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!

Artisans Asylum

The Fabricademy Learning Experience: An Inside View

Learn about what makes the Fabricademy program unique and how you can get involved. Hosted for free at Artisans Asylum! An inside view of the Fabricademy program (fabricademy.org) where Kim Ducharme will share her recent experiences taking four intensive courses: E-Textiles, Wearables, Soft Robotics, and Computational Couture. What is 'Fabricademy'? An interdisciplinary program at the intersection of textiles, digital fabrication, and biology. It is focused on sustainable innovation and the development of new technologies applied to the fashion and wearables industries, and beyond. The program combines global expert-led online learning with hands-on making in local FabLabs and makerspaces, and project development. Fabricademy is under the umbrella of the Fab Foundation (fabfoundation.org) “Academany” program, which includes Fab Academy, Fabricademy, and the Fab Learning Academy, and originated out of MIT's Center for Bits and Atoms. Why is this important? Fabricademy empowers innovators to create new career paths; promotes gender parity in the textile industry; develops alternatives to fast fashion's environmental and social impact; and broadens avenues for personal projects and self-expression. Who is this for? Global students, professionals, and lifelong learners from all backgrounds and disciplines who are seeking fresh perspectives or looking to expand the scope of their practice. Learning Objectives • Learn about e-textiles, wearables, and the smart textile industry. • Consider new career paths. • Gain fresh perspectives and inspiration for expanding the scope of your practice. SPOTS ARE LIMITED TO 20 PEOPLE. Secure your spot using the Eventbrite link attached to this listing!

Introduction to Screen Printing

This class introduces the screen printing process from start to finish, and includes tool testing to use our shop at your own discretion. Class Description This class is for anyone who wants to learn how to use the Artisans Asylum Screen Printing Shop. No prior experience necessary. This class is designed to teach the crucial beginning steps of the screen printing process and give you the skills necessary to use the screen printing shop at your own discretion. It is an entry point for those new to screen printing, or anyone with prior experience who wants to learn the procedures in place in our shop. Instructor - 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. Learning Objectives<ul><li>Complete the entire screen printing process at least once.</li><li>Introduce and review proper practice regarding maintenance and operation of the Print Shop equipment.</li><li>Learn to use the shop in a way that preserves all tools and equipment.</li><li>Practice of basic screen printing process including printing transparencies, spreading emulsion on screen, “burning” screen in exposure unit, rinsing screen in spray booth, and pulling prints to create the final image.</li><li>Build a community of collaborative screen printers working together to further everyone's understanding of all things screen printing!</li></ul>SPOTS ARE LIMITED!&nbsp;Secure your spot on the Eventbrite link attached to this listing!

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!

Box Building 101

Learn and enjoy the art of basic box making and achieve something special that will help enhance your woodworking knowledge and skills. Class Description In this two day class, students will learn and enjoy the art of making a basic box along with the chance to achieve something special that will help enhance their woodworking knowledge and skills. The class will cover an introduction to wood and its properties, examples of different box joints, the use of basic shop tools such as the table saw and bandsaw along with veneering techniques and wood finishing. 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. This class will be a prerequisite to more complex box making classes that will be scheduled in the future. Instructor - Don Boudreau Don has exhibited his work at over 500 Art and Craft shows all over the country including the prestigious Smithsonian Craft Show. In 2011, Don was commissioned by the US State department to design and build cuff link boxes to hold the Presidential cuff links given to visiting dignitaries. In early 2018 Don retired from the show circuit and started the South Florida Woodworking School which he sold in early 2020 and moved back to Massachusetts where he is currently teaching at the local Woodcraft store and privately. Learning Oblectives<ul><li>Learn to identify exotic wood</li><li>Practice box joinery, veneering, hinge installation, and finishing</li><li>Create your own box!</li></ul>SPOTS ARE LIMITED!&nbsp;Secure your spot on the Eventbrite link attached to this listing!

Perfectly Bound Books

Design, print, and bind a perfect-bound book! Class Description Inspired by the vast field of artist's books, students will explore page relationships and sequencing of information to create an approximately 50 page book. Perfect binding is a versatile glue-based structure, no sewing required. Whether you're looking to print an existing project or just looking to explore a new structure, students will leave with their own bound book. Students must be 18 or older. Experimentation encouraged! No experience required, open to all. Instructors - McCall Hollister&nbsp;@mccall.hollister McCall Hollister is a museum worker, visual artist, and bookbinder. Working primarily through handbound photobooks, Hollister combines writing and photography to explore psychogeographical landscapes and transition. Hollister received their BA in Arts &amp; Humanities from Michigan State University in 2019, and their Masters in Fine Arts and Museum Studies from the School of Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University in 2024. They work as a freelance art handler and bookbinding instructor, based in Boston, MA. Their work can be found at mccallhollister.com. Learning Objectives<ul><li>Learn basics of Adobe InDesign</li><li>Practice how to sequence a project and general book layout</li><li>Organize digital files for print</li><li>Complete Tool Testing for perfect binder and stack cutter</li></ul>SPOTS ARE LIMITED!&nbsp;Secure your spot on the Eventbrite link attached to this listing!

Intro to 3D Printing/Additive Manufacturing

Take the first step to 3D printing by learning to slice, melt, and extrude your own plastic creations! Class Description This introductory course is for anyone who wants to get into 3D printing, a type of additive manufacturing. Specifically, you will learn how to use the Prusa printers in the Digifab lab, a type of fused deposition modeling printer. By the end of the class, you'll learn about designing parts for 3D printing, slicing parts, and exporting GCode to the printers so they know where to move. The class will also include testing on the machines so that you can start printing whatever you like within the constraints of these machines. Instructor: Kevin Naber (He/Him) Kevin has 6 years experience in 3d printing and is a lifelong tinkerer. He delights in using art and technology for functional uses and personal expression. Detail and strength are properties of 3d printing which he enjoys finding the best balance and sharing the knowledge gained from such experiences. Learning Objectives<ul><li>Introduce 3d printing/additive manufacturing</li><li>Instruction on where to find shape files, how to slice them, G-code, and printer settings</li><li>Discuss, if time allows, other 3d printing techniques like stereolithography or metal 3d printing</li><li>Take your own 3d print home!</li></ul>SPOTS ARE LIMITED!&nbsp;Secure your spot on the Eventbrite link attached to this listing!

Tool Training: Black Cat Labs 90W Laser Cutter

Learn to harness the power of lasers to cut or engrave nearly anything you can draw on a computer into wood, acrylic, and more. Class Description Harness the power of lasers to cut or engrave nearly anything you can draw on a computer into wood, acrylic, and more. Learn how to safely operate our Black Cat Labs 90W laser cutters. Students will be introduced to safe materials and cutting practices to operate independently in the laser shop. Students will learn Light Burn, the software to send graphics to the laser cutter. This class does not cover designing your own graphics. Look for our design for laser cutting classes. Instructor - 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. Learning Objectives<ul><li>Learn to safely, independently operate the Black Cat Labs Laser Cutters. </li><li>Identify safe materials and determine laser settings.</li></ul>SPOTS ARE LIMITED!&nbsp;Secure your spot on the Eventbrite link attached to this listing!

Iterations: Wax Sculpture for Bronze Casting

Design, create, and iterate on a theme of your choice to produce a miniature bronze sculpture. Learn to design, sculpt and cast! Class Description Join us for a special bronze lost-wax casting course which encourages you to engage with and iterate on the creation process, from concept through forming and casting a small (2 x 3 inch) bronze sculpture or sculptural jewelry item. Over 3 weeks and 4 evening class sessions, each student will identify a concept, form, or theme they wish to iterate on. Students will explore their choice by designing and sculpting several iterations via additive (shaping soft wax) and subtractive (carving hard wax) sculpture methods. In addition to instruction students will discuss and provide mutual constructive feedback as designs evolve. Students are strongly encouraged to work on their concepts and wax models in between class sessions. This course will culminate in investing and lost-wax casting each student’s selected final piece in ancient bronze. Instructor - 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 &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. Learning Objectives<ul><li>Introduce the Artisans Asylum Casting Shop</li><li>Discuss 3-dimensional design and sculpture</li><li>Use the Electromelt to melt and pour molten metal</li><li>Learn Lost-wax investment casting, how to sand and file cast items and safety skills for all of the above</li></ul>SPOTS ARE LIMITED!&nbsp;Secure your spot on the Eventbrite link attached to this listing!

Turn 3D Printed Objects into Cast Bronze

Combine 3D printing with lost-wax investment casting techniques! Class Description In this three day class, we’ll dive into the worlds of 3D printing and casting. We’ll discuss how to make and find 3D files online, then 3D print them in PLA filament and on a Form 3 resin printer. On days two and three, we’ll prepare our objects with wax sprues, mix investment in flasks with our objects, run an overnight burnout in a kiln, and cast them in ancient bronze. Students will take home their cast bronze objects, which could include rings, animals, topographical features, miniature scenes, or anything you can dream up! This class is intended for everyone - from folks without 3D printing or casting experience, to people with more experience in either discipline. Instructor - Eli West Eli is a visual artist and metalsmith. He enjoys casting with bronze, making small sculptures, forming sheet metal into functional objects, and exploring patinas and textures on metal. He has a keen interest in geography and biology and tries to highlight concepts from both disciplines in his art. Learning Objectives<ul><li>Make and find files for 3D printing</li><li>Learn basics of 3D printing in PLA plastic and in resin</li><li>Develop Wax sprue techniques</li><li>Practice casting , finishing and polishing techniques</li></ul>SPOTS ARE LIMITED!&nbsp;Secure your spot on the Eventbrite link attached to this listing!

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.

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.

Vibrancy & Detail With Abstract Drawing

Create detailed shapes, prints and patterns while tapping into the flow of your own creative process! Class Description This class will focus on the energizing methods of creating detailed shapes prints and patterns on the page. Allowing for your own flow and drawing practice while also getting some guidance tips and tricks to get through the creative process. The teaching artist will also bring in her own original work to use as a suggestive style/example! This class will be working with black and white as well as color to fill in the forms and shapes- almost like creating a page of your own color book! Instructor - Lee Collilouri After earning her BFA in oil painting from Lesley University in 2014, Lee has collaborated with renowned artists and top fashion brands in NYC, refining her abstract style inspired by nature, society, and vibrant energy. Now based in Massachusetts, she’s energized by recent exhibitions and workshops and looks forward to exploring larger-scale works that celebrate color, pattern, and movement. Learning Objectives<ul><li>Practice detail oriented drawing (in a fun way)</li><li>Create patterns in black and white, then filling in with color</li><li>Leave with an excited energizing vibrant drawing</li><li>Have fun!</li></ul>

Fiber Arts Shop Night

Join us for an evening of creativity and connection at our monthly open-to-the-public Fiber Arts Shop Night! March Fiber Arts Shop Night features a Live Leathercraft Demo by Leather Pixie <a href="https://www.instagram.com/leatherpixie?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&amp;igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==">@leatherpixie</a> Come in to learn how to personalize your own leather keychain with dye and hand stamping techniques! Each participant gets to take their project home at the end of the evening. No previous experience is required to attend or participate!

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!

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

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

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 🚨

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

Figure Drawing

The Fabricademy Learning Experience: An Inside View

TIG Welding a 4-Legged Sitting Stool

Blacksmithing Basics: Carving Fork

Plushies + Circuits 101: The Basics

Plushies + Circuits 101: The Basics

Metal Shop 101

Jewelry 101

Introduction to the Machine Shop (MS101)

Jewelry 101

Intro to Welding - MIG, TIG, & Stick

Advanced Cyanotype Printing and Toning!

Perfectly Bound Books

Wood Shop 101

Wood Lathe 101