Fire Arts Center of Chicago

A great place to learn metal-working.

I've been coming to fire arts for over 4 and a half years and am now an instructor. I believe fire arts is needed in the Chicago area because of a lack of places where you can learn new trades. The teachers are great, and the classes are great too. I've made many friends since coming here my freshman year of high school and learned many new skills. Would deffinetly recommend coming and taking classes if you are wanting to get into blacksmithing, foundry, furniture making, sculpting, carving, figure painting, etc.

I've been taking classes for almost 2 years now, and can honestly say this is one of the most supportive and positive places for artists I've ever seen in Chicago. Nothing but good things to say.

I've been coming to Fire Arts for more than 2 years now, and it is an overall great experience to learn about the study of traditional fine arts pertaining to metal working. Both the breadth and depth of the two primary teachers are extensive.

A variety of classes are offered, such as bladesmithing, foundry, furniture making, metal sculpture, figure sculpture, stone carving and more. You will learn theories, concepts, and principles behind art and design. You will learn more about craftsmanship and fabrication techniques from building and making your project.

Classes are hands-on from day one. The class structure is fluid. Students come in and each work on their own individual projects, while the teachers provide guidance to each student as needed. Cross-pollination of ideas and mutual learning between students is constant at Fire Arts. This place truly houses some invaluable knowledge of the classical fine arts.

If you want the real deal on traditional metal working in Chicago, this is the place to go.