Artisan’s Asylum
Artisan’s is a 40,000sf. member-powered studio and fabrication facility in Somerville dedicated to advancing hands-on arts and sciences.
Open to the public 12:00PM to 10:00PM MON-THU and 10:00AM to 6:00PM FRI-SAT
Tours run at 2:00 and 8:00PM MON-THU, 3:00PM FRI and 2:00 and 4:00PM SAT, SUN
January 2020
Intro to SolidWorks
3D modeling software is used worldwide in professional settings like engineering, animation, product design, architecture, and more. Designing parts in 3D modeling environments allows you to develop an idea in full before you cut any material, and then either make parts automatically on computer-enabled tools.
Find out more »Introduction to TIG Welding
Class fee: $345 / Materials fee: $20. This class is designed to introduce students to the process of TIG welding, a precise type of welding most often used in the manufacture of spaceframe structures like bike frames and roll cages. Students will learn how to weld primarily 4130 chromoly steel tubing, as well as different types of materials, shapes, and joints, and will learn how to use a range of supporting equipment (drill press, hole saws, grinders, etc.) and processes that come with welding.
Find out more »Tool Training: Woodshop 101
If you already have an idea of what you want to build, and you just want to learn how to safely use the basic tools you need (or just need a refresher), this Tool Training session is for you! This class teaches correct use of: the handheld power drill, impact driver, standing drill press, panel saw, circular saw, jig saw, scroll saw, spindle sander, belt sander and disc sander.
Find out more »Jewelry 101: Intro to Metalsmithing – Evening
Class cost: $325 / Materials Fee: $45 payable to Instructor. Through this 7-week class, you will be introduced to the arcane and secret techniques of making fine jewelry. You will come away with new skills and finished pieces to show off and be proud of. We will work primarily in sterling silver, brass, and copper. No prior experience is necessary.
Find out more »Figure Drawing Drop-In
Figure Drawing is an open studio class where people of all artistic levels are invited to explore the human form through drawing and painting. Figure drawing is a great opportunity to keep your artistic skills sharp whether you are a seasoned artist or a beginner: learn the basics of drawing from the nude form! Students are free to draw however they like.
Find out more »Tool Training: Metal Lathe
In this class, you will learn how to precisely perform basic machining operations using the lathe. You will learn about tool selection, speeds and feeds, and how to use the DRO (Digital Read Out) to make precisely dimensioned parts. You will practice setting up the machine, use the 3-jaw chuck to securely hold work, change tools, and perform facing and turning cuts on aluminum stock.
Find out more »Jewelry 201: Setting Faceted Gemstones
Class Fee: $225 / Materials Fee: $40. Build upon your Jewelry 101 skills and learn the art of setting faceted gemstones! In two evening sessions, we will cover how to set faceted gemstones in prongs (4-prong heads) and in small bezels, also known as tube-setting.
Find out more »Intro to Machine Learning
Machine Learning is one of the fastest-growing fields in tech. Applications are nearly impossible to avoid. Intro to machine learning will cover basic machine learning as well as some of the simplest algorithms which will get you real-time predictive answers.
Find out more »Hands On Basic Electronics
Class fee: $225 / Materials fee: $30. Have you been interested in learning to work with electronics, but haven’t known where to start? This class is for you! It will be a hands-on, practical, crash course that will provide you with the skills to do simple electronic projects. You will walk away knowing the basics of circuit theory, how to prototype circuits on a breadboard, how to troubleshoot them, and how to solder them together.
Find out more »Basket Making 101: Intro to Polish Bread Basket
Students will weave a small reed basket in a traditional Polish tatza basket pattern. Usually made from willow, we will be using hand-dyed rattan (reed) for a lovely basket suitable for use with fruit, rolls, cookies and the like. Students will receive a printed pattern and a choice of colored reeds. Finished dimensions: 8.75” diameter, 2” high
Find out more »Introduction to Lost Wax Casting (Part 1)
Lost Wax (Investment) Casting is the art of casting a metal piece from a wax model, which is destroyed in the process. This technique can be used to produce jewelry, small sculpture, and parts for fabrication.
Find out more »Intro to Pulse Arc Welder
The pulse-arc welder is a remarkable desktop machine for precision metal fabrication. In essence, it is a scaled-down TIG welder with a computer interface and microscope – which makes it a unique, high-end tool for joining, tacking, and repair of small items in any metal that can be welded, from steel and stainless steel to titanium, gold, copper and more
Find out more »Anodizing Titanium
Class fee: $55 / Materials fee: $10 This one-session workshop will introduce students to the basics of using electricity to color titanium. This process (known as anodizing) uses an electrical current to change the surface color of titanium.
Find out more »Tool Training: Router Table Fundamentals
Class fee: $115 / Materials Fee: $15. The Router table is a very versatile tool in any woodshop. It can be used to cut a variety of edge profiles, duplicate patterns, and make dados. This class will cover the safe use of the router table for several common operations.
Find out more »The Amazing Stamps Class — with Lasers!
Whether you’re an advanced user of laser cutters or a beginner, this course will guide you through the process of making a stamp to use yourself or give as a gift. Participants will learn how to design and fabricate their own stamp and all of the challenges that show up in the process of doing so. If you love making stamps and want to learn a neat way to do so, this is the perfect class for you!
Find out more »Figure Drawing Drop In
Class Description Figure Drawing is an open studio class where people of all artistic levels are invited to explore the…
Find out more »February 2020
Tool Training: Bridgeport CNC Milling Machine
Class fee: $375 / Materials fee: $0. Learn to operate the Artisan's Asylym Bridgeport Series I Computer Numeric Controlled (CNC) milling machine. CNC milling machines can be used to make parts that would be difficult or impossible to machine manually.
Find out more »Glass Enamel on Copper
Class cost: $200 / Material's Fee: $25 payable to Instructor. Learn to fuse glass enamel to copper in this weekend workshop! We will explore multiple enameling techniques: sifting, wetpacking, sgraffito, stencils, and embedding other elements using a small kiln for firing the pieces. Expect to create multiple enameled pieces for jewelry or wall hung paintings.
Find out more »Metalworking 101 – Cut, Grind, and Drill!
Class fee: $110 / Materials fee: $15. Metalworking 101 will provide the students with the bare minimum of training to start working in the Asylum's metal shop and is the perfect warm-up to Artisan's welding classes. The class consists of formal training from the instructor who will demonstrate safe and successful usage of each tool, describe and demonstrate best practices, and inform students of unsafe and undesirable outcomes. Each student will have hands-on time with each tool under supervision.
Find out more »Leatherworking 101: Make a Belt
Class fee: $55 / Materials fee: $25. Over the course of 2 to 3 hours, this class aims to teach students the basics of leatherworking. This class will walk students through creating a basic belt design.
Find out more »Basic MIG Welding
Class fee: $120 / Materials fee: $30. MIG Welding (Metal Inert Gas Welding) is a simple, versatile arc welding process that is generally considered to be the easiest to learn of the arc welding processes. Our Basic MIG Welding class is designed for the very beginner or for the intermediate welder that needs a refresher.
Find out more »Introduction to Screen Printing: Weeknights
Screen printing is a great way to put your designs on t-shirts, tote bags, cards, posters, and more. But it can be a tricky skill to pick up on your own! Join us for a two-evening class, and we'll take the mystery out of the process. Using the photo emulsion process and your design, we'll prepare screens and print on a variety of surfaces. And we'll do it all in a fun, relaxed environment.
Find out more »Build A Cherry Side Table Part 1
Class fee: $400 / Materials fee: $200. This hands-on class will introduce you to fine woodworking furniture. We will start from one rough lumber Cherry board to create a Shaker style Cherry Side Table. The techniques and skills learned in this class will allow the student to approach any project size. In this class we will use virtually all the tools in the woodshop from Chisel to Tablesaw, Router, Band saw, Joiner, Planer and Miter saw.
Find out more »The Amazing Stamps Class — with Lasers!
Class fee: $50 / Materials fee: $10. Whether you’re an advanced user of laser cutters or a beginner, this course will guide you through the process of making a stamp to use yourself or give as a gift. Participants will learn how to design and fabricate their own stamp and all of the challenges that show up in the process of doing so. If you love making stamps and want to learn a neat way to do so, this is the perfect class for you!
Find out more »Introduction to TIG Welding
Class fee: $345 / Materials fee: $20. This class is designed to introduce students to the process of TIG welding, a precise type of welding most often used in the manufacture of spaceframe structures like bike frames and roll cages. Students will learn how to weld primarily 4130 chromoly steel tubing, as well as different types of materials, shapes, and joints, and will learn how to use a range of supporting equipment (drill press, hole saws, grinders, etc.) and processes that come with welding.
Find out more »Tool Training: Black Cat Labs Laser
Class fee: $120 / Materials fee: $5. Learn how to use Artisan's Black Cat Labs laser cutters to cut or etch wood, plastics, papers or textiles. Gain a solid understanding of what the machines can do and learn how to upload a file and run a cut and engrave. This class will cover the basics so that you will be able to operate the Black Cat Labs equipment unsupervised and in a safe and courteous manner.
Find out more »Art and Interactive Electronics
Class fee: $120 / Materials fee $30. Electronics are everywhere, and now, they are becoming part of our art. This four hour course
will introduce you to the Adafruit Circuit Playground, a wearable and relatively easy to program microcontroller/development board, that is based on the extremely popular Arduino platform, used throughout the world in many educational settings.
Tool Review & Testing: Jewelry Studio
This one session tool training is the perfect way to get trained up to operate independently in the Jewelry Shop if you already have some jewelry-making experience and don't have time for a long-form class. Testing is necessary to be certified to work on your own in the Shop. Choose the date that works for you!
Find out more »Introduction to Fusion360: 3D Printing and Laser Cutting
A quick introduction to CAD (Computer Aided Design) systems using Fusion 360. This class will introduce students to the process and CAD workflow of transforming a 2D sketch into a 3D object from scratch. Students shall also become familiarized with concepts of digital fabrication tools (such as 3D printing and Laser fabrication offered at A2), design thinking, and how to export a 3D model for such fabrication methods. For 3D printing, students will gain an understanding how to use the CURA slicer to transform their 3D model into machine GCODE for printing. The instructor is also able to give advice on other slicers such as Simpify3D. The instructor, Chaz Hing, has several years of applied 3D design and 3D printing experience from his startup (ElevateShrimp.com) where he innovates for global consumers in the freshwater aquarium hobby industry.
Find out more »Tool Training: Intro to the Photo Studio
This one session beginner class will train students on how to use the Asylum's new product photography studio equipment safely, and will teach a start to finish digital workflow for typical small and large member projects, from jewelry to furniture.
Find out more »Leatherworking 101: Make a Belt
Class fee: $55 / Materials fee: $25. Over the course of 2 to 3 hours, this class aims to teach students the basics of leatherworking. This class will walk students through creating a basic belt design.
Find out more »Tool Training: Metal Lathe
In this class, you will learn how to precisely perform basic machining operations using the lathe. You will learn about tool selection, speeds and feeds, and how to use the DRO (Digital Read Out) to make precisely dimensioned parts. You will practice setting up the machine, use the 3-jaw chuck to securely hold work, change tools, and perform facing and turning cuts on aluminum stock.
Find out more »Tool Training: Bridgeport Mill
In this class you will learn how to use the Bridgeport mill to perform basic precision machining operations. You will learn about tool selection, selecting spindle speeds, and climb milling vs. conventional milling. You will practice setting up the machine, holding work in the vise, changing tools and performing basic cuts.
Find out more »Intro To Circuit Board Design Using KiCAD
Are you eager to begin designing your own circuit boards, but need help getting started? This class is a ‘quick on-ramp’ to DIY circuit board design using the popular open source circuit board design software KiCAD (free, runs on Linux / Mac / Windows). In this one-day course, we’ll use an example circuit and present the basics of schematic creation, footprint selection, board layout, and board production.
Find out more »Make a Ring Workshop
Class fee: $215 / Materials fee: $35. Spend a weekend in the Artisan’s Asylum jewelry studio learning to make several rings!! Starting with a simple soldered brass band ring, students will learn the basics of measuring, sawing and shaping your ring.
Find out more »Metalworking 102 – Cut, Grind, and Punch!
Metalworking 102 provides training on the safety and operation of the larger, more useful, and more difficult to operate equipment in the metal shop. We’ll cover the safe and effective use of a number of tools in the shop, including the vertical bandsaw, belt grinder, uni-Hydro Iron Worker and others.
Find out more »Tool Training: 3D Printers (Weekends)
This one session class will train students on how to use the Asylum’s multiple 3D printers safely and effectively, running through using the 3D model compiler (Simplify3D), printing parts, changing materials, properly removing parts from the beds, and properly disposing of all materials after the print: all the training you need to get going in one afternoon!
Find out more »Basic MIG Welding
Class fee: $120 / Materials fee: $30. MIG Welding (Metal Inert Gas Welding) is a simple, versatile arc welding process that is generally considered to be the easiest to learn of the arc welding processes. Our Basic MIG Welding class is designed for the very beginner or for the intermediate welder that needs a refresher.
Find out more »The Amazing Stamps Class — with Lasers!
Class fee: $50 / Materials fee: $10. Whether you’re an advanced user of laser cutters or a beginner, this course will guide you through the process of making a stamp to use yourself or give as a gift. Participants will learn how to design and fabricate their own stamp and all of the challenges that show up in the process of doing so. If you love making stamps and want to learn a neat way to do so, this is the perfect class for you!
Find out more »Letter Necklace – *Valentines Gift Idea!*
Class fee: $165 / Materials fee: $30. Create a one-of-a-kind Letter Necklace with the initial of your choice. You’ll handcraft the letter pendant using eco-friendly recycled sterling silver and be provided with an 18” chain to complete the necklace. No experience necessary.
Find out more »Tool Training: Rough to Smooth – Using the Miter Saw, Bandsaw, Jointer, Planer and Sanders
Class fee: $160 / Materials fee: $15. After selecting and purchasing lumber, the next step in any woodworking project is to flatten and straighten the stock. Not that long ago, this work was laboriously done by hand. Fortunately, there are four machines available today that are specifically designed to take rough sawn lumber and process it into boards that are straight, flat, and true!
Find out more »Intro to Machine Learning
Class Description Machine Learning is one of the fastest-growing fields in tech. Applications are nearly impossible to avoid. Intro to…
Find out more »**Valentines Special** – Screenprinting Is For Lovers!
What better way to grow your love or friendship than by pulling your own custom prints together?! Pairs will use a pre-prepared screen with their design on it, and the instructor will help them make lovely one-color screen prints.
Find out more »Intro to Rapid PCB Prototyping: CNC Milling
In this class we’ll cover the basics of circuit milling by using a popular hobbyist CNC device, the OtherMill, to produce an existing circuit board design. After taking the class, students will be able to use an OtherMill to produce their own circuit board designs, and discuss other open-source toolchains for circuit board production.
Find out more »Family Class: Learn to 3D Print (Spanish/Portuguese Translation)
In this fun and easy class, you and your child will learn how 3D printers work and how you can print a three-dimensional object from a computer file. Together learn how 3D printers create everyday objects and how to create new objects from your imagination. Classes will be taught at Artisan's Asylum in English with Spanish translation.
Find out more »Leatherworking 102: Make A Wallet
Class cost: $100 / Materials Fee: $35 Expand on basic skills learned in Leatherworking 101 and learn new skills such as hand stitching, creating pockets, and finishing natural leather with oil. Students will be able to choose from a small selection of designs to create a wallet from a pre-made template that they can modify. This class should run for about 3-4 hours depending on if students want to stay to finish their stitching.
Find out more »Introduction to Screen Printing: Weekend Workshop
Class fee: $120 / Materials fee: $10. Screen printing is a great way to put your designs on t-shirts, tote bags, cards, posters, and more. But it can be a tricky skill to pick up on your own! Join us for a two-evening class, and we'll take the mystery out of the process. Using the photo emulsion process and your design, we'll prepare screens and print on a variety of surfaces. And we'll do it all in a fun, relaxed environment.
Find out more »Family Class: Learn How to Laser Cut (Spanish/Portuguese Translation)
In this fun and easy class, you and your child will learn how laser cutters work and how you can cut or engrave a variety of materials from a computer file. Together learn how laser cutters are used to create everyday objects and how to create new objects from your imagination. Classes will be taught at Artisan’s Asylum in English with Portuguese Translation
Find out more »Make a Ukulele!
Develop your basic woodworking skills by building a ukulele from a simple wood kit. Sand, glue, assemble, and personalize your one-of-a-kind instrument and learn a few basic chords along the way.
Find out more »Tool Training: Black Cat Labs Laser
Learn how to use Artisan's Black Cat Labs laser cutters to cut or etch wood, plastics, papers or textiles. Gain a solid understanding of what the machines can do and learn how to upload a file and run a cut and engrave. This class will cover the basics so that you will be able to operate the Black Cat Labs equipment unsupervised and in a safe and courteous manner.
The first half of the class will cover some laser cutting basics, safety, and operational procedure. The second half is more hands-on in that you will be guided through cutting and engraving some fun shapes and designs out of wood and acrylic to take home.
Family Class: Screen Printing Together!
Class Fee $60 / Materials Fee $15. Family Screen Printing Class for ages 7 and up. This class focuses on family fun! Come learn the basics of screen printing in a casual print shop environment. It’s a great chance to explore a new skill and create something unique as a family. Send in the design that you want to print together and when you arrive, you and your child(ren) will be able to dive right into printing. The class will cover the basics of ink handling, pulling prints, and creative experimentation.
Find out more »CNC Plasma Cutter Table – Drawing, Operation, Parts!
The most Metal of all the metalworking classes. This class will provide students with the skills needed to operate our CNC plasma cutter - the custom 4'x8' bed, 85-amp Torchmate 2. This killer tool has the capacity to cut 5/8" thick sheet steel at 60% duty cycle, and the capability of cutting through up to 1-1/4" steel with an edge start, as well as doing detail cutting in sheet metal. This tool takes your drawing files and turns them into computer-cut metal, at cut speeds upwards of 220 inches per minute.
Find out more »Family Class: Make a Ukelele
A Fun Family Class! Develop your basic woodworking skills by building a ukulele from a simple wood kit. Sand, glue, assemble, and personalize your one-of-a-kind instrument and learn a few basic chords along the way. No prior music or woodworking experience required. Leave the class with a uke in your hands, a song in your heart, and a smile on your face! This workshop is open to adults and adult/child teams (12 and up).
Find out more »Rock the Serger – Make A Zippered Pouch
Class fee: $50 / Materials fee: $5. Interested in taking your sewing skills to the next level? A serger is a machine that trims the fabric, creates a seam, and overcasts the edge, all in one step. When used in tandem with a traditional sewing machine, the serger can increase sewing speed while simultaneously adding a professional touch to the project.
Find out more »Tool Training: Metal Lathe
In this class, you will learn how to precisely perform basic machining operations using the lathe. You will learn about tool selection, speeds and feeds, and how to use the DRO (Digital Read Out) to make precisely dimensioned parts. You will practice setting up the machine, use the 3-jaw chuck to securely hold work, change tools, and perform facing and turning cuts on aluminum stock.
Find out more »Tool Training: Bridgeport Mill
In this class you will learn how to use the Bridgeport mill to perform basic precision machining operations. You will learn about tool selection, selecting spindle speeds, and climb milling vs. conventional milling. You will practice setting up the machine, holding work in the vise, changing tools and performing basic cuts.
Find out more »Advanced 3D Printer Training
Class Description Take your 3D Printing Skills to the next level at Artisan's Asylum with an advanced course on 3D…
Find out more »Introduction to Lost Wax Casting (Part 2)
Lost Wax (Investment) Casting is the art of casting a metal piece from a wax model, which is destroyed in the process. This technique can be used to produce jewelry, small sculpture, and parts for fabrication.
Find out more »Intro to SolidWorks
3D modeling software is used worldwide in professional settings like engineering, animation, product design, architecture, and more. Designing parts in 3D modeling environments allows you to develop an idea in full before you cut any material, and then either make parts automatically on computer-enabled tools.
Find out more »Bag It – Sewing 101 Class
Class fee: $40 / Materials fee: $10. Learn to use the fiber arts sewing machines and make a bag to keep in your car for groceries or your boots and mittens. This three hour class will introduce the basics of planning a project, how sewing machines work, terminology, and how to make really useful things. Take your completed bag home at the end of the class.
Find out more »Introduction to Surface Mount Circuit Assembly and Rework
Would you like to learn modern, surface mount approaches to circuit assembly, but need a quick introduction? This class introduces students to the basic techniques required in order to get up and running with their own DIY surface mount circuit assembly and rework, preparing students for prototyping and building their own SMD circuit board creations.
Find out more »March 2020
Introduction to the Raspberry Pi
Class fee: $200 / Materials fee: $90. This class will provide an overview of the Raspberry Pi and its operating system. Students will build simple applications using GPIO, a stepper motor and a camera module. Experience with Python and Linux would be useful but is not necessary.
Find out more »Build Your Brand Bootcamp
This class welcomes artists, designers, and small business owners of all levels interested in learning the skills they need to promote their brands on social media. This class is designed to be fun and interactive! We will cover key topics on branding, content strategy, metrics, and more followed by group activities that allow you to apply what we're learning to real strategies you can use for your business.
Find out more »Tool Training: Bridgeport Mill
In this class you will learn how to use the Bridgeport mill to perform basic precision machining operations. You will learn about tool selection, selecting spindle speeds, and climb milling vs. conventional milling. You will practice setting up the machine, holding work in the vise, changing tools and performing basic cuts.
Find out more »Family Class: Learn How to Laser Cut (Spanish Translation)
In this fun and easy class, you and your child will learn how laser cutters work and how you can cut or engrave a variety of materials from a computer file. Together learn how laser cutters are used to create everyday objects and how to create new objects from your imagination. Classes will be taught at Artisan’s Asylum in English with Spanish translation.
Find out more »Tool Training: Bridgeport Mill
In this class you will learn how to use the Bridgeport mill to perform basic precision machining operations. You will learn about tool selection, selecting spindle speeds, and climb milling vs. conventional milling. You will practice setting up the machine, holding work in the vise, changing tools and performing basic cuts.
Find out more »Family Class: Learn to 3D Print (Spanish Translation)
In this fun and easy class, you and your child will learn how 3D printers work and how you can print a three-dimensional object from a computer file. Together learn how 3D printers create everyday objects and how to create new objects from your imagination. Classes will be taught at Artisan's Asylum in English with Spanish translation.
Find out more »Introduction to the Raspberry Pi
Class fee: $200 / Materials fee: $90. This class will provide an overview of the Raspberry Pi and its operating system. Students will build simple applications using GPIO, a stepper motor and a camera module. Experience with Python and Linux would be useful but is not necessary.
Find out more »Intro to SolidWorks
3D modeling software is used worldwide in professional settings like engineering, animation, product design, architecture, and more. Designing parts in 3D modeling environments allows you to develop an idea in full before you cut any material, and then either make parts automatically on computer-enabled tools.
Find out more »April 2020
Watercolor Workshop
Watercolor painting offers some of the most immediate and exciting results in art-making. In this class, we will explore brushstrokes, textures, washes and the wonderful color effects that can be achieved with overlapping transparent brush strokes. After introductory exercises, participants will be encouraged to seek their own direction and personal style.
Find out more »Tool Training: Bridgeport CNC Milling Machine
Learn to operate the Artisan's Asylym Bridgeport Series I Computer Numeric Controlled (CNC) milling machine. CNC milling machines can be used to make parts that would be difficult or impossible to machine manually.
Find out more »Directed Open Jewelry Studio
Class fee: $195 / Materials fee: $0. Work independently in our Jewelry Shop under the guidance of an experienced professional jeweler who can help you troubleshoot your metalsmithing projects. Must have previous jewelry-making experience or have successfully completed Jewelry Tool Testing at Artisan's Asylum.
Find out more »