SPARC is a studio access program for artists with intermediate/advanced skills who are able to work safely and independently in the CAFAC shop. It’s a great opportunity to get access to the tools and equipment you need, and also to connect with other artists and students. We welcome you to join the SPARC crew!

SPARC currently offered in the following program areas:

• Blacksmithing

• Foundry

• Jewelry

• Lampworking

• Neon

• Welding & metal fabrication

Most SPARC users start as students at CAFAC, which provides not only training in the safe and efficient use of tools and equipment, but also experience working in our facility and learning environment. Our space is designed to meet the needs and interests of many and class participation is one way we build community.

Artists who have been trained and gained experience elsewhere (like a college/university, another arts organization, or in industry) are welcome to become SPARC users without taking a class first. The process is different for those artists, so that we can ensure all users are able to work safely and confidently and that we can meet all expectations.

SPARC for those who have taken a class at CAFAC

In order to sign up for SPARC, you’ll take a written and a field test in your chosen program area, to demonstrate your knowledge and ability to use the tools and equipment.  

Get in touch with us to schedule your test. Once you’ve completed your test, you can sign up for SPARC.

SPARC for those who have not taken a class at CAFAC

In order to sign up for SPARC, there are two steps: 

1. Sign up and attend one of our free 30-minute tours (held quarterly), to get an introduction to CAFAC as an organization and to our facility overall. If you like what you see and want to move forward with SPARC, then:

2. Take a program orientation (to familiarize you with the tools/equipment in your chosen program area), followed by a written and a field test (to demonstrate your knowledge and ability to use the tools/equipment safely and independently). Program orientation and test-out take about two hours and cost $75.

   Get in touch with us to schedule your program orientation and test. Once you’ve passed your test, you can sign up for SPARC. 

What if you don’t pass a test-out?
We may determine that you need to refresh some skills before you can safely work on your own in the shop. Not to worry, it happens, especially if it’s been awhile since you’ve practiced. Since we are an educational organization, we have the resources to get you up and running. In these situations, you can apply your $75 to a class or to one-on-one training with an instructor.

SPARC cost, schedule, and hours

SPARC costs $150/month or $360/quarter.

Please plan to start SPARC at the beginning of a month or quarter (quarters start in January, April, July, and October). We don’t pro-rate the SPARC fee if you start later in a month/quarter.

• When you sign up for SPARC, you’ll choose from two schedule options: Monday/Wednesday/Saturday or Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday. These are default schedules that help us manage how many users are in the space at a time, but we try to be flexible whenever possible.

• Weekday hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday hours are variable.

• Variable hours on Fridays and Sundays may also be available, depending on our class schedule (see below about SPARC access during classes).

• Lampwork SPARC users can also attend monthly Open Torch Time.

SPARC access during class hours
Some SPARC hours overlap with afternoon and evening classes, and classes have priority for equipment access. For example, if the Tuesday afternoon blacksmithing class is full, all the forges will be in use so it’s not a good time to do blacksmithing SPARC. On the other hand, if you’re doing jewelry SPARC, you’re welcome to work during blacksmithing classes.

Once you’re signed up for SPARC, you’ll be added to a Signal text group. This is how we keep in touch with current SPARC users on a weekly/daily basis so that we know who is coming in and when, and can let you know what kind of access you can expect.

What CAFAC provides

During your SPARC hours, you have access to all equipment for which you’ve successfully tested, as well as the tool crib. CAFAC maintains the tools and equipment and provides basic operating consumables.

Foundry SPARC
You’ll be able to pour your own smaller pieces using our single operator propane furnace which has a maximum capacity of 6# aluminum/18# bronze. For larger work, you can join the pours held during quarterly classes or at occasional community events. Our larger furnace also runs on propane and can accommodate up to a number 30 crucible holding 30# aluminum/90# bronze. We do not currently have a gantry for lifting. 

Neon SPARC
CAFAC’s neon instructor can pump tubes for SPARC users in our facility. The rate is $35 per hour, payable to the instructor.

What you provide

In general, you will provide your project materials and consumables. For specific program areas, this may include:

Blacksmithing and welding/fabrication

• Metal (new or scrap)

• Specialized tools or jigs

Foundry*

• Metal

• Mold-making materials

Lampworking

• Glass

• Mandrels and bead release

Jewelry

• Materials (metal, stones, etc.)

• Solder

• Flexshaft attachments

Neon*

• Glass

• Swivels and blowhose

• Electrodes and other finishing components