Artist is using electric welding to weld large flat aluminum sheet.

Studio

CAFAC’s studio programs provide access to three well-equipped and maintained shop areas, known as the industrial floor, the mezzanine, and the salon. Together, these three areas are outfitted to support artists working in blacksmithing, welding and metal fabrication, mold-making and foundry, jewelry, lampworking and stained glass, vitreous enameling, and neon bending.

You'll find a wealth of tools, equipment, instruction, resources, and networking, as well as a supportive and creative community at CAFAC.

Learn more about CAFAC’s shop and equipment.

Are you seeking an artist/fabricator to create a custom piece or do a repair?
The CCC: Craftsperson Commission Connection can help! Learn about it here and fill out the form—we’ll hook you up with someone who has the skills you need.

Visit the Shop

We’re here weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and happy to show you around! Get in touch to set something up or ask questions about shop access programs. You can also join one of our quarterly facility tours.

Studio Programs

Studio Gallery

Reheater

Once you’ve completed a class at CAFAC, Reheater is your option to take it again, continuing to develop your skills or work on a project with an instructor’s guidance as needed. Includes storage on the student work storage shelf. Reheater spots are offered at a discount and are limited. Register through our class schedule.

SPARC

Otherwise known as Studio Pass at Reduced Cost, SPARC is for those with intermediate to advanced skills. Many SPARC users start as CAFAC students; others are experienced artists who had been working on their own. SPARC users demonstrate their ability to work safely and competently in their chose program area by completing an orientation and test-out process.

SPARC provides access to the equipment and tools for a specific program area, at scheduled times, for a reasonable cost. Supervision is provided during SPARC hours, but you’ll work independently on personal projects. A locked storage space is available for $30/month (storage is not included otherwise).

Learn more about SPARC.

Studio Rental

CAFAC has three self-contained, lockable storage studios that come with access to the shop during all open hours. Studios are approximately 8 x 8 feet and may be shared by two artists for an additional cost.

Studio rentals include storage for personal equipment, materials, and projects; access to equipment (when it is not being used by classes); gases and other basic consumables (electrodes, wire, etc.) as needed by the ordinary usage of shop equipment.

Studio #2 will be available to lease starting in January 2023. The monthly rate is $375 for a 12-month lease. Get in touch for more information. Rental is subject to the negotiation and execution of a definitive rental agreement.

Artist Residency

Launched in 2023, the residency program offers three opportunities annually to spend four months of focused, supported time working at CAFAC. Now we offer a Creative Exhibition Residency and a Studio Residency on either an enameling or 3D sculptural track.

Learn about the residency program here.

Shop Equipment

Industrial Floor

The industrial floor is home to our welding and metal fabrication, blacksmithing, metal casting, and enameling programs. Here’s a partial list of industrial floor equipment:

Blacksmithing
Propane gas forges | 100 pound anvils | KA75 power hammer | Hossfeld bender

Metal Casting
Blast furnaces and crucibles for bronze and aluminum | Chemical-bonded sand, greensand, and ceramic shell molding | Wax-working equipment | Needlescaler | Patina chemicals

And also
Large-scale enameling kiln | 2-ton capacity forklift | Positionable point-of-source fume extractors | Ambient and backdraft ventilation units | Sandblaster

mezzanine

The mezzanine is where smaller scale work takes place, including jewelry-making and neon bending. Here’s a partial list of mezzanine equipment:

Jewelry-making
Foredom flex shafts with oxy-fuel torches | Rotary tumblers | Rolling mill | Metal clay & enameling kiln | Vacuum & centrifugal casters

Neon
Ribbon burners | Crossfire burners | Hand-held two-point torches

And also
Positionable point-of-source fume extractor

Photo of the jewelry department benches.

Photo of an artist using a jewelry torch to heat up metal

Photo of teacher demonstrating to three students how to make stained glass

SALON

The salon is located next door to our main building, at 3741 Chicago Ave. It's home to our glass and encaustic programs. Here's a partial list of equipment in the salon:

And also
Point-of-source fume extractors

“I used to think the most important aspects of a a studio were the facilities and equipment available, now I know that a studio is about so much more than that. A studio like CAFAC comes with a community, a family, an amazing support system that keeps each of us going through the inevitable struggles of being an artist.”

— Becca Cerra, studio renter