacksmithing Basics class and our Thursday night Oxy-Acetylene Found Object Sculpture class! Yahoo - we're thrilled! We've added a second Oxy-Acetylene class on Wednesday nights (Oct 13 - Dec 15) and have started a waiting list for Blacksmithing. The Build Your Own Propane Forge class currently has one spot left. Give us a call at 612.294.0400 or email fireartscenter@gmail.com if you'd like to register for any remaining spots.

All classes will begin the week of October 11.

Let the Painting Begin!

2010-09-23T08:44:00.003-05:00

Our painting crew has just gotten started, and we couldn't be more excited! The Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center paint job is happening compliments of a marvelous program created by the Pohlad Family Foundation and operated by Stuart Morgan, Calvin Littlejohn, and Jeff Wieber of Tri-Construction. The program was initiated over the summer as a means to employ teenagers looking for summer work, and we're absolutely delighted that they were willing to take on our project! The Star Tribune ran a great article about how the program got started, which you can read here.

The teens work with a professional painters and gain valuable job skills while earning a good wage. Here you can see the team getting started on masking and cleaning the surfaces in the gallery prior to paint.

They'll be in the building for the next week or so, and, weather permitting, will be working on the facade as well, so please say "hello" if you see them while walking by!

Thanks guys, and welcome to CAFAC!

CAFAC in the News!

2010-09-15T08:53:00.001-05:00

Check out this fantastic article from The Line!

Seeing the Light!

2010-08-26T10:23:00.003-05:00

Hooray! The overhead lighting was just installed in our building, so now we can actually see! Many many thanks to volunteer Roger Karlson for talking us through our lighting needs, helping us retrofit the fixtures, and to board member Scott Hofer for his super stealth shopping. It's pretty amazing what $50 and a little elbow grease will get you--thanks, guys!

Now if only we could manage to pull off that kind of bargain find for everything else we need to do!

Fall classes at CAFAC!

2010-08-12T17:20:00.010-05:00

At long last, we've scheduled a handful of classes to start in October. While we are still in the final stages of renovation, the end is in sight and we're excited to start welcoming students and artists to CAFAC. So far we've scheduled classes in welding, blacksmithing, and glass, and plan to add more in the coming months. Read on for descriptions! (Note: our website is also still under renovation, so to sign up for classes, please send us an email at fireartscenter@gmail.com or call us at 612.294.0400.)

Oxy-Acetylene Found Object Sculpture
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 you develop an understanding of the art form’s past as well as the tools to inspire its future.

Please bring or wear the following personal protective gear to class: safety glasses, welding gloves and head covering. Attendance at the first class session is required, as important safety information will be presented.

Instructor: Heather Doyle

Thursdays, October 7 - December 16, 6 - 9 p.m., $320

Build Your Own Propane Forge
Build a propane blacksmithing forge of your own to take home! In this introductory course, we will begin by learning the metal fabrication and welding techniques needed to build your own propane forge. Building a forge will provide you with an intimate understanding of the equipment and how to safely operate and maintain it, inspiring the confidence to use it on your own. You will need to purchase your own regulator (approximately $90) to complete the project. All other supplies are included.

Please bring or wear the following personal protective equipment to class: safety glasses, head covering, long sleeves and long pants. Loose-fitting welding gloves are optional.

Instructor: Heather Doyle

Mondays, October 4 - November 8, 6 - 9 p.m., $300

Blacksmithing Basics (If I Had a Hammer...)
If you had a hammer, would you use it to drive a nail? Or, would you use it as a means to discover the fundamentals of forging iron? This course is designed to ignite your passion for blacksmithing and to introduce you to the seemingly endless ways of expressing yourself by shaping iron with fire and hammer. You’ll gain basic knowledge of iron and its characteristics, and understanding of the dynamics of forging, and the ability to safely shape iron with heat and a hammer. You’ll have the opportunity to learn by making basic forging tools and then use those tools to make some really cool stuff !

Please bring or wear the following personal protective equipment to class: safety glasses, gloves, steel toed shoes or boots, all cotton clothing with long sleeves. A Nomex lab jacket or leather apron is advisable.

Instructor: David Mariette

Tuesdays, October 5 - December 7, 6 - 9 p.m., $340

Gifts in Glass
Gifts galore and items for home décor! You will learn many techniques of glass fusing while completing a series of projects which you will enjoy showing in your home, wearing as jewelry, or giving as personalized gifts.The range of items you will create is both exciting and rewarding and include wine stoppers, pendants and earrings, wind chimes, sun catchers, and more. The focus of the class will be on having fun creating glass art while becoming familiar with the tools and techniques of glass fusing and enameling. While the course will not prepare you to work independently, it will expose you to a wide range of techniques to will inspire you toward advanced work offered in other courses. Some of the topics covered are basic glass fusing, glass cutting and shaping, glass enameling, and glass jewelry design.

Course fee includes all materials with the exception of jewelry hardware and findings and dichroic glass which can optionally be purchased from the instructor during class.

Instructor: Jim Boles

Sundays, October 10 - November 14, 1 - 4 p.m., $230

Jewelry Sampler: Glass Fusing, Enameling & Metal Clay
Do you dream in color? You will after attending this class! Experience a glass and metal creative extravaganza using fused glass (including dichroic), enameling on glass copper and silver, and creating silver jewelry with metal clay. In our first act, you’ll create your first pieces of fused glass jewelry within an hour of starting the class and watch your creation come alive in mini kilns with a viewing window. Glitzy them with glass enamel, glass paste, and miniature etching.
In the middle of your adventure we will switch over to enameling on copper, choosing from an array of stamped shapes. You’ll learn to prepare your copper for enameling and experience how easy it is to create colorful designs in minutes that you can wear as pins and pendants for a lifetime. In the final act you will take one of your fused glass designs and create a bezel of pure silver out of metal clay, turning your fused glass art work into a pendant. As time permits and the silver lasts, we will attempt one last act, using transparent enamel to color textured silver in the age-old technique of Basse Taille. All of that for the price of one admission!

Course fee includes all materials and supplies with the exception of the jewelry findings/hardware which can be purchased from the instructor or on your own.

Instructor: Jim Boles

Mondays, October 4 - December 6, 6 - 9 p.m., $360

SPEAK 2010 CELEBRATION!

2010-08-08T12:46:00.011-05:00

A huge thank you to those of you joined us for the celebration and dedication ceremony for this year's SPEAK Project on such a sultry day! We were delighted to have such a great crowd turn out for our first first official event in our new building!

We would like to extend special thanks to our partners for this year's project, which include Hennepin County, the Kingfield Neighborhoood Association, the Plymouth Church Neighborhood Foundation, VOA Phoenix High Schoool, Pillsbury House, and Youthlink, and especially to this year's participants for sharing their talents with us.

Instructors this year include Dessa of Doomtree, Andrea Jenkins, Nicole Smith, and Elisa McBrayer and Adrienne Doyle, and of course project founder Heather Doyle. Andof course this project would not happen without the countless volunteers taking care of things behind the scenes, but a special shout goes out to Adam Brusic, Sarah Linnes-Robinson, and Ryan Salmon.

Funding for the project was provided in part by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 8, 2008. Thank you people of Minnesota!

The theme of this year's SPEAK project was "Home" which we celebrated on many different levels: the pieces that were created for this year's project will be installed in the Nicollet Square Building which will includes transitional housing for teens; many of the youth who participated in this year's project have themselves dealt with issues of homelessness and finding their place in the world, and obviously this was the first year that components of the SPEAK Project took place in our new home. I think our poets from this year's spoken word group summed it up best when they wrote:

Home is the good, the bad, and the ugly
The constant reminders of true life.
Home is nothing without the people who live there.

Indeed. We thank you for joining us at our new home, and we hope you will enjoy these photos from the celebration:

A happy Heather introduces this year's project

The tremendously talent Latifah shares her talents in the spoken word section of the program

Met with thunderous applause!

Time for a closer look at the artwork

And of course some treats!

SPEAK 2010 CELEBRATION THIS SATURDAY, AUGUST 7!

2010-08-03T13:55:00.005-05:00

Please join us for the SPEAK Project, 2010 Celebration and Dedication Ceremony. Come and celebrate the work created by the youth of our community including digital photography, spoken word, and metal sculpture!

The art was created by students at the VOA Phoenix High School and will be installed at Nicollet Square, 3700 Nicollet. This project is also supported by Metropolitan Regional Arts Commission, the Plymouth Church Neighborhood Foundation, and Hennepin County.

When? 4-6 p.m. on Saturday, August 7th
Where: Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center
3749 Chicago Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55407

We look forward to seeing you there!

Oh, I've been working on the railing....

2010-07-10T19:07:00.008-05:00

OK, not really. I was just there to drop off lunch and take pictures as I'm not much use in the welding department, but it was another busy weekend at the Fire Arts Center for our fabulous volunteers, Danielle, Ryan, and Al. They helped install the patterned inserts for the railing that wraps around the mezzanine. The design was created by the students of another one of our Fire Artists, Roger Karlson, who had his interior design class at Brown Institute work on a plan for the interior of the building as part of a design project they did for us.

Here is Ryan working on one of the first four panels.

and here is a better look at the full design.

And here are our volunteers taking a much needed and much deserved break. We picked a fine day to be working in welding gear in a building without air conditioning! Sorry guys!

And here's the rest of the mezzanine, which will be where classes and studio space for jewelery and glass will be located.

It's all coming together--thanks again to those of you who helped us out again! You're the best!

Another Prize Uncovered!

2010-07-07T12:54:00.007-05:00

While the rest of us were off relaxing, celebrating our nation's independence, or just generally goofing off over the long weekend, two of our intrepid board members were hard at work and accomplished a major feat in the restoration of our building.

Just as reminder, here is what it looked when we started the project:

And here is what it looks like now:

(click on the photo for full view)

Board members Ryan Knoke and Montana Scheff spent the weekend on ladders laboriously scraping off every inch of paint that covered up the original encaustic tile. Isn't it beautiful? Hard to imagine that someone would want to paint over it, but that's the way it's been for at least the past 20 years!

All along it has been our intention to preserve or restore as much of the original movie theater as possible, and Ryan and Montana helped us take one huge step towards that effort this weekend.

Well done!

Thank you, MRAC!

2010-06-25T14:22:00.004-05:00

In June 2010, The Metroplitan Regional Arts Council (MRAC) awarded $503,837 to 61 organizations/projects in the second round of its 2009/2010 Arts Activity Support grant program. This round's funded projects include summer festivals, music series, site-specific performances, a poetry slam, art residencies, a book festival, visual art exhibitions, plays, puppetry, dance programs, cultural heritage events, and the Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center's very own SPEAK Project!

The SPEAK Project builds connections between urban youth and their communities through the media of digital photography, spoken word, and, of course, metal sculpture. We are very excited about this year's project as we've got some wonderful talent lined up, and this year is the first year that the SPEAK metal arts classes will be taking place in our own building!

Thank you MRAC, and stay tuned for more details!

Renovation Sneak Peek!

2010-06-14T12:33:00.003-05:00

Just want to let everyone know that if you are interested in checking out the building this weekend, it will be open from roughly 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Saturday, June 19th, as part of the 38th and Chicago Festival.

Construction is still underway, but if you'd like to take a look at how things are progressing come on by. The mezzanine is in, the roof repairs are (just about!) complete, and if you've driven by lately you've seen that the front facade is about to go in.

Feel free to stop by!

CAFAC Documentary

2010-06-05T14:09:00.002-05:00

A couple of people have asked if there is a spot on the web where they can watch the documentary we showed at our fundraiser. Sorry we've been so slow about getting this out, but here it is!

http://vimeo.com/11300330

Sincere thanks to all that were involved in making it! Enjoy!

CAFAC Peeps in the Press!

2010-05-06T10:55:00.006-05:00

Several of our CAFAC board members have recently been featured in the media, and even though these stories aren't about CAFAC specifically, both discuss a big part of what makes us tick!

Board members Ryan Knoke and Montana Scheff were recently featured in an article in the Star Tribune about their efforts to research the history of our neighborhood, and draw attention to restoration and preservation work in the community. Check it out at:
http://www.startribune.com/local/west/91983789.html?elr=KArksUUUoDEy3LGDiO7aiU

And our very own Heather Doyle was featured in MN Original, a new weekly series on PBS celebrating Minnesota's creative community. http://www.mnoriginal.org/art/?p=607

Way to go, guys! Don't forget us when you're famous!

It was indeed a Fundraiser to Remember!

2010-04-28T14:16:00.011-05:00

Thank you so much to everyone who joined us for our fundraiser at the Parkway last Thursday! It was a wonderful event, and we are so grateful for our amazing volunteers who made this night possible:

To the spectacular Charmin Michelle and the amazing Kevin Anthony and their bands for sharing their musical talents with us. They had the joint jumpin'!

To Kevin Obsatz for his amazing work making our documentary!

To Betsey Giles and her team for the beautiful set decoration, and to Janet and her friends at Richfield Floral for the beautiful bouquet. Breathtaking!
To Joe Senkyr Menjares, our host for the evening, and his entire family, for sharing their beautiful building, the delicious treats, and most of all the incredibly warm welcome--thank you so much everyone!

To the fabulous Julie Denning, who took these lovely pictures!

To our volunteers Brian, Connie, Matthew, Jen, Molly and Elise for keeping the show running!

And especially to our supporters, who came, who gave, and shared a fantastic night with us!

Thanks so much everyone! We can't do this without you!

With heartful thanks for helping us get those sparks flying!
Ryan, Heather, Montana, Victoria, Scott & Maren

The Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center Presents: A Fundraiser to Remember

2010-04-05T23:53:00.034-05:00

We're delighted to announce our next big event, "A Fundraiser to Remember," which will take place on April 22, from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at the Parkway Theater in Minneapolis.

This is one fundraiser that promises to live up to its name! We’re honored to have two critically acclaimed—and entirely unique—local musical acts lending their incredible talents in support of CAFAC: Jazz vocalist Charmin Michelle and Cajun Country musician Kevin Anthony & The Twin City Playboys. We're also proud to present the world premiere of the short documentary about how CAFAC got started.

The Swingin' Sophistication of Charmin Michelle

With savoir-faire to spare, Charmin Michelle will deliver the kind of swingin’ sophistication that has made her a fixture on the Twin Cities jazz scene for more than 20 years. No stranger to such prestigious local venues as the Dakota Jazz Club, Charmin has also been featured on Minnesota Public Radio and performed at jazz festivals around the world. Charmin will be joined by an intimate trio, including long-time collaborator and jazz guitarist Joel Shapira. Read more about Charmin at www.charmsongs.com/.

The Hot Cajun Country Vibe of Kevin Anthony & The Twin City Playboys

Critically acclaimed local musician—and neighborhood resident—Kevin Anthony will bring his unique blend of Cajun and Country to the Parkway Theater, along with his band The Twin City Playboys. A smooth, soulful singer, guitarist, and lyricist, Anthony’s vintage Country vibe is at once reminiscent of an entirely different time in music—and yet entirely fresh and modern. Check him out at www.tcplayboys.com/Home.html.

The World Premiere of All Fired Up: Igniting the Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center

The event will also feature the world premiere of the short documentary by local filmmaker (and fire artist!) Kevin Obsatz, All Fired Up: Igniting the Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center. The film chronicles CAFAC's story, from a mere spark of an idea to what it is today. Visit Kevin's website at www.videohaiku.com/.

Catering by Pepitos

Delicious hors d'oeuvres will be catered by Pepitos and a cash bar available for attendees to enjoy a famous Pepitos margarita or other libation of their liking. A sincere thank you goes out to our good friend and neighbor (and owner of Pepitos and the Parkway Theater) Joe Senkyr Minjares!

Please Join Us...and Help Spread the Word!

With the anticipated opening of the Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center just months away, your support now is critical. In order to open our doors, we are raising funds to equip our glass and metal working facilities, to install a state-of-the-art ventilation system, and to complete the renovation of our building's facade. We need your help to stoke this fire, and bring a unique nonprofit arts resource to our community! Please mark your calendars, bring a friend, and join us for this exclusive, one-night-only engagement to show your support for CAFAC. Indeed, it should be a memorable night filled with good food, lots of fun, and superb entertainment—and all for a great cause!

Date: Thursday, April 22, 2010

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Kevin Anthony @ 6:30 p.m.
All Fired Up @ 7:30 p.m.
Charmin Michelle @ 8:00 p.m.

Location: Parkway Theater, 4814 Chicago Avenue South, Minneapolis

Suggested Minimum Donation: $25

If you're not able to join us for the event, but would like to show your support with a tax-deductible donation, we have a number of ways for you to do so:

Donate online right here on our blog, our Facebook Cause page, or our GiveMN page
Donate by mail to CAFAC, 3620 Park Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55407

And if you're on Facebook, please become a fan of the Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center!

Construction Update

2010-02-22T19:24:00.010-06:00

Just wanted to give everyone a little update on how things are progressing with the renovations. As with any construction project we've had a few surprises--some good, some not so pleasant, but things are moving along a good pace!

We went to check things the past weekend and managed to snap a few pics, so here's a quick peak at how things are going.

First, the gallery area is coming along nicely. After taking apart the existing office, we realized it would be relatively easy to raise the ceiling by a few feet, so we now have much more vertical space in what will be the gallery. This is what it looks like from the shop area looking back at the front entrance.

And here's Victoria in what will be her office:

As you can see, much of the original blond brick is still in great shape.

The projection room will eventually be a multipurpose room and conference area, but there is obviously still a lot of work to be done!

One of the not so pleasant surprises we've had to deal with is that the ceiling and roof are in worse shape than we had hoped.

This was an expensive surprise, but there always are a few with any construction project! As you can see, our contractor has found a way to work around it by adding additional I-beams that run perpendicular to the original ones.

If you look closely, here you can see the five 10x10" cutouts in the middle of the photo where the south side of the building is being prepped for the I-beams that will support the mezzanine.

Once the ceiling repairs are done, the next step will be construction of the mezzanine, and then we'll probably be putting a shout out for volunteers to help with some clean-up around March 6th.

Stay tuned for more photos coming soon!

Grants, Grants, Grants!

2010-02-03T19:59:00.003-06:00

Seems like we've been pumping out grant application after grant application over the past few weeks, and we just received some fabulous news about a couple of them from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council (MRAC)!

CAFAC was one of a number of organizations who were awarded capital grants to fund infrastructure projects. The $10,000 grant we were awarded will go towards our ventilation system which is a critical component of our building plans. The ventilation system we have planned is a point-of-source system which will be used to filter particulates out of the air, to ensure that CAFAC provides a safe working environment for our students, studio artists, instructors, and our neighborhood.

We also received a smaller grant to work with a fundraising consultant to help us keep moving towards our goals. We have come a long way since our first fundraiser (a yard sale in which we raised about $300!), but we've still got a long way to go, and having some professional help to keep us moving in the right direction will be a tremendous step towards making sure we meet our goals.

Thank you, MRAC!

Bringing Back the Nokomis Theatre’s Stained Glass Windows

2010-01-18T16:37:00.016-06:00

It's always been our hope to someday restore the facade of the arts center back to its former Nokomis Theatre glory. As such, thrilled to announce that one of those original architectural elements—the stained glass windows—are coming to us much sooner than we dared to hope for! Lonny McLaughlin, a brilliant stained glass artist, future instructor at CAFAC, and neighborhood resident has generously donated his time and talents to recreate the windows that once graced the front of our building. Lonny has painstakingly analyzed historic photos to create a sketch of what the windows originally looked like. The result is a truly spectacular Prairie-style window—one that features a Tiffany-style slumped glass “turtle” ( the ‘X’) and oversized caming.

In addition, Kokomo Opalescent Glass Company has generously donated all the glass needed for the windows. This glass company is the oldest manufacturer of opalescent and cathedral stained glass in the world, having once been a principal supplier of stained glass to both Tiffany Studios and Frank Lloyd Wright. Several stained glass window experts have surmised that, based on the age of the Nokomis Theatre (1915) and Kokomo’s massive presence in the stained glass window industry at the time, that it is likely Kokomo was also the original supplier for the Nokomis Theatre windows.

And the generosity doesn’t end there! Joseph Ring of the J. Ring Glass Studio & Store, has also generously donated the remaining supplies needed for Lonny to complete the windows, and CAFAC board members who have experience in window restoration are restoring the original wood window frames which are still intact and building protective exterior wood storm windows! As part of its mission, CAFAC believes in restoring and/or adaptively reusing original architectural elements whenever possible.

A heartfelt “THANK YOU” goes out to everyone involved in this super exciting restoration project. After likely 50+ years, the warm glow of the Nokomis Theatre’s stained glass windows will once again greet all who pass by or enter the building.

THANK YOU, AMAZING FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS!

2010-01-10T11:52:00.006-06:00

Wow. When we put the call out to our supporters list to join us for a Saturday of hard physical labor and back breaking work on what I'm pretty sure was the coldest day of the winter so far, we didn't really know what would happen. But we should have known to expect great things from an amazing group of people! My muscles are sore and I'm still not quite sure I've gotten all the plaster out of my hair, but all I can think about is how completely overwhelmed and blown away I am by all the wonderful people that turned out to help us remove plaster yesterday. What an incredible team!

Here's a peek at what it looked like before we started:

The goal was to tear down as much of the plaster on the walls as we could to reveal the original blond brick, most of which was in pretty good shape. It probably goes without saying that this is not an easy task. It requires a fair amount of brute strength combined with some pretty intense detail work and a lot of patience. Some spots would come right off in huge chunks, while in other sections volunteers were painstakingly working on for 1/2 an hour just to get a 12 inch section removed.

Our first step is to get everyone checked in and geared up for safety (goggles, gloves, respirator, ear plugs, check!)

Then folks went to work with a combination of sledges, crow bars, and a couple of air hammers. Here's a peak at the southern wall team going to town (and yes, that is dust in the air).

And here's what the same wall looked like when they were almost done.
Even Bill Kordosky, our general contractor, said he was absolutely amazed at what the team of volunteers had gotten done. He said his team would be floored when they saw how much had been accomplished over the weekend.

And so are we.

To say thank you really doesn't seem to do it justice, but CAFAC supporters are an amazing group of people and we can't thank you enough!

Help CAFAC knock it off!

2010-01-06T12:31:00.007-06:00

Over the last couple of years, many of you have asked how you can help CAFAC open its doors. Well, here's a really fun, hands-on way to take out some of that holiday angst and beat the January blues while helping us renovate our building. We need approximately 25 volunteers, age 18 or older, to help us knock off a thin layer of remaining plaster from our interior walls to reveal the beautiful, original blond brick underneath. The plaster is coming off relatively easily, and just needs a little help from a hammer. Already the building is revealing some beautiful surprises as demolition gets underway - this is your chance to see it up close and play a part in its transformation!

So, if you’re interested in helping out this coming Saturday, January 9, between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., bring your muscle and fiery spirit down to 3749 Chicago Avenue and help us start turning the space into the Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center! If you have them, please bring a dead blow hammer or rubber mallet, pry bar, work gloves, dust mask, and safety glasses. For those of you who don’t have the tools necessary to partake in the fun, we’ll have a few extras on hand for you to borrow (and we'll have a supply of dust masks and safety glasses, because you can’t participate without the necessary protective gear).

Please let us know if and when you will be able to help out by sending us an email with the following details:

Name
Phone number
Shift(s) available (choose one or more): 9 a.m. - Noon, 12 - 3 p.m., 3 - 6 p.m.

All participants will also be asked to sign a waiver before beginning work.

Thanks so much…and we hope to see you on Saturday!

Sooo Exciting!

2009-12-17T05:31:00.009-06:00

Anyone who knows us knows that we geek out over old buildings, and that bringing 3749 Chcago back to its original form as the Nokomis Theater as much as possible has been part of our plan since day one, so imagine our delight when we stopped by the building to see how the renovations were going yesterday and discovered this!

It might be a little difficult to tell from the photograph, but what you are looking at is the original movie theater tile on the floor that will eventually be in our front entry way. It will be the first thing you see when you walk through the front doors, and the tiles spell out the word NOKOMIS!

We had a few more amazing finds -- it appears that a lot of the original subway tile is still in the building, and the ceiling is about a foot and half higher than we thought it was which is fantastic news!

Again, it may be a little bit tough to tell from the picture, but the ceiling has been removed in about 3/4 of the studio area. And check out those I-beams! This building isn't going anywhere!

Here's Montana taking some measurements of the windows -- we'll have some more exciting news about those to follow soon!

Twice the Gift Holiday Bonanza

2009-12-16T09:05:00.002-06:00

Thursday, December 17th, from 4 to 8 p.m., is a great opportunity to check out Twice the Gift, and holiday boutique selling unique gifts to support local nonprofits, including CAFAC. Our friends at Twice the Gift have put together a great event, with hors d'oeuvres, wine tasting, and the opportunity to meet and mingle with representatives from the organizations involved. Oh, and of course, it'll be a perfect night to take in the Holidazzle, with temperature forecasted to be a balmy 25 degrees tomorrow! Twice the Gift's website also offers you the opportunity to purchase ShareCards from the convenience of your computer.

CAFAC in the news

2009-12-09T12:24:00.002-06:00

Here's a great article from the Spokesman-Recorder about the resurgence of development activity at 38th and Chicago, including CAFAC. This intersection is unique in that it's the convergence of four neighborhoods - it really is the heart of a diverse community. The cooperation that's happening amongst the four neighborhood organizations, the business association, and the intersection's business owners is bringing about some needed positive action, and we're glad to be a part of it.

Breakin' out the Bubbly!

2009-12-04T13:57:00.002-06:00

WHOO HOO!!

The closing finally took place! Artspace officially bought the building at 3749 Chicago today, and we signed the lease yesterday so it's officially our home!

Hooray! Whoop whoop! Yee-hah! (can you tell we're a little excited?)

2009-12-03T14:35:00.004-06:00

Hi Everyone,

We just learned that Twice the Gift--a cooperative retail organization featuring products manufactured by and benefiting Twin Cities non-profit organizations--is going to be featured on WCCO tonight!

Please watch for Darcy Pohland's segment on channel 4 at 5 p.m. and keep an eye open for those CAFAC ornaments designed by our SPEAK project kids!

Give to the Max Day - November 17!

2009-11-11T11:59:00.002-06:00

Minnesota nonprofits and the individuals who want to support them will find the donation process easier and more convenient with the launch of GiveMN.org this November. GiveMN, the first-of-its-kind online giving portal, will provide donors with information about organizations that match their philanthropic goals, and will allow users to easily keep track of their donations in a single online location.

There are a number of really cool things about this new initiative. First off, thanks to its generous supporters, GiveMN is covering the transaction fees for donations processed through the site, so 100% of your donation goes to your cause. Transaction fees are normally close to 5%, so this makes a huge difference.

Second is the upcoming Give to the Max Day, next Tuesday, November 17. All donations received that day are eligible for a matching contribution from GiveMN's partners. This gives you the potential to double your donations to CAFAC simply by logging on and making a contribution in any amount!

Please mark your calendars for November 17 and make a contribution to CAFAC. Your support is critical to us as we work to renovate our building, equip our shop, and open our doors, and GiveMN makes it easy to help us out!

Sparks about to fly!

2009-10-22T20:49:00.002-05:00

Help us celebrate the official start of the Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center at the hottest ticket in town. Break some ground before snacking on fiery fare courtesy of Azia Restaurant and sipping blazing bevies. Take in the searing sounds and atmosphere of DJ Sheelz & Hasselhoff and Glamorama-guru Christopher K. And delight in sizzling live performances. All from inside our new digs in the former historic Nokomis Theater building at 38^th and Chicago. This will be your one and only opportunity to see what 3749 Chicago Avenue looks like before restoration begins, so please come, explore, and help us heat up this marvelous mass before the construction dust starts flying!

Help Us Catch Fire -Friday, October 30th

Groundbreaking Ceremony: 3:30 p.m.
FireTazMaticOrama--A Fiery Fundraiser: 5:00 p.m.
Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center
3749 Chicago Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55407

Please R.S.V.P. to Maren Christenson at 612 701 5030 or fireartscenter@gmail.com

60 Nonprofits, One Store, Twice the Gift!

2009-10-19T15:55:00.008-05:00

CAFAC is happy to be taking part in the Twice the Gift store again this year. Twice the Gift is a seasonal retail store benefiting local nonprofits and featuring unique gifts and Share Cards. When you purchase a Share Card, you are making a donation to a nonprofit organization of your choice.

This year, Twice the Gift is your source for a couple new CAFAC items: our latest limited-edition t-shirt, and a beautiful ornament based on the theme of this year's SPEAK Project. You can also find last year's ornament (see lovely Lucky modeling it?) as well as a few extremely-limited-edition t-shirts from our last run.

Twice the Gift is located in the Crystal Court of the IDS Center, and is now open Monday - Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., until January 1. Check it out for unusual and meaningful gifts this holiday season.

OCTOBER 30th - SAVE THE DATE!

2009-10-12T08:37:00.009-05:00

The big day we have been waiting for for so long is getting close! There are a still few more i's to dot and t's to cross before ownership of our building officially transfers from the City of Minneapolis to Artspace, but we getting very close and are tentatively planning a groundbreaking ceremony and fund raising event for October 30th.

We've got a very short window of opportunity between the closing and the beginning of renovations, and can't wait to show everyone the "before" view of our building prior to the letting sparks fly! Please join us in celebrating the beginning of construction, take a tour, learn about the history of the building--formerly the Nokomis Theater, and show your support for the Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center!

More details will follow soon, but please mark your calendars:
Date: Friday, October 30th
Time: Groundbreaking event: 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Fundraiser: 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Location: Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center
3749 Chicago Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55407
Tel: 612 294 0400
E-mail: fireartscenter@gmail.com

We look forward to seeing you there!

Sneak Peek at the Shop Layout!

2009-10-06T12:51:00.003-05:00

We are weeks away from the start of renovations! Take a look at these vignettes for an idea of how the center will look when we open! I was so excited that I printed a bunch of these and gave them to my children as coloring pages:) Okay...some of them might be for me.

Art+Fire is this weekend!

2009-09-24T17:35:00.002-05:00

We're really looking forward to participating in the annual Art+Fire Project, happening this Saturday the 26th, in the village park in lovely Stockholm, WI. This daylong interactive public art event culminates in the burning of a huge wooden sculpture (this year, it's the lake monster Pepie) on the shores of Lake Pepin. Kind of like Burning Man without the desert, right? CAFAC will be there all day, doing demos with our mobile welding lab and forge. It's a scenic 1.5 hours from Minneapolis... you should come!

We made MN Monthly's Best of the Twin Cities!

2009-09-22T10:44:00.003-05:00

Best of the Twin Cities - Art Classes

It's a medium you probably didn't know existed. But fire art--made by heat spark and flame, yielding everything to sculpture to jewelry to fire-breathing--now has its own home in the newest and funkiest arts center in Minneapolis. The Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center just opened in a former movie theater, where artists weld and wield blowtorches and pound on anvils--a blacksmith shop without all the horses. And soon, you too, can learn the incendiary arts--through classes that promise to be a very hot ticket. 3749 Chicago Avenue South, Minneapolis 612 701 5030. cafac.org.

I LOVE this write up! It's perfect in so many ways, however "just opened" is a bit overzealous. We did manage to secure the last piece of financing last week and our architect, Jeff Schoeneck of UrbanWorks Architecture is taking our final drawings to the city this Friday to work their way through the permit process. We are a mere handful of weeks from beginning our build out, so hang on to your hats people!

and oh, our new phone number is 612.294.0400

SPEAK 2009: NORTHSIDE

2009-08-24T08:52:00.004-05:00

This year's SPEAK Project closed out with a dedication ceremony for the northside project, which involved the creation of a gate for the Jordan Area Community Garden at the intersection of 26th and Knox in North Minneapolis. Artists, neighborhood residents, and community leaders gathered for a ceremony on Saturday, August 22nd, in which the gate was unveiled to the neighborhood. Those gathered for the dedication ceremony enjoyed a spoken word performance by our poets from Breaking Free, introductions to our partner organizations including the Hennepin County Home School, Breaking Free, the Jordan Area Community Council, and the Pohlad Family Foundation.

Congratulations and thank you to everyone who was involved in making our fourth year of the SPEAK project a success!

ART + KIDS + COMMUNITY = SPEAK 2009

2009-08-17T17:20:00.015-05:00

IT'S TIME FOR SPEAK 2009!

2009-08-11T16:51:00.004-05:00

Please join us for a celebration and dedication ceremony for the latest works from the SPEAK Project, 2009!

The SPEAK Project is a collaborative youth-produced exhibit featuring metal sculpture, painting, spoken word and digital photography which represents the important dialogue between the youth and our community. Please join us in celebrating the creative efforts of our kids with an afternoon of sculpture, poetry and images.

What: Two exciting projects this year! The SPEAK Project Dedication Celebrations will feature youth-produced poetry, photography, painting, and metal sculpture. Refreshments will be served.

SOUTHSIDE:

Where: We'll be at the Youth Farm Garden – 37^th Street and Chicago Avenue, South Minneapolis.

When: Saturday August 15^th, 2009, 4-6 p.m

NORTHSIDE:

Where: Jordan Community Garden - 26th and Knox, North Minneapolis

When: Saturday, August 22, 2009 4-6 p.m.

The SPEAK Project is organized by the Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center and made possible through generous donations provided by the Irwin Andrew Porter Foundation and the Pohlad Family Foundation.

For more information give us a shout at fireartscenter@gmail.com or 612.294.0400.

Can't wait to see you there!

Powderhorn Art Fair

2009-08-11T14:15:00.004-05:00

Hello everyone!

Thanks to everyone who helped make our first year at the Powderhorn Art Fair a tremendous success (despite some not so welding-friendly weather)!

We are forever grateful to our volunteers: Yvette, Laura, Jim, Jim, Lynn, and Larry for donating their time and talent. We could not have done this without you!

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hello--we are already looking forward to next year!

From the Springblog

2009-08-04T21:59:00.002-05:00

The fantastic folks at Springboard for the Arts asked us for a little interview on the process we went through for our recently awarded ARRA (aka stimulus) funds. Check it out!

Thanks Springboard!

CAFAC @ Community Events

2009-07-27T14:13:00.002-05:00

CAFAC will be taking its show on the road for a few community events coming up in the next couple months. We'll be bringing our mobile welding unit (which we've not been able to give a better name than the MWU - got any ideas?) and creating improvisational metal sculptures (you pick a piece from our pile of metal scrap, tell us where to attach it, and we'll weld it on). We'll have some CAFAC schwag too - buttons, bookmarks, and the latest edition of our popular "speaking flame" t-shirt. Come visit us at:

*Bancroft Midsummer Festival: Wednesday, July 29, 5 to 9 p.m., Bancroft Meadows (42nd and Bloomington). This event's also got free ice cream! Here's more info.

*Powderhorn Art Fair: Saturday & Sunday, August 8 & 9, Powderhorn Park. It's art fair weekend in Mpls, and CAFAC is excited to take part in its first Powderhorn Art Fair! We'll have a variety of pieces by local artists representing the range of art-making activities that will take place at CAFAC. Stop by and say hi!

*Art+Fire Project: Saturday, September 26, Stockholm, WI. We're really thrilled to be taking part in this event put on by the Lake Pepin Art & Design Center, in which a large community-built wooden sculpture is lit and burned to the ground. Find more details about the all the activities leading up to the Art+Fire event right here.

We'd love to see you at one of these fantastic events!

History, Architecture, and Tours...Oh My!

2009-07-22T12:23:00.003-05:00

I'm very happy to share that mine and Montana's second annual Historic Park Avenue Walking Tour ("From Queen Annes to Classical Revivals: Stories of Park Avenue and Its People") once again broke attendance records for any previous Mpls Heritage Preservation Commission-sponsored summer walking tour. Despite early morning downpours, 110 people came out on a very overcast Saturday morning on June 27 to walk five blocks (from the corner of 31st and Park to a gorgeous 1898 Victorian on the 3600 block of Park) over the course of two hours to learn about the prominent architects, builders, and original owners of the street's fine residences. Along the route, we passed a lovely structure at 3550-52 Park: a gorgeous Spanish/Mediterranean-style brick apartment building designed by prominent Architect Carleton W. Farnham in 1928.

How does any of this relate to the Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center? Well, Carleton W. Farnham also designed the lovely two-story, 1925 Arts & Crafts-style brick building at 3740 Chicago Avenue South, directly across the street from the future home of CAFAC! And, for those of you who don't already know, the future home of CAFAC (at 3749 Chicago) was once the home of the historic Nokomis Theater, which was originally built in 1915 as a silent moving picture theater, but underwent a major expansion in 1928-1929 under Architect Joseph Nason.

Therefore...with so much amazing historic architecture just two blocks away on Park Avenue, and two known important structures at the intersection of 38th and Chicago, one can only imagine how many other gems exist at this once (and soon to be again!) bustling business node. (I guess I have some more research to do!) And, since there is obviously so much public interest in the history and architecture of this immediate area of south Minneapolis (as evidenced in record-breaking attendance two years in a row for the Park Avenue walking tours), once my 38th and Chicago research is compiled...it may be time to host a historic architectural walking tour of 38th and Chicago, too! Ending, of course, with a special tour of the restored Nokomis Theater building (CAFAC)!

You can learn more about the history of the Nokomis Theater/CAFAC's future home—and plans for the restoration—at http://cafac.org/pdf/theBUILDING.pdf

-Ryan

Where to start?

2009-07-01T16:40:00.004-05:00

Hard to know where to start with an update that's so overdue! Suffice it to say that a lot has been happening, and continues to happen every day. To anyone in the neighborhood who has driven by our building, coming soon signs went up a couple of months ago. It was so great to finally see some signs of life on the outside of the building (see photo).We heard from many folks in the immediate area that it was reassuring to see these go up...proof that it's actually happening. Right now we are in the middle of making a ton of tiny decisions about the interior of the space; from light fixtures to location of outlets, and from paint colors to bathroom fixtures. It's a wonderful, stressful, fun, and exhilarating time for not only CAFAC, but for our little corner of South Minneapolis. And for the first time, CAFAC will have a presence at the Powderhorn Art Festival. Come and meet some of our instructors and take part in some heat spark, or flame with live demonstrations.

We must be getting better at this grant writing thing!

2009-05-28T14:53:00.002-05:00

We just received the good word that we received funding from the Neighborhood Partnership Initiative to make a mini-video documentary this summer about CAFAC, the SPEAK Project, and using the arts as a tool to build community! So exciting!

KUDOS!

2009-05-26T13:59:00.001-05:00

CAFAC board members Ryan Knoke and Montana Scheff were honored with the Community Education & Advocacy Award at the Heritage Preservation Awards on Thursday for their work in preserving the Central Neighborhood in South Minneapolis.

The awards, given by the Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission, The Minneapolis Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, and Preserve Minneapolis, honor exemplary projects, individuals and community organizations that celebrate and enhance the heritage and historic character of Minneapolis.

Way to go Ryan and Montana!

A shout out from the Mayor!

2009-03-26T11:12:00.005-05:00

Mayor Rybak gave his 2009 State of the City address yesterday. I'd heard rumors that he'd mentioned CAFAC in his speech, but couldn't quite believe it. Turns out it's all true! In the section about building a home-grown economy, he mentions three new development projects financed by City loans, including ours. Just one little quibble - he referred to us as the Chicago Avenue FINE Arts Center, when really we're the FIRE Arts Center. But I guess that's better than Fire ANTS Center...

Thanks, Mayor Rybak and the City of Minneapolis!

It occurs to me that I should clarify what the financing arrangements with the City are, so there's no confusion about how our project is proceeding. The City acquired our building last year using its Capital Acquisition Revolving Fund (aka CARF) with the intention of selling it to Artspace Projects, who will in turn lease the building to CAFAC. Artspace is currently in the process of arranging financing for the building acquisition; once that is finalized, that money will be returned to CARF so that it can finance other projects. When will this all happen? Well, we wish we had a firm date, but we don't. We're planning on 3-6 months of renovation once Artspace takes possession of the building, so we are hoping our doors will be open in the fall.

2009-03-12T18:35:00.004-05:00

Some exciting news to report today, folks. We just received word that we received a very generous grant from the Pohlad Family Foundation that will be used towards our equipment budget for the Center.

Feeling very humbled right now. There are certainly times when bringing all the pieces together seems a little overwhelming, but today we took a huge step forward! Hooray!

Thank you Pohald Family!

Make: TV

2009-02-06T12:55:00.006-06:00

Last year one of my welded sculpture students, Bill Gurstelle, asked if I would be interested in filming a segment of the pilot for a new show on TPT called Make: TV. umm...yes please. Four blacksmithing students joined me down at the MCTC welding lab for the shoot. In the class, each student builds their own forge to take home. They do all of the welding and fabrication themselves. It's pretty amazing to see people who have never been in a metal shop before, walk out with a smithy of their own in 10 weeks. This brings me great joy.

The TPT team had the new smiths showing off their new forging skills as well as some fabulous paint jobs (this group really got into masking and layering the 1200 degree stove paint we coat the forges with). We had a blast!

The show got the funding it needed to roll out January of this year. It's on TPT 2 Saturdays at 5:00 p.m. You can check it out online too at Make: TV

This amazing program airs nationally and came from our very own Twin Cities creative hotbed. One of the many benefits of having the show based here is we get to be a part of it. The Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center will be among the many contributing participants at the Mini Maker Faire going on Saturday March 14, 2009 called Make: Day at the Science Museum of MN.

Come see amazing and innovative makers demonstrate and you can participate as well!

See you there!

Checking out the building

2009-01-10T18:41:00.015-06:00

Hello Friends! Maren here...

Today was an exciting day for us! It was the first time we had been in the future home of the Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center in a while, and it was wonderful to go and poke around again. We are still waiting for the building to be sold from the City of Minneapolis to Artspace--once that happens we should be able to get in any time--but this was a great opportunity to take photographs and measurements for the next round of plans and renderings.

Throughout the building there are little hints of the building's history as a movie theater. Here is a shot of Ryan and Heather taking measurements of the spots where the movie posters used to be. (Check out the giddy look on Heather's face!)

Our plan is to eventually restore as much of the old movie theater's original facade as we can. This is something we'll have to do as our funding allows so it won't happen right away, but eventually we hope return the original theater marquis and entry, bring back the old tile facade, and restore the entry way to its original form. (If you haven't seen it already, you can see a picture of what it used to look like from a photo that was taken in 1919 on our website at www.cafac.org)

Here is another little hint of the building's past: the old fashioned push switch for the house lights that is located in the projection room. We are hoping to be able to keep as much of the original project room intact as possible, and it will be our primary class room area.

Here is a shot of the old speaker boxes. If you look closely you can still see some of the detail from the grill work--that's definitely going to stay!

The feeling I had walking through our future home today was that same surge of excitement I had when I first walked through the house that my husband, Scott, and I are restoring today: there is a certain exhilaration in seeing something you know is going to take an incredible amount of work, but knowing what it could be...what it WILL be..that was a rush!

The JUSTICE ornament

2008-12-04T20:05:00.002-06:00

If you read the Twice the Gift invitation I posted on this blog a few weeks ago, you might have wondered, "hmmm...what does an art center that isn't quite up and running yet produce to sell at a holiday store?" Well, I'm glad you asked. We made what we affectionately call
"The JUSTICE ornament".

The letters of the JUSTICE ornament were designed by five teenagers serving in the Hennepin County Home School. The design was created for the 2008 SPEAK Project, where it was part of a large metal sculpture installation in North Minneapolis Cottage Park. The SPEAK Project is a program sponsored by the Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center that engages urban youth in a constructive dialogue with their communities, providing an opportunity for self-expression through the creation of public art.

The letters stand for seven words they chose to signify their struggle to reintegrate into their communities.

Just United Struggle Transition Integrity Collaborate Escalate

I've been teaching the metal sculpture element of the SPEAK Project for three years now. I've worked with a lot of amazing young people in that time. Some of them young enough to take in the welding lab with wide curious eyes without so much as a thought or care about what anyone would think if they whooped and hollered when it was their turn to make some sparks. Most of them, however were deeply enmeshed in the guarded teenage microcosm that can scar and twist the creative individuality right out of a kid. I remember it. It was so tough. These kids were dealing with that multiplied by I can't imagine how much more. Fortunately, my fiery medium has a way of drawing kids out. Exciting them to speak...in their own words...in their own way.

These were their words. This was their process. I learned a lot from them.

jus⋅tice

[juhs-tis] –noun

1. the quality of being just; righteousness, equitableness, or moral rightness

We were thrilled by the opportunity to participate in Twice the Gift as the proceeds from the sale of the items created by the non-profit participants go back to the non-profits. CAFAC decided to share the proceeds with the youth participants who inspired it by creating a scholarship for them at Hennepin County Home School.

Thank Gawd the supermodel Lucky Scheff-Knoke a.k.a. "The Luckstresse" was available to model it for us.

It's good to Google yourself

2008-11-06T16:59:00.004-06:00

You never know when someone out there has written something quite nice about you, such as this post from Michael Fallon on The Rake's blog, The Thousandth Word. The title of his post, "Art from the Ashes," is particularly appropriate for us, seeing as we're all about fire, and we appreciate being seen as a glimmer of hope in otherwise dreary times (not to mention a crap-sandwich alternative).

But Mr. Fallon's post did remind me that our little website is pretty meager, and woefully out-of-date, which is why we're trying to blog until such time as a fantastic new website comes our way. I've written previously about when we plan to open our doors, but our fundraising goals have grown (surprise) as we've moved into this next phase of our development. Currently, we're working on raising $80,000 for equipment and other start-up costs, and another $35,000 for operating costs in 2009. We've got a few irons in the fire (ha! there's really no end to fire-related metaphors), including our participation in the Twice the Gif t store this holiday season and a plan for a fundraising event late this year. But as always, if you would like to help us ignite the flame (there's another!), do check our website for info on our donations program.

So, when are we going to open?

2008-10-21T20:58:00.003-05:00

We've gotten a few questions to this effect lately and realize that people might start to wonder, now that the building has been vacant for a couple of months... But while the timeframe's going to be a bit farther out than we originally hoped (I guess it always is), the good news is that everything is falling into place and we are on track for opening in Summer 2009. Last week, our future landlord (Artspace Projects) received approval from the City Council's Community Development Committee to receive funding through its bank-qualified loan program. Whew! With the current state of affairs in the financial markets we were more than a bit concerned, so to have the financing in place is very good news.

So, we're now looking at Artspace acquiring the building by the end of the year, and renovations beginning as soon as possible thereafter. We're planning on six months for renovations, making July our grand opening. There are still many more hurdles to jump before the doors open and lots of work to do... but the dream's becoming a reality.

Oak Street Marquee

2008-10-21T11:57:00.002-05:00

Victoria got a random call one morning from someone she knows at the City of Minneapolis. Evidently, the OAK STREET THEATER IS COMING DOWN! There is a new development happening over there. I don't know about all of you, but that's very sad. I went to school in this town and that place is prior context. For years it was one of my favorites and it'll soon be gone. So we ache for a bit... and then they ask her if CAFAC wants the marquee!!! In the words of our board president, Maren, "Ummmm...yes please! When can we pick it up?" We're meeting on Friday to talk about exactly what that will entail. There are original architects drawings of the Marquee (that's enough fun in and of itself) and I imagine, if we can work out a way to get it over here and up, it's ours. A piece of history, not just of the old building, but our own past. We're thrilled to give it a new home, now we just need to figure out how to manage it...

Twice The Gift

2008-10-20T12:42:00.001-05:00

Twice the Gift offers unique option for holiday gift givers…
Buy a meaningful gift and support The Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center!

Twice the Gift is a unique downtown Minneapolis shop that showcases the products and services provided by more than 50 Twin Cities nonprofit organizations, including the Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center (CAFAC), this holiday season.

At Twice the Gift, shoppers can select a meaningful gift for loved ones and/or business associates that will benefit others in the community. The Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center will sell ornaments based on its 2008 SPEAK Project at the shop.

Other Twin Cities nonprofits from Open Arms Minnesota to Partnership Resources will offer a variety of gifts for all ages. Additionally, “Giftcards” will be available exclusively at Twice the Gift. A Giftcard honors the recipient by supporting specific services or items needed by Twin Cities nonprofits. Giftcards will underwrite everything from artists-in-residence at public schools to providing a week of emergency shelter for a family. CAFAC’s Giftcards will support its youth scholarship fund.

Twice the Gift will be open November 21 through December 31. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The store is located in Gaviidae II – 2nd floor/Skyway Level, 555 Nicollet Mall, Suite 295, Minneapolis.

Twice the Gift is being underwritten for Twin Cities nonprofits by the Pohlad Family Foundation with 100% of the proceeds benefiting participating nonprofit organizations. Please put Twice the Gift at the top of your holiday shopping list this year!

August update

2008-10-09T20:16:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends of Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center,

EXCITING NEWS!
We have some wonderful news to report. Just yesterday, the City of Minneapolis closed on the building at 3749 Chicago Avenue – our future home! This is a major milestone, and brings us one step closer to opening our doors! We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all who worked so hard to make this happen!

The next step is for Artspace, which will eventually be our landlord, to purchase the building from the city of Minneapolis. Artspace is the nation's leading nonprofit developer of spaces for artists and arts organizations. The process of lining up the financing, dotting the i's and crossing the t's will likely take several months, but we'll be using that time to refine our business plan, focus on some of the back-end infrastructure issues, and continue with our favorite pastime – fundraising!

A Gift of Talent from Brown College
One of the other activities that we've been working on this summer is the interior design of the building. We were fortunate enough to be the recipients of volunteer services from Commercial Design students at the Brown College Institute of Design who were looking for a portfolio-building capstone project. Each student developed a complete plan for our gallery, office, and common spaces, with suggestions for layout of the area as well as specific finishes and treatments. Their ideas combined an appreciation of the building's history as a movie theatre and its original design features with our need to create attractive, functional space for a new arts center. We were thrilled with the end results, which allowed us to pick the features that will work best for our intentions and walk away with a finished plan for renovation. Partnering with college students felt like the perfect fit for us as an educational organization, and the students enjoyed working on an exciting new project like CAFAC – definitely a win-win situation for all involved!

SPEAK Project
Even though we don't have a physical home yet, we are continuing with our summer youth program called the SPEAK Project. In 2006, SPEAK's first year, about 30 kids from the four neighborhoods that intersect at 38^th Street and Chicago Avenue (where the Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center will be located), participated and designed sculptures based around the theme of "Unity in Diversity." In its second year, the project grew to include about 40 kids and focused on the theme of "Respect", with spoken word and digital photography classes added to the mix.

This year, the theme of the project is "Growth in the Community" and fittingly, the SPEAK project is branching out to include the North Side of Minneapolis. Through a generous grant from the Pohlad Family Foundation, SPEAK will be working with a group of kids to build an "art bench" that will be a wonderful addition to Cottage Park in the Jordan neighborhood.SPEAK will also continue on the South Side this year, with work beginning on a fence for the community garden located at the corner of 33^rd and Columbus in the Central Neighborhood.

Please join us for the dedication ceremony of the North Side project which will take place on Saturday, August 23!

And finally….
Once again, we would like to send our sincerest thanks to all the incredible people who have done and continue to do so much of the behind-the-scenes work to bring the Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center to reality. We are humbled by your generosity, inspired by your enthusiasm, and motivated by your commitment to making this dream come true.

Thank you!

Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center Board of Directors

Heather Doyle Victoria Lauing Montana Scheff Ryan Knoke Scott Hofer Maren Christenson