Pound for Pound: Classes for Continuing Blacksmiths!

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!

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

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!

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)

Register today on our website, or give us a call at 612.294.0400!

Still room left...

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!