Mensa Chicago at CIADC

CIADC was joined on November 10, 2019, by the Chicago Area Mensa Group, for a demonstration of metalworking and a class taught by our very own Jasper Goodrich. We would like to thank Chicago Mensa for joining us and trying their hand at something new!

Karen G wrote this in their newsletter, ChiMe:

“Mensa members are always up for learning something new. We put together a small GOBS

funded metal forging class at the Chicago Industrial Arts Design Center (CIADC), a really

cool place located in the Ravenswood area. CIADC is a 501(c)(3), not-for-profit, charitable

organization. Their mission is to provide continuing education, working access, and community

for 3D object makers working with materials and processes requiring industrial workspace,

specialized skill-sets, and shop equipment. From learning a little bit about different metals to

making our end product, we spent three hours of cutting, heating, hammering, and twisting

our metal to produce our hooks. Each person’s creation was unique and everyone enjoyed the

entire process. We will definitely try to schedule other things in this multi-faceted warehouse

workspace! Thanks to Matt Runfola, CEO and founder of CIADC and to our own Tricia Fox for

working with us on this opportunity!”

Thank you to everyone involved! If your group is interested in a group outing in the form of a fun, educational, hands-on class, CIADC is always happy to have you!

Woodshop Renovations Complete!

Our upgrades to the Woodshop have been completed! All told, we have invested over $30,000 this year in woodworking machinery and shop build-outs to make for an even more effective workspace.

Students can now take advantage of all the new offerings our woodshop has – including a second SawStop tablesaw, a dedicated 5hp re-saw bandsaw, improved dust collection, and dedicated sanding and finishing rooms. Renovations took place over the course of this past summer, finishing just before the start of the fall term.

We set out to solve a couple of problems that have persisted within the workshop since we opened in 2015 – namely, pinch points in workflow during class times and open studios, air quality issues with our dust collection, organization, and noise. We were able to solve them and add quite a few more perks that will be benefits to students for years to come!

These upgrades benefit students and instructors alike – Andrew Barco, the department manager of CIADC’s Woodworking department, notes that the air quality issues and noise problems have all but vanished.

“It’s almost hard to notice,” said Barco, “because there aren’t any problems to worry about anymore. Students can spend more time focusing on their work instead of having other things to worry about. These improvements have made the space more centered around woodworking and creativity. It allows students space for imagination and lets them push themselves in what they’re working on.”

Barco also notes that the entire Woodshop is more streamlined now – everything can be done right in the shop.

“You can buy your wood, cut it to size, finish it, and assemble. It takes some of the inconvenience out of the process.”

Students are also very excited about the new improvements. Megan Jedlinski, a student who has seen both the old and new Woodshops, thinks it’s great that the workflow issues and setup difficulties have been alleviated.

“Having all of the equipment in one room to work on the things you need to work on, as well as having dedicated spaces to them, it’s really helpful,” said Jedlinski.

We are so excited to share the new Woodshop improvements with all our students and members in the Fall 2019 term and onwards! We certainly believe that they will make the space safer, more fun, and conducive to creativity in your woodworking!

CIADC featured in Metalsmith Magazine!

President & Founder of CIADC, Matthew Runfola, and Metalworking Instructor, Sarah Holden, were feature in this quarter's issue of Metalsmith Magazine. The article highlighted Chicago's metal artists and we are proud that members of our staff were able to be included. Matt discussed the role of shops and metalworking in Chicago, and how Chicago is a great place for the industrial arts. Also check out a cool photo of Sarah in the Metal Shop!

New Job Opportunities at CIADC!

 

The Chicago Industrial Arts & Design Center (CIADC) is growing! To meet our needs, we are looking for two new instructor positions!

  1. Metalworking & Forging Instructor for Adult and Teen classes

    Starting January 2019. The ideal candidate would have the flexibility to teach Saturday morning and afternoon class times at a minimum, with possible weekday afternoon times as well. We’re looking for someone who can teach fundamental skills to a diverse audience, and who would bring a unique, creative mindset to our organization. This person should be enthusiastic in working within our dynamic industrial "maker space" and want to be a part of our creative community. 

    More info on required qualifications here

  2. Resin Casting & Resin Composite Molding Instructor for Adult classes

    Starting January 2019. Candidate should have the flexibility to teach Monday evening class(es) at a minimum. We are looking for someone who can teach fundamental skills to diverse audiences and interests, and who would bring a unique, creative mindset to our organization. This person should be enthusiastic in working within our industrial "maker space" and want to be a part of our creative community, helping the Department grow towards our goals

    More info on required qualifications here

To Apply: 

Send cover letter, resume, low res images (or URL link) of 5-10 personally created objects within the last 3 years, in desired medium of hire, plus 3 professional references including 1 teaching reference to: info@ciadc.org

New Tool Donations! Makita 12” Dual Sliding Miter Saw

A new addition to the Wood Shop is the Makita 12” Dual Sliding Miter Saw! This new miter saw is quieter and has expanded sliding capabilities allowing our members to cut wider pieces of wood, usually required for the table saw.  Miter saws cut down pieces of wood, which pur used in our members' projects. This new addition provides the potential for wider and more complex cuts.

If you are interested in either our Metalworking or Casting Classes and trying putting our Sandblasters to use, sign up for our Intro to Woodworking 5 Week Course (Ages 16+) or our Summer 2018 Teen Camps (Ages 12 -15).

If you want to support CIADC's expansion and mission, please donate to our Matched Gift Program. Several private donors have together pledged to match every donation between now and August 31st, up to $10,000. This means we can double in value every single dollar you donate to us over the next several months; $10,000 raised + $10,000 matched = $20,000 towards furthering our Mission! 

Help us maximize this opportunity by making a tax-deductible donation today!

To read how the Matched Gift donations will be used to further our Mission, please click here.