Artisans Asylum Course Catalog
Tiered Pricing Available
Classes marked with a symbol offer
tiered pricing options.
MetalShop
INTRO TO WELDING - MIG, TIG, & STICK
1:00PM - 4:00PM
$190 + $25 MATERIAL FEE
May 17th
June 14th
In this class, students will be introduced to the theory and practice of joining metals and making stuff! We’ll explain and demonstrate the three common welding processes (MIG, TIG, and stick welding) and provide guidance on the pros and cons for various projects/applications We’ll spend time talking through the nuts and bolts of welding safety, the necessary equipment, equipment setup, and the actual skilled practice of welding
DESIGN AND METALWORKING
6:00PM - 10:00PM
$160 + $30 MATERIAL FEE
The first of three four-hour sessions teaches how to use these tools in sequence to design and make durable, functional, accurate steel parts. The second four-hour session will include a review of mechanical design, as well as a lesson on using the CAD tools at AA to prepare an optimal design for fabrication. Projects are the focus of the third four-hour session We have a set of pre-designed projects of moderate complexity, and we can address projects that students propose Lessons on the first day will partly fabricate these, and on the third day the projects will be finished
SANDBLASTING AT ARTISANS ASYLUM
6:00PM - 7:30PM $75
Get Tool Tested on A2's Sandblasting equipment! Sandblasting prepares a piece for powder coating or other finishing. It can also be a good way to clean a piece before TIG welding This course will cover using Artisans’ sandblasting cabinet, what can and cannot be blasted with our equipment, as well as shop safety and etiquette
Multi-Session May 18th, 20th, 22nd
May 13th
June 10th
MetalShop
METAL SHOP 101
5:30PM - 9:30PM
$380 + $40 MATERIAL FEE
In this class, you will learn the fundamentals of MIG welding and the tools in the shop to cut, grind and shape metal. Combining these skills will open up a world of possibilities and a solid base to excel in other classes in the metal shop.
Multi-Session May 5th, 12th, 19th
BLACKSMITHING BASICS: STEAK TURNER
5:30PM - 9:30PM
$106 + $10 MATERIAL FEE
Blacksmithing is one of the most ancient types of metalwork, and it is still practiced today for the power in creating tools. In this class, we’ll stay true to the origins of the craft and make a simple tool in the form of a Steak turner (works great for eggplant too)! Through this process, we’ll learn the fundamental techniques such as tapering, bending, and making a handle with an ergonomic design This class is perfect for anyone ready to dive into this beautiful, ancient craft
BLACKSMITHING BASICS: GUN TO GARDEN TROWEL
5:30PM - 9:30PM
$128 + $25 MATERIAL FEE
In a modern twist on swords to plowshares, this class, guns to garden trowels, will utilize the flexible nature of the craft of blacksmithing to turn old, busted shotgun barrels into a useful tool for the garden In this class, we will use recycled parts from shotguns to learn blacksmithing techniques like, setting an edge, mounting work to a handle, and hot rasping to breathe new life into metal that was destined for the dump. A fun and unique class for any skill level, Garden Trowel is a great class for complete beginners and intermediate-level smiths alike!
InstructorSpotlight-MetalShop
Doug has been welding for over a decade, working professionally as a welder/fabricator for the past eight years He has welded everything from chain link fence gates and steel table bases to complex sanitary-grade brewery equipment such as tanks, skids, pumps, flow plates, and many thousands of feet of process piping He’s held a 6G certification to AWS 18 1 / testing performed to AWS B2 1 and has passed numerous welding tests for work in the food & beverage and aerospace industries.
Courses: INTRO TO WELDING - MIG, TIG, & STICK
WoodShop
WOOD SHOP 101
2:00PM - 4:30PM
$160 + $25 MATERIAL FEE
This is an introductory course in woodshop machinery Beginners will learn how to safely use power and hand tools to complete their projects Participants will learn how to choose fasteners, select appropriate wood, and cut and shape it to suit their needs
MASTERING CARD AND CABINET SCRAPER TECHNIQUES FOR FINE WOODWORKING
6:00PM - 8:00PM
$133 + $15 MATERIAL FEE
Master the techniques for sharpening and effectively using card scrapers and cabinet scrapers! Despite their immense utility in woodworking, these tools are immensely underutilized as they appear daunting to sharpen and maintain due to their simplicity and the precision required to create the perfect edge
ROUGH TO SMOOTH: USING THE MITER SAW, BANDSAW, JOINTER, PLANER AND SANDERS
6:00PM - 8:30PM
$185 + $35 MATERIAL FEE
This class teaches students the safe operation and maintenance of using the Miter Saw, Bandsaw, Jointer, Planer, and Sanders This class teaches students the safe operation and maintenance of these, including the techniques for using them to dimension rough stock, shape it, and smooth the final shape.
TABLE SAW: USING THE SAWSTOP INDUSTRIAL CABINET SAW
6:00PM - 8:30PM
$143 + $35 MATERIAL FEE
The student will learn how to safely use a cabinet Saw Stop Table Saw Students will be given the opportunity to learn how to set up the table saw for various cuts The students will learn how to correctly use the crosscut sled and the miter sled.
Multi-Session
May 16th & 17th
ROUTER TABLE 101
2:00PM - 4:30PM
$212 + $20 MATERIAL FEE
This class is intended for those with limited experience on a router table and want to learn the basics, walk away with the knoweldge on how to make a cutting board This class covers all basic operations of how to navigate the router table, such as: fence opertaions, bearing bit operations, tongue and groove joints Students will learn how to shape a cutting board with a provided template and become tool tested on the router table!
June 18th
Multi-Session
May 27th & 28th
June 23rd & 24th
May 13th June 10th
Multi-Session May 9th & 10th
WoodShop
BOX BUILDING 102
9:30AM - 4:00PM
$264 + $40 MATERIAL FEE
Build an Asian-inspired box In this two-day class. Students will learn design concepts, pattern routing, cove cutting, and using the gooseneck scraper. The box will be constructed primarily of exotic woods including Leopardwood, Zebrawood, and Wenge Don is an experienced woodworking teacher and maker of many exquisite wooden boxes With Don's guidance, students will create their own box while giving them a memorable experience and the ability to take on more challenging box-making projects
BOX BUILDING 104
9:30AM - 4:00PM
$264 + $50 MATERIAL FEE
This box is made from cherry or sapele The top is a veneered panel of a burl. The lift tab is olive wood. The box bottom is lined with espresso pigskin The lid is attached with a unique all-wood hinge. The box has a hand-rubbed Osmo ® polyx-oil finish, a combination of vegetable oils and waxes
InstructorSpotlight-WoodShop
Steve Witte is a skilled artisan with a keen eye for design and a mastery of hand tools like handplanes and chisels Steve creates stunning furniture and turns ordinary wood into works of art. His teaching approach at the Artisan's Asylum is infused with his passion for craftsmanship, making every class a dynamic journey into the world of woodworking, where students discover their own creative potential
Courses: MASTERING CARD AND CABINET SCRAPER TECHNIQUES FOR FINE WOODWORKING
FiberArts Artisans Asylum Course Catalog
TEAR AWAY COSTUME MECHANICS
6:30PM - 9:30PM
$160 + $25 MATERIAL FEE
Drag artist and Costume Designer SHERMAN will run you through the mechanics of effective tear away clothing, complete with demonstrations of the fixtures and notions needed for specific reveals They have 20 years of experience in sewing for the stage, and will guide you through techniques that are suitable for novice sewists, as well as more sophisticated tailoring techniques that create the most sturdy and seamless garment possible
CYANOTYPE FABRIC EXPERIMENTS
1:00PM - 4:00PM
$80 + $20 MATERIAL FEE
Explore cyanotype beyond paper and into textiles in this hands-on workshop focused on printing on fabric! During this class, students will learn the cyanotype process through hands-on experiments starting on paper and small fabric samples, building an understanding of exposure, composition, and material differences. Then we’ll transition into larger and wearable fabrics, using textiles participants bring from home and provided objects, such as clothing, small bags, and bandanas, to create functional, one-of-a-kind blue prints!
SEWING 104: ALTERATIONS
9:30AM - 12:30PM
$101 + $15 MATERIAL FEE
Learn basic alteration techniques like seam ripping, marking, pinning, how to attach buttons and hooks, and shortening and lengthening seams. In this 3-hour class students will learn basic alteration techniques like seam ripping, marking, pinning, how to attach buttons and hooks, fix ripped clothes, shorten and lengthen hems, fix holes, and sweater pulls Students will apply these new skills by altering one clothing item they bring from home.
PATTERNMAKING 101: SKIRT PATTERNS
9:30AM - 12:30PM
$127 + $40 MATERIAL FEE
Calling all sewers! Learn the fundamentals of creating a sewing pattern that you can use in the future. Patternmaking 101 will teach students how to create basic pattern blocks and how they are used to make stylized personal patterns. Students will learn what body measurements they need to draft a skirt pattern, how those measurements translate into pattern shapes, and how to recognize style and body shape relationships
3D FELTING 101: SQUISHY BIRDS EDITION
12:00PM - 4:00PM
$59 + $8 MATERIAL FEE
We need more Borbs! Whether you’ve held a felting needle before or not, all experience levels are welcome to join this quest! In this workshop, you will be guided by an experienced borb artist through creating a soft and squishable needle-felted bird(species of your choice) Materials and tools to make your project will be provided by your instructor.
Multi-Session May 4th & 11th
May 15th
May 17th
May 30th
May 2nd May 30th
FiberArts
FIBER TASTING: A SPINNER’S SAMPLER
11:00AM - 3:00PM
$75 + $30 MATERIAL FEE AND $20 EQUIPMENT RENTAL
If you already know your way around drafting and plying, this workshop is your chance to explore a curated menu of spinning fibers Your materials fee provides you with a sampler box of fine and medium wools with a few exotic surprises, all sourced from a regional supplier As you spin each sample of fiber, your instructor will share insights on the qualities, strengths, and quirks of that fiber, helping you discover new favorites for future projects Bring your own spindle or wheel or rent one of Artisans Asylum’s electronic spinning wheels by purchasing a "spinning wheel rental" add on at checkout.
HANDSPUN 101: SPINNING YARN WITH A SPINDLE
11:00AM - 3:00PM
$80 + $15 MATERIAL FEE
Spin your way through fiber basics and spindle techniques in this engaging class! Learn how to create personalized colorways on a blending board while we explore the science of fiber understanding crimp, staple length, and texture You’ll learn to "diz off" fiber to prepare roving, as well as other methods of preparing fiber for spinning
InstructorSpotlight-FiberArtsShop
Eve Sage
Eve Sage is a local Boston photographer and designer who was born and raised in New York, where she fell in love with photography and exploring interesting subjects from behind the camera While studying at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University, she experimented with alternative photo-printing processes and has been deeply interested in trying new printing methods since From studying photography in London for 5 months to taking ceramics courses in college, Eve loves learning new art forms and is always looking to find new ways to express herself
May 9th
May 23rd
Courses: CYANOTYPE FABRIC EXPERIMENTS
@eve.sage.art
CastingShop
SANDCASTING 101
6:00PM - 9:00PM
$95 + $20 MATERIAL FEE
LOST WAX CASTING 101
6:00PM - 9:00PM
$195 + $20 MATERIAL FEE
InstructorSpotlight-CastingShop
Jules H
Jules first learned casting from a jewelry perspective and is currently interested in many types of metal sculpture and jewelry She holds a Bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Creative Studies & Fine Arts A proud generalist with a professional background in non-profits, at Artisans Asylum she serves as a casting shop tool tester, instructor, and a member of the Gallery A2 panel. She loves cats, coffee, fostering creativity and building community
@julesgyre
May 14th
June 15th
Multi-Session May 18th & 19th
June 10th & 11th
Courses: SANDCASTING 101
LOST WAX CASTING 101
Electronics&Robotics
HANDS ON BASIC ELECTRONICS
7:00PM - 9:00PM
$160 + $30 MATERIAL FEE
Multi-Session
May 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th
June 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd
InstructorSpotlight-E&R
Mike Beach
Mike Beach is an Electrical Engineer, Asylum member since 2012, has taught and co-taught several courses, cares more about how the electrons are feeling than programming, really likes learning about and using all kinds of sensors, and just can’t stop showing how to use that oscilloscope to help you debug (just ask Kevin), and is an active participant and mentor at the Circuit Hacking night held at the Asylum every Wednesday.
Courses:
HANDS ON BASIC ELECTRONICS
Andrew Anselmo
In addition to his regular engineering work, Andrew Anselmo also volunteers as a shop lead and instructor at Artisan's Asylum in the Electronics and Robotics Shop Integrating controls, sensors, actuators, and associated hardware is incredibly fun and always interesting He also helps artists with kinetic art and sculpture projects and has taught them a few tricks for keeping their projects documented and easy to work on. He does a bit of origami and has been a street performer and instructor for many years He’s designed a few novel and original origami models and made classic moving (kinetic) origami pieces out of metal. Origami is generally considered an art, but there is quite a bit of mathematics behind it
MachineShop
INTRO TO MANUAL MILLING IN THE MACHINE SHOP
2:00PM - 5:00PM
$212 + $40 MATERIAL FEE
INTRODUCTION TO THE MACHINE SHOP (MS101)
6:00PM - 9:00PM $106
INTRO TO THE METAL LATHE
10:00AM - 1:00PM
$200 + $20 MATERIAL FEE
InstructorSpotlight-MachineShop
Software engineer by day and machinist by night, Alex is a regular at A2. He helps build tooling and parts to service the equipment in the machine shop and has provided informal instruction to other members. He enjoys a good brisket sandwich, and spending time with his girlfriend, their cat, Meow Mix and dog, Queenie. He’s excited to share his passion of machining with you all!
30th & 31st June 27th & 28th May 4th
Multi-Session
30th & 31st June 27th & 28th
Courses:
INTRO TO MANUAL MILLING IN THE MACHINE SHOP
INTRO TO THE METAL LATHE
Alex Bernstein
Artisans Asylum Course Catalog
Screenprinting
INTRODUCTION TO SCREEN PRINTING
6:00PM - 9:00PM
$64 + $10 MATERIAL FEE
May 21st
INTRO TO PRINTMAKING PRESS
6:00PM - 9:00PM
$106 + $25 MATERIAL FEE
InstructorSpotlight-ScreenprintingShop
Jarrod Pek
Jarrod studied traditional printmaking at RIT while completing a BFA Sculpture in 2003 In the 20 years that followed, Jarrod has been a professional flute maker, glass blower, welder, wood worker, bicycle mechanic and screen printer In 2022, he founded Jarrod Pek LLC, a screen printing focused, decorative art business which operates out of his studio space at Artisans Asylum Jarrod is experienced at designing training programs and wants to support anyone interested in learning the vast possibilities screen printing has to offer He is currently the Screen Printing Shop Lead at Artisans Asylum As someone who lives to make things, Jarrod approaches all projects with an awareness of “beginner’s mind.” We are all teachers, we are all students, all at the same time
May 18th
Courses:
INTRODUCTION TO SCREEN PRINTING
@jarrodpek
JewelryShop
SILVERSMITH A RING WITH A FACETED GEMSTONE
5:30PM - 9:00PM
$312 + $60 MATERIAL FEE
In this 2-meeting class, learn silversmithing and stone setting skills while making a sterling silver ring with a faceted gemstone! No experience required! You’ll set a sparkling 5mm cubic zirconia on a silver ring you create with a tube setting, which is a type of bezel setting for a faceted gemstone
Multi-Session May 25th & 26th
INTRO TO STAINED GLASS: MAKE A SILLY BIRD SUNCATCHER
9:00AM - 12:00PM AND 2:00PM - 5:00PM
$127 + $30 MATERIAL FEE
May 2nd
May 10th
In this beginner stained glass workshop, students will make a finished “Silly Bird” suncatcher while learning the fundamentals of stained glass We will cover studio safety, glass selection, pattern use, basic glass cutting, foiling, soldering, finishing, and hardware attachment This class is designed for complete beginners and emphasizes a calm, supportive, step-by-step experience. Each student leaves with one completed piece and a clear understanding of the stained glass workflow.
JEWELRY 101
5:30PM - 9:00 PM
$228 + $20 MATERIAL FEE
InstructorSpotlight-JewelryShop
Laurie Lynn Berezin
Laurie Lynn Berezin studied the traditional craft of jewelry fabrication at Boston’s renowned North Bennet Street School and is the Jewelry Shop Lead, a teacher, and a member at the Artisans Asylum non-profit makerspace Laurie is a seasoned educator, teaching jewelry-making classes, workshops, private lessons, and corporate retreats for novice and experienced metalsmiths alike She also handcrafts original and custom jewelry for her business Beryllina using recycled sterling silver, gold, and platinum, and ethicallymined American gemstones Laurie creates pieces that showcase the natural beauty of the stones, including crystals that she digs from the earth herself
Courses:
JEWELRY 101
Multi-Session
May 18th & 19th
June 8th & 9th
June 25th & 26th
SILVERSMITH A RING WITH A FACETED GEMSTONE
@beryllinajewelry
Artisans Asylum Course Catalog
DigitalDesign/Photography
LIGHTROOM 101: LEARN TO ORGANIZE AND FIND YOUR PHOTOS
6:00PM - 9:00PM
$64 + $10 MATERIAL FEE
USING THE LARGE-FORMAT DRY-MOUNT PRESS
6:00PM - 8:30PM
$54 + $10 MATERIAL FEE
May 12th June 9th
May 26th June 23rd
PRINTING TO THE CANON PHOTO PRINTER
6:00PM - 9:00PM
$95 + $10 MATERIAL FEE
May 11th May 25th June 8th June 22nd
PHOTOSHOP FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS 101
6:00PM - 9:00PM
$95 + $10 MATERIAL FEE
May 13th June 10th
Artisans Asylum Course Catalog
InstructorSpotlight
Bill Morse
William Morse has taught Photoshop to photographers for over 15 years. He studied Photoshop with Dan Margulis, the author of the Professional Photoshop series of books, and has developed and modified Margulis’ approach to editing photographs A “reformed” architect, he studied photography at the Boston Architectural Center (BAC), the Art Institute of Boston (now Leslie Univ ), and at the Griffin Museum Twenty-five years ago, he discovered the early 20th century Chinese photographic archive of his grandfather William Leete At first mainly interested in restoring and printing his grandfather’s photos, he soon re-discovered his own love for photography. He now photographs the natural world.
morseeditions com
Courses: LIGHTROOM 101 USING THE LARGE-FORMAT DRY-MOUNT PRESS PRINTING TO THE CANON PHOTO PRINTER PHOTOSHOP FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS 101
DigiFab
TOOL TRAINING: BLACK CAT LABS 90W LASER CUTTER
$48 + $5 MATERIAL FEE
ADVANCED FDM 3D PRINTING
$90 + $15 MATERIAL FEE
Digi Fab
InstructorSpotlight
Kevin Naber
Kevin has 3 years experience with the Black Cat Lasers and is a lifelong tinkerer He enjoys making both functional and decorative designs using the laser’s wide variety of settings and software tools He also finds satisfaction in helping others make their designs reality in a safe and efficient manner
Courses:
TOOL TRAINING: BLACK CAT LABS 90W LASER CUTTER
ADVANCED FDM 3D PRINTING
May 23rd
May 2nd
General Artisans Asylum Course Catalog
INTRO TO KINTSUGI (JAPANESE POTTERY REPAIR)
10:00AM - 1:00PM
$85 + $20 MATERIAL FEE
LINOCUT PRINTMAKING WORKSHOP
6:00PM - 8:00PM
$33 + $15 MATERIALS FEE
May 2nd
May 8th
GARDENING IN THE CITY
9:30AM - 12:30PM
$95 + $40 MATERIALS FEE
May 24th
FIGURE DRAWING
6:30PM - 9:30PM
$33
May 4th
May 11th
May 18th
May 25th,
June 1st
June 8th
June 15th
June 22nd
June 29th
Artisans Asylum Course Catalog
InstructorSpotlight
Quantum Wei
Quantum first started practicing Kintsugi in 2021 when he wanted to fix a broken souvenir plate (two pieces, epoxy + liquid gold leaf) Since then, he has ventured deeper into the art by working on more complex breaks and utilizing traditional materials (urushi lacquer), and constructing a muro (wooden curing box) During his latest trip to Japan, he took a workshop with kintsugi master David Pike
Courses: INTRO TO KINTSUGI (JAPANESE POTTERY REPAIR)
@kintsugi boston