Artisans Asylum Public Tour

Join us for an informational presentation and tour of our two buildings! During the tour, you will have the opportunity to learn more about our facilities and the services we offer. This is a great chance to see firsthand what we have to offer and ask any questions you may have. Check out the Eventbrite link for more dates and times!

Artisans Asylum

Screen Print Shop Night

Our FREE monthly screen printing activity, open to the public. Stop by the A2 Printshop and pull some free prints! Each month we will have a quick and easy printing activity arranged by one of our skilled instructors and available to the public. If you're interested in getting into printmaking or you’ve been printing for years, come by and discover what our shop has to offer.

Free Circuit Hacking Night!

Drop by to see what electronics can do for you... think of it as office hours for electronics. And you will see what an oscilloscope does. Event Description Drop by to see what electronics can do for you, learn to solder, get help fixing broken stuff, get help with your project, blinky LEDs, sensors, DMM/Multimeters, motors, sparks, Arduino stuff, cables, wires, parts, how to read schematics, how to make circuit boards, etc!! Keep learning after any electronics class you've taken - think of it as office hours for electronics. And you will see what an oscilloscope does. T﻿his event occurs every Wednesday.

Plushies + Circuits 201: Free-form (beyond the basics)

Build on your skills to combine sewing and electronics in fun and creative ways! *Tiered pricing available for tickets* Class Description Learn to combine sewing and electronics in fun and creative ways. This class goes beyond Plushies + Circuits 101 basics: You will hone hand sewing skills, learn to make series and parallel soft circuits with hard-soft connection techniques, and apply these skills with instructor support to light-up plushies of your own creation — free-form from scratch, or from a range of templates. Prerequisite:&nbsp;Circuits + Plushies 101, or experience with hand sewing and creating soft circuits. Please email education@artisasnasylum.com if unsure if this class is for you.&nbsp; Instructors -&nbsp;Kim Ducharme &amp; Simone Nemes Kim Ducharme is an artisan, designer, and educator working at the intersection of textiles and technology. She spent 17 years leading Interactive Design at WGBH Educational Foundation, and then 11 years for CAST advancing their Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework towards expanding learning opportunities for all — in the classroom, in informal education spaces such as science museums and afterschool programs, and in makerspaces. She currently pursues e-textiles and wearables projects and leads workshops and maker-mentor programs for local communities to broaden participation in makerspaces and STEM. Simone Nemes holds an MFA from the Rhode Island School of Design. She is a multidisciplinary illustrator, sculptor, and designer. Her work combines absurdity, nostalgia and kitsch to create animal/toy dream creatures and interactive installations. She also designs and sews textiles and is Assistant Shop Lead in the Fiber Arts shop at A2. Learning Objectives<ul><li>Hone hand sewing skills</li><li>Learn to make a variety of soft circuits, hard-soft connections, for a range of applications</li><li>Create a light-up plushie of your own creation from scratch or from a range of templates, with instructor support</li><li>Learn skills to broaden personal projects and self-expression, expand your practice</li><li>Learn more about the e-textiles and wearables industry</li></ul>SPOTS ARE LIMITED!&nbsp;Secure your spot on the Eventbrite link attached to this listing!

Metal Shop Social and Skills Night

Friendly neighborhood metal shop users, new and old, are invited to gather and share projects, skills, questions &amp; more! No need to reserve a spot, just come as you are!

Mineral Color Pigment Workshop

Learn how to identify and transform earth pigments found in everyday environments into usable art materials! Class Description In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn how to identify and transform earth pigments found in everyday environments into usable art materials. We’ll explore traditional methods for crushing and processing raw materials, experiment with natural binders, and develop handmade paints for drawing and painting through a material-centered, tactile approach. Instructors - Maia Shelby Hay&nbsp;@hay_its_maia Maia Shelby Hay is a visual and emerging public artist based in Massachusetts. Deeply inspired by the resilience and interconnectedness of natural systems, she experiments with alternative processes and reimagined materials to reveal the beauty and significance of natural pigments. A dedicated environmental educator and avid beekeeper, Maia’s practice celebrates plants, soils, and stones as creative collaborators. Her workshops invite participants to engage directly with the living world through the art of natural dyeing and ecological awareness. https://www.maiashelbyhay.com/ Learning Objectives<ul><li>Students will gain a foundational understanding of natural earth pigments, including how to identify them in everyday environments, the differences between pigment types, and how to responsibly source and process materials.</li><li>They will also learn the basics of natural binders and how they interact with pigments to create stable, workable paints for drawing and painting.</li></ul>SPOTS ARE LIMITED!&nbsp;Secure your spot on the Eventbrite link attached to this listing!

  Share this event  Boston Robot Hackers Monthly Meeting

Into Robots? Want to connect with like-minded folks? Geek out with fellow robot enthusiasts at the Boston Robot Hackers Monthly Meeting: <a href="https://bostonrobothackers.com/meetings/nextmeeting">https://bostonrobothackers.com/meetings/nextmeeting</a> This is the Boston Robot Hackers Group’s monthly meeting. We are a brand-new group of folks passionate about robotics; Hardware and software people, professionals and students, experts and beginners. What we share is that we all want to make connections with like-minded folks, learn and share, and build together.

Lights, Camera, Audio! Videography Class for Interviews & Podcasts

Learn the basics of lighting, camera setup, and audio to capture high quality interviews or shoot a podcast. *Tiered pricing available for tickets* Class Description Learn the basics of lighting, camera setup, and audio to capture high quality interviews or shoot a podcast. You'll learn how to setup 4 point lighting setups to separate your talent from the background, where to place mics for full sound, and how to setup your camera to best capture it all. This is a 5 hour session that includes 1 hour for lunch. Instructors - Jonathan Polep-Saffer&nbsp;@thesustainablecreation Jonathan loves cinema and grew up watching thousands of hours of movies. In 2019, he learned how to be a videographer, working with lighting, audio, and editing software. He started photography in 2021 and does both professionally as a freelancer. Using visuals to tell a story and teaching others to develop their skills in visual story telling are his passions. Learning Objectives<ul><li>Learn how to setup your lighting for the background</li><li>Setup lighting to separate the talent from the background</li><li>Key the talent well</li><li>Setup audio</li><li>Learn the simple camera settings for high quality output</li><li>Learn how to put it all together in your editing software</li></ul>SPOTS ARE LIMITED!&nbsp;Secure your spot on the Eventbrite link attached to this listing!

Wood Lathe 101

Class Description In this two session class, students will learn the basics of spindle turning and the safe operation of the lathe. Class Instructor - Sal Mancini Salvatore Mancini is a custom fabricator producing custom furniture and interior designs. He works primarily in wood using traditional techniques as well as digital fabrication. He got his start creating sets for theater productions and was inspired to pursue woodworking after restoring a wooden view camera. Learning Objectives<ul><li>Learn operation of wooden lathe</li><li>Practice wood shop safety</li><li>Explore woodworking</li></ul>SPOTS ARE LIMITED﻿!&nbsp;Secure your spot on the Eventbrite link attached to this listing!

2D Needle Felting 101 Painting with wool

Get ready for a stab-tastic adventure as we demystify the art of 2D needle-felting! Class Description In this beginner-friendly class, you’ll use a specialty felting needle to “paint” with wool, layering soft fibers onto a wool base to create a 4×4 inch picture of your choosing. Think landscapes, simple animals, abstract color studies — if you can imagine it, you can felt it. With a rainbow of wool colors at your fingertips, you’ll be the Picasso of fluff in no time. With Bleu to guide you step by step through the process — like a slightly less green, more wool-covered Yoda — teaching you how to blend colors, add detail, and build dimension using nothing but fiber and a very pointy tool. Instructor -&nbsp;Bleu Vermeer&nbsp;@bleubirdcreations Meet Your Guide to the World of Needle Felting, Bleu Vermeer! With a passion for transforming fluff into art, Bleu is a long-time needle felting artist with a wealth of experience. In their classes, they encourage students to hone their tactile senses and structural visualization skills while teaching the science of non-woven fibers. Their infectious enthusiasm and knack for breaking down complex techniques into digestible steps make learning a joyous adventure. Learning Objectives <ul style="counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0;"><li>Master fundamental needle felting techniques.</li><li>Create a visually stunning 2D needle-felted masterpiece.</li><li>Develop an understanding of design principles specific to needle felting.</li><li>Gain confidence in troubleshooting common challenges.</li><li>Foster a sense of community and artistic expression.</li></ul>SPOTS ARE LIMITED!&nbsp;Secure your spot on the Eventbrite link attached to this listing!

Wood Shop 101

Class Description This is a two session 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. This class includes Tool Testing on the following tools: Stationary Sanders: Oscillating Spindle Sander, Disk Sander, Long Edge Belt Sander, Drum Sander, Miter Saw, Panel Saw, Circular Saw, Jig Saw, Biscuit Joiner, Drill Presses, and scroll saw. Students must be 16 years old or older. All students under 18 must be accompanied by and under the direct supervision of a responsible adult. Instructor - Salvatore Mancini Salvatore Mancini is a custom fabricator producing custom furniture and interior designs. He works primarily in wood using traditional techniques as well as digital fabrication. He got his start creating sets for theater productions and was inspired to pursue woodworking after restoring a wooden view camera. Learning Objectives<ul><li>Select wood for a project</li><li>Develop an understanding of the materials</li><li>Practice choosing fasteners, drilling holes, cutting wood, shaping and sanding</li><li>Discuss dust collection duties and shop etiquette</li></ul>SPOTS ARE LIMITED!&nbsp;Secure your spot on the Eventbrite link attached to this listing!

Figure Drawing

Join us for our weekly evening of figure drawing with a live nude model at Artisans Asylum. Class Description This is a weekly open studio class where people of all artistic levels are invited to explore the human form through drawing and painting from a live nude model. It's a great way to sharpen up skills that have become rusty during the pandemic or to practice something new. The instructor is there to offer advice or to give more detailed instructions if you want them. Each session starts out with fast "gesture" poses up to the first break, and then the poses get longer so you can focus on the details. In the middle of the session we practice some right brain exercises. There is no set progression from one class to the next. You can jump in any time. Instructor - Jim Bredt Jim Bredt has been an amateur cartoonist for over 40 years and has been teaching figure drawing at Artisan's Asylum for about 2 years. He uses a set of exercises to access the brain's graphically potent right hemisphere. The goal is to maintain a relaxed, social atmosphere where the students are comfortable to achieve their full potential. Learning Objectives<ul><li>Steady improvement in drawing skills.</li><li>Improved perception of light and the 3-dimensional world.</li><li>Easier access to the right-brain mode for drawing.</li></ul>SPOTS ARE LIMITED! Secure your spot on the Eventbrite link attached to this listing!

Metal Shop 101

Learn the fundamentals of MIG welding and the tools in the Metal shop to cut, grind and shape metal. Class Description In this 3 session 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. Students must be 16 years old or older. All students under 18 must be accompanied by and under the direct supervision of an adult. Instructor - Scraps sparcS Scraps is our nonbinary metal shop quing who has a passion for taking action at Artisan’s Asylum to make our space even more iconic. They have run events like our awesome metal shop drag punk shows and have worked on fundraising efforts for a program that offers financial assistance to make classes more accessible. Scraps has been a part of the Artisan’s Asylum community since they were 19 and has lived in the walls ever since, helping out and doing work as a tool tester for several years; they now teach many of the welding classes in our metal shop. Learning Objectives<ul><li>Gain required skills to use all tools covered in the class to Artisans Asylum's safety standards.</li><li>Use the ironworker, horizontal band saw, and miter saw to cut down material to specific lengths.</li><li>Choose the appropriate wire size for the material being used</li><li>Utilizing the drill press to make plug welds on circular tubes.</li><li>How to use the angle grinder to bevel metal for structural welds on thicker material.</li><li>Making angled cuts with the miter saw and bandsaw to weld specific angles</li></ul>SPOTS ARE LIMITED TO 8 STUDENTS!&nbsp;Secure your spot on the Eventbrite link attached to this listing!

Drawing Foundations: Choose Your Own Adventure

These entry-level courses introduce the fundamentals of drawing, choose which class you'd like to take! Class Description This entry-level course introduces the fundamentals of drawing over four sessions. Students will explore a range of materials and techniques while developing core concepts such as contour, shape, volume, line, value, and color. Each class includes guided instruction along with open studio time for observational drawing to reinforce new skills. Designed for beginners, this course offers a supportive yet challenging environment for anyone looking to build confidence and strengthen their drawing skills.<ul><li>This course allows you to drop in for specalized topics, click the Eventbrite link and navigate to the 'Agenda' for which topics are covered on each date. When purchasing your ticket, select the date of the topic you are most interested in. Interested in all of them? Consider taking the 4 Pack to save some money!</li></ul>		Questions? Please email education@artisasnasylum.com. Instructor - Christopher Wiley&nbsp;@ringstruestudio Christopher Wiley is an artist, musician, woodworker, game designer, and teacher who brings curiosity and enthusiasm to everything he creates. He is passionate about helping others discover the joy of making art. Drawing, he believes, is one of the most immediate and tactile ways to begin. By building strong foundational skills and confidence, he hopes to spark a lifelong creative practice in his students. Learning Objectives<ul><li>Become familiar with a range of drawing materials, including graphite and colored pencils, kneaded and polymer erasers, and the basic qualities of drawing paper.</li><li>Develop an understanding of foundational drawing concepts such as contour, shape, volume, negative space, value, line, perspective, color, and color theory.</li><li>Practice drawing from observation to strengthen accuracy and visual awareness.</li><li>Build a solid foundation in basic drawing techniques and gain the confidence to continue exploring drawing beyond the course.</li></ul>

Laser Cut and Cast a Pewter Medallion

Learn to laser cut a design and cast your own pewter medallion from it! Class Description Learn to laser cut a design and cast your own pewter medallion from it! Join us for this special combined course that provides an introduction to using Artisans Asylum’s laser cutters and an introduction to pewter metal casting in one course. During the first class meeting, students will select from several shapes and images (or may bring their own, if suitable) and learn to use the Blackcat Labs laser cutter in our digital fabrication shop to both etch and cut their medallion design into heavy paper board. In the second class, students will learn to use the casting shop’s pewter casting station and will combine the boards they created with molten pewter to create a metal medallion of their own, then use basic finishing techniques to saw, drill, and burnish their medals. Instructors - Jules H and Sarah N 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 &amp; 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.&nbsp;@julesgyre Sarah is passionate about making and has been creating small scale sculptures for many years across a variety of media including resin, laser cut materials, metal, polymer clay, LEDs, fiber arts and more. She enjoys combining manual and technological methods and sells her mixed-media creations at markets and online. At Artisans she has volunteered in many roles and currently serves on the Gallery Panel and can often be found in digifab, the composite shop and casting shop. Outside Artisans she enjoys gardening, trees, combat archery, and critters.&nbsp;@kiraslightsource Learning Objectives<ul><li>Create a pewter medallion.</li><li>Learn how to set up the Blackcat Labs laser cutter, basics of manipulating files in LightBurn, and settings for etching and cutting paper board.</li><li>Prepare to be tool tested on the laser cutters at Artisans Asylum.</li><li>Learn the properties and usage of pewter for casting</li><li>Practice safety and shop usage guidelines</li></ul>SPOTS ARE LIMITED!&nbsp;Secure your spot on the Eventbrite link attached to this listing!

S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

Community recs 💬

S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Roundups ⭐️

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added

Just added to Joyraft

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S19: interest based

Kid-friendly events in Boston

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

Where

artisansasylum

Experiences