Chicago Fire Arts

About Chicago Fire Arts

CAFAC was founded in 2007 by a group of six neighbors who met through their involvement with the Central and Bryant neighborhood organizations. Their idea for an arts center at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue was motivated by a resident-led small area plan that outlined development goals for this neighborhood commercial node. CAFAC’s building started its life in 1915 as a silent movie house known as the Nokomis Theater.

What Chicago Fire Arts Offers

Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center offers classes, studio access, gallery exhibits, artist support, and public art services centered on art forms created with heat, spark, or flame. Their programs include blacksmithing, welding, metal fabrication, glass, jewelry making, enameling, metal casting, neon, and more. They also provide shop access for artists, youth camps, artist residencies, public art support, and opportunities to view or purchase work through their gallery.

Why Visit Chicago Fire Arts

CAFAC is a creative community space rooted at 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, in the George Floyd Square area. It gives visitors a chance to experience fire arts up close, take hands-on classes, support local artists, view gallery work, and connect with public art tied to community, education, and social impact. Their mission focuses on inspiring people through art forms made with heat, spark, or flame while creating an accessible, welcoming, and inclusive environment.

Where to Find Chicago Fire Arts

You can find Chicago Fire Arts at 3749 Chicago Avenue, Minneapolis. They have a small parking lot on the North side of the building.

Their gallery hours are Tuesday - Friday 9:30am to 3:30pm.

Their Shop hours are Monday - Friday 10am to 5pm for tours and questions about studio access.