The Crucible: Recent Episodes
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Hiroki Fukushima 1948 – 2024Hiroki Fukushima passed away peacefully at his home in San Francisco on August 21, 2024.He lived fully every moment dedicated to his artistic work and family. During his last days, he was in close company with his wife, Michiko Fukushima and second oldest daughter, Marina Fukushima.Hiroki Fukushima (born in Yamaguchi, Japan) was a metal artist who worked primarily with iron, copper, and aluminum to create free-standing and hanging sculptures and functional objects for 56 years. He graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts, where he received a BFA in Crafts and MFA in Metal Hammering. In 1974, he established his own art studio “Rottan” in Yokohama, Japan and did commission works for architectural spaces, homes, restaurants, temples, and museums throughout Japan. Work included: sculpture, wall relief, door, gate, grating, signage, lighting fixture, and craft.In 2012, he immigrated to the United States to live in San Francisco and work and teach at the Crucible in Oakland, CA.His works were influenced by introspection, his family, and the people around him capturing the ways of living, inner feelings, and relationships to society. His project series include: “Pressure”, “Person/People”, and “Reflection”. His wish was that his art become the entry point for the viewers to feel and think about life and various relationship to people and society. His works are currently exhibited at Gallery Japonesque (SF), Suzuki Gallery (Tokyo), Narukawa Museum Shop (Kanagawa), and Asian Art Museum Store (SF).Numerous of his artistic creations can viewed on his website:www.hirokifukushima.comDuring his time in the Bay Area, the Crucible became a special place for him where he could explore and expand his artistic process in the new environment and connect with other artists and community. He enjoyed going to the Crucible everyday.The post Hiroki Fukushima In Memoriam appeared first on The Crucible.
Christian Schiess 1947 – 2024Please join The Crucible in honoring and remembering the life of Christian Schiess, longtime faculty member and department head at The Crucible, who passed away at 11am, September 11th, 2024 in Oakland, CA.
Christian Schiess was a San Francisco Bay area artist originally from New Mexico. His education spans several disciplines and institutions that include a B.A. from University of New Mexico-Albuquerque, in Anthropology; a B.F.A. in Visual Arts from the University of San Francisco, and an M.F.A. in Sculpture from Mills College.
Additionally, he completed a Fulbright post-graduate Fellowship at the Royal College of Art in London, UK, and is the author of the book “The Light Artist Anthology.” His awards include two grants from the Pollock-Krasner Foundation New York, NY, an NEA/AFI Grant Washington, DC, three NEA/Western States Regional Media Arts Fellowships, Denver, CO, and an Artist Relief Grant, United States Artists Organization, Chicago, Illinois.
His list of artist-in-residences includes two at the San Francisco Exploratorium, S.F., CA; a Bristol Exploratory residency during his UK Fulbright Fellowship, Bristol, UK; and a New York State Council on the Arts Residency in Binghamton, NY.
He had been selected twice as a visiting guest artist in Sculpture at the Vermont Studio Center, Johnson, VT. His work has been exhibited both nationally and internationally. He was the department head and faculty member at The Crucible in Oakland.
Christian Schiess came to The Crucible in 2001 as an accomplished, world renowned artist mirroring The Crucible’s mission. He was employee #9. He started the Neon department using his own tools and equipment.
Over the years, he slowly built up the tool collection in the Neon department to eventually replace his own tools. He spent countless hours of his own time creating “found objects” for students to use in their first neon projects, and to fill the pieces with gas after they had shaped the neon tubes. Over the 23 years he worked at The Crucible, he taught hundreds of students.
He also went above and beyond to curate and organize professional galleries around the Bay Area for Crucible faculty and students. These galleries inspired students to continue to take higher level classes and brought in many more students. His passion to share his knowledge and love for Neon could be easily seen with his growing student body. His passion, enthusiasm and love for neon will be missed, as will his wonderful nature and humor.
Christian was the oldest of 6 siblings survived by 2 brothers and 3 sisters and his wife, Susan Tapley-Schiess.
The post Christian Schiess In Memoriam appeared first on The Crucible.
Faculty Interview
Shoutout LA in Conversation with Jolie KarnoJohannes Valvur | 07.9.2024
Woodturning Department Head Jolie Karno recently sat down with Shoutout LA to discuss her practice. Head over to learn more about Jolie and how she operates!
Portrait credit: Ted Bluey
Read The Full ArticleRecent Posts* Recent * Jolie Karno in Shoutout LAJuly 9th, 2024 * Celebrate Women’s History Month With These Bay Area EventsMarch 5th, 2024 * April-June Classes Open For Members On February 6—Get Your Guide!February 4th, 2024 See more posts→
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Join Our Mailing ListKeep ReadingRead MoreJolie Karno in Shoutout LAThis past Thursday, February 23, more than 180 students and educators from across the East Bay gathered at The Crucible for our first Field Trip Day in three years....
Read More →Read MoreCelebrate Women’s History Month With These Bay Area EventsThroughout March, we’ll be recognizing the remarkable contributions of women past and present, as part of Women’s History Month. Check out local Women’s History Month events...
Read More →Read MoreBlack History Month In The Bay Area: Your 2024 Events CalendarEvery February, The Bay Area celebrates and recognizes the myriad contributions of Black Americans to our local and national culture during Black History Month events....
Read More →Read MoreTest Your Crucible Knowledge: 25 Facts for 25 YearsIt’s hard to believe, but 2024 marks The Crucible’s 15th anniversary! Since first opening our doors on January 15, 1999, we’ve had the pleasure of meeting thousands of artists,...
Read More →Read MoreThank You For Spending Your Weekend At GIFTY!We are still beaming after an incredible GIFTY 2023! What a spectacular weekend full of creativity and community. Thank you to the thousands of visitors who came out to support our...
Read More →Read MoreCrucible Board President, Melanie Moore Named One of Influential Women 2023This is an interview with one of San Francisco Business Times' outstanding professionals in the 2023 class of Most Influential Women in Bay Area Business....
Read More →The post Jolie Karno in Shoutout LA appeared first on The Crucible.
Community
Celebrate Women’s History Month With These Bay Area Events03.05.2024
Throughout March, we’ll be recognizing the remarkable contributions of women past and present, as part of Women’s History Month. To encapsulate the innumerable impacts of women on our society in a small piece of writing is an impossible undertaking, but we hope this acknowledgment will act as a single note in a chorus of praise and celebration.
The Crucible is lucky to have strong women who lead, educate, and inspire our community on a daily basis. We are so grateful for the women who have dedicated and continue to dedicate themselves to our mission and look forward to celebrating them all month long.
Below you’ll find listings for local Women’s History Month events happening throughout March. From art exhibits to film screenings and panel discussions, these events will be sure to inspire, educate and delight. If there are any events we missed, please share via email.
Photo: Black Art SymposiumRecent Posts* Recent * Celebrate Women’s History Month With These Bay Area EventsMarch 5th, 2024 * April-June Classes Open For Members On February 6—Get Your Guide!February 4th, 2024 * Black History Month In The Bay Area: Your 2024 Events CalendarJanuary 31st, 2024 See more posts→
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Join Our Mailing List2024 Bay Area Women’s History Month Events Black Girl: Thursday, March 7th 7pm BAMPFA * Against the Grain: Celebrating International Women’s Day: Friday, March 8, 5:30-7:30pm, Good Morning Maxwell * She Creates Change: Community Film Screening: Friday, March 8, 7-8:30pm, 99 Leland Ave * Women Made Pop-Up & Permanent Jewelry:* Saturday, March 9, 11am-1pm, Lina Shatara Designs- City Center * International Women’s Day*:* Saturday, March 9, 11am-3pm, Lawrence Hall of Science * Sisters In Solidarity – 17th International Women’s Day: Saturday, March 16, 10am-2pm, LaVonya DeJean Middle School * Lynn Beldner: Uncertain Navigation Opening Reception: Saturday, March 23, 1-4pm, Transmission Gallery * Leah Korican: Bramble & Bloom Artist Talk: Saturday, March 16, 3-5pm, Mercury 20 Gallery * Curator-Led Tour of Look Up to the Sky, Hung Liu’s Legacy of Mentoring Women Artists*:* Saturday, March 23, 3-4pm, Mills College Art Museum * Celebrating Women in Business: Panel and Pop-up*:* Wednesday, March 27, 5-7:30pm, Women’s Building * Gertrude Stein’s Oakland**: All Month at the Oakland History Center Keep ReadingRead MoreCelebrate Women’s History Month With These Bay Area EventsThroughout March, we’ll be recognizing the remarkable contributions of women past and present, as part of Women’s History Month. Check out local Women’s History Month events...
Read More →Read MoreBlack History Month In The Bay Area: Your 2024 Events CalendarEvery February, The Bay Area celebrates and recognizes the myriad contributions of Black Americans to our local and national culture during Black History Month events....
Read More →Read MoreTest Your Crucible Knowledge: 25 Facts for 25 YearsIt’s hard to believe, but 2024 marks The Crucible’s 15th anniversary! Since first opening our doors on January 15, 1999, we’ve had the pleasure of meeting thousands of artists,...
Read More →Read MoreThank You For Spending Your Weekend At GIFTY!We are still beaming after an incredible GIFTY 2023! What a spectacular weekend full of creativity and community. Thank you to the thousands of visitors who came out to support our...
Read More →Read MoreCrucible Board President, Melanie Moore Named One of Influential Women 2023This is an interview with one of San Francisco Business Times' outstanding professionals in the 2023 class of Most Influential Women in Bay Area Business....
Read More →Read MoreArt Transforms Lives: Youth Find Their Path Making Art With Rikki SmeltzerIn the summer of 2011, after graduating from his metalsmithing program at the University of North Texas, Rikki Lee Smeltzer set his sights on the Bay Area, in search of a creative...
Read More →The post Celebrate Women’s History Month With These Bay Area Events appeared first on The Crucible.
Classes
April-June Classes Open For Members On February 6—Get Your Guide!2.4.2024
Get ready to make this spring! April-june classes open for Early Member Registration this Tuesday, February 6.
Try one of our new offerings such as Turning for the Kitchen or Wheel Building, or grab a spot in a popular class like Neon I, Beginning Marbles, or Glass Flowers and Mushrooms. Not ready to commit to a full-length class? Try a bite-sized 3-Hour Taster such as Ceramic Planter, MIG Welding, and Glass Flameworking.
Families can also register for our youth spring weekend classes running this April. Choose from 21 different classes for ages 8-18.
Get a head start on planning your January-March class picks of early member registration this Tuesday. If you haven’t secured your Crucible membership, now is the time. Be the first to access every class drop, plus 10% off tuition, invites to special events, and more. Public registration will open Tuesday, November 7.
View All Upcoming ClassesRecent Posts* Recent * Celebrate Women’s History Month With These Bay Area EventsMarch 5th, 2024 * April-June Classes Open For Members On February 6—Get Your Guide!February 4th, 2024 * Black History Month In The Bay Area: Your 2024 Events CalendarJanuary 31st, 2024 See more posts→
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Join Our Mailing ListWaiting for a specific class to start?Fill out our Notify Me form to learn when new classes go on sale.
Notify Me FormNew classesCheck out the latest classes to join The Crucible family.
Wood + Leather3-Hour Taster: Ceramic Shot Glass3-Hour Taster: Glass GiftsTurning for the KitchenCoiled Shot Glasses3-Hour Taster: Die PendentCloisonne IntensiveArt with OxyWheel Building3-Hour Taster: Ashtry FormsSAVE YOUR SEATYouth classes for ages 8-18Families can register for our Spring Break weekend classes running this April.
Saturday, April 6–Sunday, April 7Youth Clay Critters WeekendAges 8-11
Youth Gizmos WeekendAges 8-11
Youth Print Making WeekendAges 8-11
Youth Blacksmithing IAges 12-18
Youth Exploration in ChainmakingAges 12-18
Youth Glass Flameworking IAges 12-18
Youth Jewelry and Metals IIAges 12-18
Youth Leather WorkingAges 12-18
Youth MIG WeldingAges 12-18
Youth WoodturningAges 12-18
Youth Glass Blowing IAges 14-18
Youth Machine Shop IAges 14-18
Youth TIG Welding IAges 14-18
Saturday, April 13–Sunday, April 14Youth ARC Welding IAges 12-18
Youth Bike MechanicsAges 12-18
Youth Blacksmithing IAges 12-18
Youth Ceramics IAges 14-18
Youth Electronics WeekendAges 12-18
Youth EnamelingAges 12-18
Youth Glass Flameworking IAges 12-18
Youth Jewelry and Metals IAges 12-18
Youth Relief PrintingAges 12-18
Youth WoodturningAges 12-18
Youth Glass Blowing IAges 14-18
Youth Makers MarkAges 14-18
Youth TIG Welding IAges 14-18
NEW! Youth Wooden BoxAges 14-18
SHOP YOUTH CLASSESRare offerings you won’t want to missTheses classes don’t come around often!
Bell CastingEach student will design, cast, and finish a bell approximately six inches in diameter. This entry level class will cover lost wax casting and provide a foundation for further exploration in this versatile foundry approach.
Glass Sea ShellsExplore the underwater world of sea shells with borosilicate glass. Using an oxy-propane torch, students will sculpt shells in both natural and adventurous colors.
PREREQUISITE: Glass Flameworking I
Brush-on Molds with Support CaseYou will learn how plaster and silicone work together in making molds for casting a variety of materials, including wax, plastic, and gypsum products. Your mold may be used in another class or stored for use in the future.
Casting Organics and Found ObjectsMake castings of unique items from organics, plastics, or styrofoam forms. Students will do two casting burnouts, pour molten metal, and file, polish, and finish one-of-a-kind creations.
PREREQUISITE: Casting Wax to Silver
Design and Make Your Own Waffle IronEach student will create a 7” diameter stovetop waffle iron with a waffle pattern of your own design. We will make sand molds and use a cupola furnace to melt the iron.
Sculpting with SteelLearn the fundamentals of Machine Shop theory and practice! Over this 15-hour course, you will be provided with a detailed handout packet and make a small project using basic machine tools.Iron Casting FoundationsIntroduce yourself to iron casting with this hands-on overview of foundry processes, including sand moldmaking, wax sculpting, the lost wax process, the steps required to prepare materials for and operate a cupola furnace, casting, and finishing.
Saw & Solder ChampleveUsing design techniques like sawing, filing, sweat soldering, wet packing, stoning, finishing, and patina, students will create a design in metal, solder it to a metal backing, and fill the open areas in the design with colorful enamels to be fired in the kilns.
PREREQUISITE: Enameling I
Fire Eating IYou will learn tracing (how to run fire along the surface of your skin), transfers (moving flame from one source or position to another), various extinguishes, and tips for putting on a great show. You will also make your own set of torches to take home.
Women’s Blacksmithing IThis class covers the fundamentals needed to forge steel and understand blacksmithing tools. We will introduce tapering, upsetting, flattening, dishing, and bending of hot steel – all the same skills and techniques as in Blacksmithing I.
SEE UPCOMING CLASSESExtra time to finish your projectsStudio labs are an exclusive perk for Crucible members. April-June labs include:
Blacksmithing
Ceramics
Enameling
Glass Blowing
Glass Flameworking
Glass Flameworking (12 Hour)
Glass Fusing & Slumping
Jewelry
Leather Working
Machine Shop
MIG & TIG Welding
Neon
LEARN MORE ABOUT LABSCheck out some of our most popular classesThey’re sure to fill fast!
Beginning MarblesCreate nature’s most perfect form—the sphere—in glass! After a basic introduction to melting and shaping borosilicate glass, you will complete several marble designs, including the clear gravity marble, the outside twist, the ribbon, or the eyeball. Techniques include hold and cold seals, color pulling, and color application.
Blacksmithing ILearn the basics of blacksmithing! This class teaches the fundamental skills needed to forge steel and understand blacksmithing tools. We will introduce tapering, upsetting, flattening, dishing, and bending of hot steel. Students make small projects, such as spoons, knives, forks, and hooks.
Glass Flowers and MushroomsLearn the basics of hot glass sculpting, including techniques in gathering molten glass out of the furnace, marvering, color application, and glass shaping. In this three-hour workshop, you will sculpt two different types of both flowers and mushrooms from hot glass.
Neon ILight up your life with neon! In this class you will learn the skills needed to complete a project in neon and an illuminated project. In addition to hands-on instruction in tools and techniques, this class includes discussion of design and aesthetic considerations.
Re-Enameled Camping WareStudents will use enamels in liquid form to make a utilitarian object into a work of art. Students have the option of working on a plate or a mug. The enamels can be sprayed, painted, dipped, dripped, spattered, or stenciled and then fired. Subsequent firings can add additional color or drawing.
Turning and MillingLearn to fabricate metal parts using the lathe and vertical milling machine. Instruction includes machine design and operation, materials, blueprint reading, tooling and precision measurement. The goal of this class is to explore the capabilities and scope of these versatile machines through a series of projects in aluminum, brass, and steel.
Wheel Throwing ILearn how to throw clay on a potter’s wheel! Students will learn the fundamentals of throwing, including wedging clay, centering, opening, pulling, and shaping a cylinder, bowl, and cup. Learn how to use hand tools to trim and add texture to your pieces, in addition to glaze applications and finishing techniques.
Woodworking ILearn how to use power tools and hand tools safely and effectively to build a piece of fine furniture. Cover the core concepts and techniques required for most woodworking projects, including milling boards to straighten them, choosing and creating appropriate joints to connect them, and the careful handwork to finish everything well.
SIGN UP NOW!Try out a 3-Hour TasterBite-sized projects without the full class commitment.
ARC WeldingNEW! Ashtray FormsBlacksmithing: Bottle OpenerBlacksmithing: Twisted HookCeramic MugCeramic PlanterNEW! Ceramic Shot GlassCuttle Fish CastingNEW! Die PendantEnamelingFoundryGlass FlameworkingGlass FusingNEW! Glass GiftsJewelryMachine ShopMIG WeldingTIG WeldingBROWSE ALL CLASSESKeep your creative journey goingContinuing level classes are the perfect way to take the next step in a department of your choosing
Blacksmithing IIJewelry and Metals IIGlass Sea ShellsCasting Organics and Found ObjectsEnamel SurfacesGlass Blowing II: Cup ClassARC Welding IIChasing and RepousseContinuing EnamelingSaw & Solder ChampleveFire Hula Hoop IIAdvanced Marble Making TechniquesLeather Working IICeramics IIGlass Flameworking IICloisonne IntensiveBicycle Repair IIBottles and VasesAdventures in Soft Glass: Fabulous FishGlass Beads IISAVE YOUR SEATDon’t forget, members get perks!Access early class registration, 10% off tuition, invitations to exclusive events, and more.
Become A MemberKeep ReadingRead MoreCelebrate Women’s History Month With These Bay Area EventsThroughout March, we’ll be recognizing the remarkable contributions of women past and present, as part of Women’s History Month. Check out local Women’s History Month events...
Read More →Read MoreBlack History Month In The Bay Area: Your 2024 Events CalendarEvery February, The Bay Area celebrates and recognizes the myriad contributions of Black Americans to our local and national culture during Black History Month events....
Read More →Read MoreTest Your Crucible Knowledge: 25 Facts for 25 YearsIt’s hard to believe, but 2024 marks The Crucible’s 15th anniversary! Since first opening our doors on January 15, 1999, we’ve had the pleasure of meeting thousands of artists,...
Read More →Read MoreThank You For Spending Your Weekend At GIFTY!We are still beaming after an incredible GIFTY 2023! What a spectacular weekend full of creativity and community. Thank you to the thousands of visitors who came out to support our...
Read More →Read MoreCrucible Board President, Melanie Moore Named One of Influential Women 2023This is an interview with one of San Francisco Business Times' outstanding professionals in the 2023 class of Most Influential Women in Bay Area Business....
Read More →Read MoreArt Transforms Lives: Youth Find Their Path Making Art With Rikki SmeltzerIn the summer of 2011, after graduating from his metalsmithing program at the University of North Texas, Rikki Lee Smeltzer set his sights on the Bay Area, in search of a creative...
Read More →The post April-June Classes Open For Members On February 6—Get Your Guide! appeared first on The Crucible.
Community
Black History Month In The Bay Area: Your 2024 Events Calendar01.31.2024
Every February, The Bay Area celebrates and recognizes the myriad contributions of Black Americans to our local and national culture during Black History Month events. Throughout the month, you can explore art exhibitions, dance parties, family-friendly readings, film series, and more across the Bay Area.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of Black History Month events. If you know of any additional events we should include, please email us at info@thecrucible.org. The Crucible is proud to honor and celebrate the accomplishments of Black Americans.
Photo: MoADIf you’d like to learn more about Black history, you can visit the African American Museum and Library at Oakland (AAMLO). Explore their online collection of journals, documents, films, and other educational resources using your Oakland library card, or visit in person and enjoy exhibits, workshops, and activities for all ages.
Photo: Black Art SymposiumRecent Posts* Recent * Celebrate Women’s History Month With These Bay Area EventsMarch 5th, 2024 * April-June Classes Open For Members On February 6—Get Your Guide!February 4th, 2024 * Black History Month In The Bay Area: Your 2024 Events CalendarJanuary 31st, 2024 See more posts→
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Join Our Mailing ListPhoto: Black Joy Parade2024 Bay Area Black History Month Events John Martin: A Self-Portrait: Thursday, February 1–Saturday, April 6, Creative Growth * Black History Month Film Screenings: Fridays, February 2, 9, 16, and 23, 6-8pm, 1st Floor Council Chambers, City Hall, 1 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza * Lunar New Year x Black History Month Community Celebration: Saturday, February 3, 11am-4pm, Oakland Asian Cultural Center * Black Culture Family Read-In: Saturday, February 3, Saturday, February 10, and Tuesday, February 13, 11am-1pm, Oakland Public Library Dimond Branch * Oakland Arts and Lectures: Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah: Sunday, February 4, 3pm, Oakstop – Gaines Gallery * Black History Month Dance Party: Thursday, February 8, 7pm, 2601 Mariposa St. * ARTIST TALK – Spectrum: On Color & Contemporary Art: Thursday, February 8, 6:30-8pm, MoAD * Black Art Symposium: Saturday, February 10, 4:20-10pm, AAACC at 762 Fulton Street, San Francisco * Free Admission Day at MoAD: Saturday, February 10, 11am-6pm * Crafting in the Castro: African American Icons Collage: Sunday, February 11, 3-4pm, Eureka Valley/Harvey Milk Memorial Branch Library * 2024 Black Liberation Walking Tour: Saturday, February 17 * Black History Month Walking Tour in Oakland: Saturday, February 24, 9:45am-1pm, St Andrews Missionary Baptist Church * Black Joy Parade: Sunday, February 25, 12:30pm, 14th Street & Franklin Street * Celebrate Black History Month at EOYDC: Thursday, February 29, 4:30-7:30pm, East Oakland Youth Development Center * Portraits of Black Life: An Art Exhibit from Ajuan Mance: Closes Thursday, February 28, Oakland Public Library Golden Gate Branch * The Bay Area Black Artists Exhibition*: Closes Saturday, March 16, Richmond Art Center Keep ReadingRead MoreCelebrate Women’s History Month With These Bay Area EventsThroughout March, we’ll be recognizing the remarkable contributions of women past and present, as part of Women’s History Month. Check out local Women’s History Month events...
Read More →Read MoreBlack History Month In The Bay Area: Your 2024 Events CalendarEvery February, The Bay Area celebrates and recognizes the myriad contributions of Black Americans to our local and national culture during Black History Month events....
Read More →Read MoreTest Your Crucible Knowledge: 25 Facts for 25 YearsIt’s hard to believe, but 2024 marks The Crucible’s 15th anniversary! Since first opening our doors on January 15, 1999, we’ve had the pleasure of meeting thousands of artists,...
Read More →Read MoreThank You For Spending Your Weekend At GIFTY!We are still beaming after an incredible GIFTY 2023! What a spectacular weekend full of creativity and community. Thank you to the thousands of visitors who came out to support our...
Read More →Read MoreCrucible Board President, Melanie Moore Named One of Influential Women 2023This is an interview with one of San Francisco Business Times' outstanding professionals in the 2023 class of Most Influential Women in Bay Area Business....
Read More →Read MoreArt Transforms Lives: Youth Find Their Path Making Art With Rikki SmeltzerIn the summer of 2011, after graduating from his metalsmithing program at the University of North Texas, Rikki Lee Smeltzer set his sights on the Bay Area, in search of a creative...
Read More →The post Black History Month In The Bay Area: Your 2024 Events Calendar appeared first on The Crucible.
Community
Test Your Crucible Knowledge: 25 Facts for 25 YearsBy Cathy Niland | 1.26.2024
It’s hard to believe, but 2024 marks The Crucible’s 25th anniversary! Since first opening our doors on January 15, 1999, we’ve had the pleasure of meeting thousands of artists, hobbyists, and creativity-seekers through classes, workshops, events, and programming.
To celebrate the occasion, we pulled together 25 fun facts about our organization. From one-of-a-kind artworks to unforgettable events, so much has happened in our 25-year history. Scroll down to test your Crucible knowledge, and check out our 25th anniversary page for more information on how you can celebrate!
Visit Our 25th Anniversary PageRecent Posts* Recent * Celebrate Women’s History Month With These Bay Area EventsMarch 5th, 2024 * April-June Classes Open For Members On February 6—Get Your Guide!February 4th, 2024 * Black History Month In The Bay Area: Your 2024 Events CalendarJanuary 31st, 2024 See more posts→
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Join Our Mailing List25 Facts About The CrucibleWhat is the Crucible's birthday?January 15, 1999
What year did The Crucible move to West Oakland?2003
How many square feet is The Crucible's building?56,000
Why are there traintracks inside The Crucible?Our West Oakland warehouse was once home to a paper towel tube factory. The train tracks were used to transport products to the Port of Oakland.
The Crucible currently partners with these three OUSD schools through an Arts Incentive GrantMcClymonds High School, Castlemont High School, and Rudsdale High School. Each school has a unique program and schedule best suited for their students.
How many years has GIFTY been running?2023 was our 20th GIFTY event!
Some of the equipment in this department date back to the 1950sMachine Shop
What year did The Crucible acquire our red caboose?2006
How old do you have to be to take a Crucible class?The Crucible offers classes for youth as young as eight years old.
In 2007, The Crucible’s Die-sel Moto set a diesel motorcycle land speed world record at how many miles per hour?130.614 MPH
Much of The Crucible's scrap metal comes from this West Oakland partnerCASS, Inc., which also sponsors our youth summer camps.
This staffer has been with The Crucible for 16+ yearsCommunity Programs Manager, Iz Plasencia
Which news outlet featured The Crucible in it's 2015 “36 Hours in Oakland, California” article?The New York Times
In which Crucible department was the key to the City of Oakland created?Foundry
Crucible artists used old Bay Bridge steel to create this in 2018The Bay Bridge Series Trophy
In what way does The Crucible participate in the annual Oakland Marathon?Each year, hundreds of participants run under our fire arch during the 7th Street span of the race through West Oakland.
Which Crucible department offers the most free programming?Our Bike Shop offers regular free programming for West Oakland community members, including weekly Open Bike Shop Hours, monthly Femme Bike Night, and youth Earn-A-Bike programs.
When did we launch our Fuego Youth Leadership Program?2010
How many people does The Crucible serve each year?Each year, The Crucible serves approximately 20,000 people through classes, workshops, events, and free programming.
How many pounds of clay does the ceramics department use each year?The Crucible Ceramics Department uses between 4,500 and 6,000 pounds of clay each year!
How much does The Crucible provide in annual scholarships?$100,000
How many departments does The Crucible have?The Crucible has 18 industrial arts departments. How many can you name off the top of your head?
Which Department Head has been with The Crucible since the beginning?Judy Stone is the Enameling Department Founder and current Co-Head.
What does the red light over the Foundry Shell Room door indicate?The Shell Room houses our ceramic shell slurry, used in the lost wax casting process. The slurry has to stay in constant motion so as not to solidify and ruin the machine. If the red light is on, it means the slurry is moving!
Who is allowed to take a class at The Crucible?Everyone! From beginners to experienced artists, and everything in between, everyone is welcome to get creative and learn something new at The Crucible!
Visit Our 25th Anniversary PageKeep ReadingRead MoreCelebrate Women’s History Month With These Bay Area EventsThroughout March, we’ll be recognizing the remarkable contributions of women past and present, as part of Women’s History Month. Check out local Women’s History Month events...
Read More →Read MoreBlack History Month In The Bay Area: Your 2024 Events CalendarEvery February, The Bay Area celebrates and recognizes the myriad contributions of Black Americans to our local and national culture during Black History Month events....
Read More →Read MoreTest Your Crucible Knowledge: 25 Facts for 25 YearsIt’s hard to believe, but 2024 marks The Crucible’s 15th anniversary! Since first opening our doors on January 15, 1999, we’ve had the pleasure of meeting thousands of artists,...
Read More →Read MoreThank You For Spending Your Weekend At GIFTY!We are still beaming after an incredible GIFTY 2023! What a spectacular weekend full of creativity and community. Thank you to the thousands of visitors who came out to support our...
Read More →Read MoreCrucible Board President, Melanie Moore Named One of Influential Women 2023This is an interview with one of San Francisco Business Times' outstanding professionals in the 2023 class of Most Influential Women in Bay Area Business....
Read More →Read MoreArt Transforms Lives: Youth Find Their Path Making Art With Rikki SmeltzerIn the summer of 2011, after graduating from his metalsmithing program at the University of North Texas, Rikki Lee Smeltzer set his sights on the Bay Area, in search of a creative...
Read More →Visit Our BlogThe post Test Your Crucible Knowledge: 25 Facts for 25 Years appeared first on The Crucible.
Community
Thank You For Spending Your Weekend At GIFTY! Cathy Niland | 12.13.2022
We are still beaming after an incredible GIFTY 2023! What a spectacular weekend full of creativity and community. Thank you to the thousands of visitors who came out to support our vendors and enjoy the industrial arts.
This event is a massive undertaking and requires so much work by so many people. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who brought this event to life, including staff, faculty, and volunteers.
To our incredible vendors—what would GIFTY be without your dedication and hard work? So much talent, time, and energy goes into being a vendor and your effort does not go unoticed. We can’t thank you enough.
Relive the magic of GIFTY through our event gallery below. And don’t forget, you can still support our GIFTY vendors by shopping their online stores. Visit our event page to connect with our vendors. We’re already looking forward to GIFTY 2024!
Recent Posts* Recent * Celebrate Women’s History Month With These Bay Area EventsMarch 5th, 2024 * April-June Classes Open For Members On February 6—Get Your Guide!February 4th, 2024 * Black History Month In The Bay Area: Your 2024 Events CalendarJanuary 31st, 2024 See more posts→
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Join Our Mailing ListRelive the magic of GIFTY 2023!Shop GIFTY vendors online this holiday seasonIf you didn’t make it to our in-person event, you can still support our vendors by shopping online. Check out our GIFTY 2023 event page for links to their stores!
SHOP GIFTY VENDORS ONLINEKeep ReadingRead MoreCelebrate Women’s History Month With These Bay Area EventsThroughout March, we’ll be recognizing the remarkable contributions of women past and present, as part of Women’s History Month. Check out local Women’s History Month events...
Read More →Read MoreBlack History Month In The Bay Area: Your 2024 Events CalendarEvery February, The Bay Area celebrates and recognizes the myriad contributions of Black Americans to our local and national culture during Black History Month events....
Read More →Read MoreTest Your Crucible Knowledge: 25 Facts for 25 YearsIt’s hard to believe, but 2024 marks The Crucible’s 15th anniversary! Since first opening our doors on January 15, 1999, we’ve had the pleasure of meeting thousands of artists,...
Read More →Read MoreThank You For Spending Your Weekend At GIFTY!We are still beaming after an incredible GIFTY 2023! What a spectacular weekend full of creativity and community. Thank you to the thousands of visitors who came out to support our...
Read More →Read MoreCrucible Board President, Melanie Moore Named One of Influential Women 2023This is an interview with one of San Francisco Business Times' outstanding professionals in the 2023 class of Most Influential Women in Bay Area Business....
Read More →Read MoreArt Transforms Lives: Youth Find Their Path Making Art With Rikki SmeltzerIn the summer of 2011, after graduating from his metalsmithing program at the University of North Texas, Rikki Lee Smeltzer set his sights on the Bay Area, in search of a creative...
Read More →The post Thank You For Spending Your Weekend At GIFTY! appeared first on The Crucible.
Community
Crucible Board President, Melanie Moore Named One of Influential Women 2023 by San Francisco Business Times12.08.2023
Note: This article was originally published by the San Francisco Business Times on October 6, 2023. Influential Women 2023: Melanie Moore, CEO, Oakland ThrivesBy Simon Campbell
Melanie MooreCEO, Oakland Thrives
Recent Posts* Recent * Celebrate Women’s History Month With These Bay Area EventsMarch 5th, 2024 * April-June Classes Open For Members On February 6—Get Your Guide!February 4th, 2024 * Black History Month In The Bay Area: Your 2024 Events CalendarJanuary 31st, 2024 See more posts→
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Join Our Mailing List Age: 54 * Education: Ph.D., Education, Stanford University * Community involvement: Chair of the Board, The Crucible; Co-Chair, Anchor Assessment Committee, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland; Community Advisory Board Member, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland; Commissioner, Oakland Children’s Initiative, City of Oakland * Born: New Orleans, LA * Residence: Oakland * What does your company do:* Collective impact initiatives to make Oakland the healthiest city in the nation for children and families
Biggest impact on your life: Collective impact initiatives to make Oakland the healthiest city in the nation for children and families
Most proud of: My two daughters, ages 26 and 18. They are future leaders!
Industry entry point: As a graduate student, I worked alongside a professor to conduct an evaluation study of a youth development organization. That launched me into the field of strategy and planning for community development initiatives.
Best advice received: Elevate your sights. Don’t settle for less than you’re worth. My father-in-law told me this when I graduated from college.
Guidance for aspiring female leaders: Get all the education you can. Ask for double the salary or consulting rate you first have in mind. Do not try to have it all/do it all — it’s impossible. If you’re going to lead an organization, you won’t have the energy to make dinner when you get home…order in!
Impact of climate change: Climate change has disproportionate effects on lower income communities, such as those in many Oakland neighborhoods. Lower income families have fewer options to avoid or reduce the effects of warmer temperatures, forest fires, rising energy costs, or environmental pollution. A green technology and jobs revolution is needed both to provide jobs and improve environmental conditions.
A common misconception about your work: Improving conditions for children and families is not a one-time fix. We need ongoing strategic and sustained investment from both the public and private sectors to create thriving neighborhoods.
The future: I am most concerned about the irreparable harm we are causing to our environment. We have already changed the world for the worse, and we can’t take it back. I am most encouraged by human ingenuity combined with the human spirit — I believe we will rise to the occasion and design strategies to fix what we have broken.
The biggest challenge facing women leaders: We still expect women to do it all – to be great leaders and great mothers, to look great all the time, to be pleasant and friendly while also being tough and uncompromising. No single human can do all those things well simultaneously, and we need to recognize that women in leadership roles need and deserve support.
Surprising fact: I used to be a semi-professional dancer and dance teacher.
Read the Orignial ArticleKeep ReadingRead MoreCelebrate Women’s History Month With These Bay Area EventsThroughout March, we’ll be recognizing the remarkable contributions of women past and present, as part of Women’s History Month. Check out local Women’s History Month events...
Read More →Read MoreBlack History Month In The Bay Area: Your 2024 Events CalendarEvery February, The Bay Area celebrates and recognizes the myriad contributions of Black Americans to our local and national culture during Black History Month events....
Read More →Read MoreTest Your Crucible Knowledge: 25 Facts for 25 YearsIt’s hard to believe, but 2024 marks The Crucible’s 15th anniversary! Since first opening our doors on January 15, 1999, we’ve had the pleasure of meeting thousands of artists,...
Read More →Read MoreThank You For Spending Your Weekend At GIFTY!We are still beaming after an incredible GIFTY 2023! What a spectacular weekend full of creativity and community. Thank you to the thousands of visitors who came out to support our...
Read More →Read MoreCrucible Board President, Melanie Moore Named One of Influential Women 2023This is an interview with one of San Francisco Business Times' outstanding professionals in the 2023 class of Most Influential Women in Bay Area Business....
Read More →Read MoreArt Transforms Lives: Youth Find Their Path Making Art With Rikki SmeltzerIn the summer of 2011, after graduating from his metalsmithing program at the University of North Texas, Rikki Lee Smeltzer set his sights on the Bay Area, in search of a creative...
Read More →Visit Our BlogThe post Crucible Board President, Melanie Moore Named One of Influential Women 2023 appeared first on The Crucible.
Community
Art Transforms Lives: Youth Find Their Path Making Art With Rikki Smeltzer11.20.2023
In the summer of 2011, after graduating from his metalsmithing program at the University of North Texas, Rikki Lee Smeltzer set his sights on the Bay Area, in search of a creative and inclusive community. A college friend told him to check out a spot called The Crucible. Rikki wasted no time, becoming a volunteer on his second day in The Bay.
He’s been transforming lives at The Crucible ever since.
For the past thirteen years, Rikki has put his heart and soul into teaching. As Jewelry Department Head, he works tirelessly to ensure his students and faculty feel seen, giving them the freedom to grow at their own pace.
Rikki explained, “When I see people struggling, I remind them that you’re here to grow, you can take your time, just enjoy the learning process and the community you create. Nobody learns exactly the same way and sometimes students just need a little extra encouragement.”
It is this patience and understanding that has helped so many students, especially youth students, find themselves through hands-on art-making at The Crucible. Leslie Kwok started taking Jewelry classes at The Crucible when she was 12 years old, growing into our Fuego Youth Leadership Program, and becoming an instructor. She credits her journey to Rikki’s mentoring.
Recent Posts* Recent * Celebrate Women’s History Month With These Bay Area EventsMarch 5th, 2024 * April-June Classes Open For Members On February 6—Get Your Guide!February 4th, 2024 * Black History Month In The Bay Area: Your 2024 Events CalendarJanuary 31st, 2024 See more posts→
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Join Our Mailing List“Rikki has been a huge part of my life since I started at The Crucible. He’s an incredible mentor to me and such a valuable source of knowledge. He’s encouraging and super supportive and I honestly wouldn’t be the artist that I am today if I hadn’t been supported by him.”Leslie wasn’t always sure she’d be an artist, let alone an instructor. “Growing up, I was a lot more introverted, and I struggled with anxiety.” However, access to hands-on art-making gave her the confidence she needed to explore creative career pathways. Now she’s pursuing a degree in design and teaching Crucible youth classes during her college breaks.
“I think The Crucible has impacted my life for the better, 100%. Art, especially industrial art, has kept me grounded. I am so lucky to have grown up in this environment where I was nurtured creatively. Now I can give that back. It fills me with light, to be able to watch students grow and see them gain more confidence like I did.”
Rikki added, “Experience isn’t related to age or time; it’s related to exposure. The Crucible is a safe space to access that exposure. Creating confidence in one aspect of yourself creates confidence in other aspects of yourself. There’s so much joy that comes with that confidence and pride.”
How Will You Help Transform Tomorrow’s Artists Today?Giving youth access to transformative art education and mentorship from talented educators like Rikki is something we have been proud to do for 25 years. Now, you can help us provide transformative arts access to youth for the next 25 years to come.
Your donation will support youth scholarships, expanded bike shop programs, free workshops for OUSD students, Fuego Youth Leadership stipends, and our new Creative Economy Pathway Program for young people pursuing careers as instructors, fabricators, and creative business owners in the industrial arts and trades.
As we celebrate our 25th anniversary in 2024, we’ll continue to champion individual growth and vibrant community connections through the industrial arts. Join us in lifting up the next generation of makers, innovators, and creative leaders in Oakland and beyond.
You can make a donation here or visit our campaign via the link below.
Support The CrucibleKeep ReadingRead MoreCelebrate Women’s History Month With These Bay Area EventsThroughout March, we’ll be recognizing the remarkable contributions of women past and present, as part of Women’s History Month. Check out local Women’s History Month events...
Read More →Read MoreBlack History Month In The Bay Area: Your 2024 Events CalendarEvery February, The Bay Area celebrates and recognizes the myriad contributions of Black Americans to our local and national culture during Black History Month events....
Read More →Read MoreTest Your Crucible Knowledge: 25 Facts for 25 YearsIt’s hard to believe, but 2024 marks The Crucible’s 15th anniversary! Since first opening our doors on January 15, 1999, we’ve had the pleasure of meeting thousands of artists,...
Read More →Read MoreThank You For Spending Your Weekend At GIFTY!We are still beaming after an incredible GIFTY 2023! What a spectacular weekend full of creativity and community. Thank you to the thousands of visitors who came out to support our...
Read More →Read MoreCrucible Board President, Melanie Moore Named One of Influential Women 2023This is an interview with one of San Francisco Business Times' outstanding professionals in the 2023 class of Most Influential Women in Bay Area Business....
Read More →Read MoreArt Transforms Lives: Youth Find Their Path Making Art With Rikki SmeltzerIn the summer of 2011, after graduating from his metalsmithing program at the University of North Texas, Rikki Lee Smeltzer set his sights on the Bay Area, in search of a creative...
Read More →Visit Our BlogThe post Art Transforms Lives: Youth Find Their Path Making Art With Rikki Smeltzer appeared first on The Crucible.
Community
The Crucible Welcomes Seth Steward As New Executive Director11.06.2023
The Crucible is pleased to announce Seth Steward has been named our new Executive Director ahead of our upcoming 25th anniversary year.
“I am profoundly inspired by The Crucible’s commitment to the creative arts and supporting the community it serves,” shared Steward. “As a West Oakland resident, I appreciate The Crucible’s values, given my belief that creative outlets ensure thriving futures. I look forward to building on The Crucible’s programming by continuing to empower the voices of faculty, staff, and students to bring industrial arts education to the broader community.”
Recent Posts* Recent * Celebrate Women’s History Month With These Bay Area EventsMarch 5th, 2024 * April-June Classes Open For Members On February 6—Get Your Guide!February 4th, 2024 * Black History Month In The Bay Area: Your 2024 Events CalendarJanuary 31st, 2024 See more posts→
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Join Our Mailing ListSteward previously served as Chief of Staff for Oakland City Councilmember Dan Kalb and taught criminal law at City College of San Francisco. He was an Assistant District Attorney in San Francisco and served in the United States Air Force as a Flight Engineer where he was deployed to Iraq and Kenya.
Steward’s academic achievements include a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Harvard University’s prestigious John F. Kennedy School of Government, a Juris Doctor from the esteemed George Washington University Law School, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Policy from Occidental College.
Crucible Board President. Melanie Moore had this to say about Steward’s appointment. “The Crucible Board of Directors has tremendous confidence in Seth Steward’s leadership, and we could not be more pleased to welcome an Executive Director for this West Oakland institution, who is himself a West Oakland resident. Heading into our 25th year, we are led by an immensely capable and experienced individual, whose career has been shaped by the pursuit of excellence and equity.”
Community members and leaders will have the opportunity to meet Seth during events scheduled throughout the next month. We look forward to sharing more of Seth’s vision for The Crucible’s 25th year and beyond.
Support The CrucibleKeep ReadingRead MoreCelebrate Women’s History Month With These Bay Area EventsThroughout March, we’ll be recognizing the remarkable contributions of women past and present, as part of Women’s History Month. Check out local Women’s History Month events...
Read More →Read MoreBlack History Month In The Bay Area: Your 2024 Events CalendarEvery February, The Bay Area celebrates and recognizes the myriad contributions of Black Americans to our local and national culture during Black History Month events....
Read More →Read MoreTest Your Crucible Knowledge: 25 Facts for 25 YearsIt’s hard to believe, but 2024 marks The Crucible’s 15th anniversary! Since first opening our doors on January 15, 1999, we’ve had the pleasure of meeting thousands of artists,...
Read More →Read MoreThank You For Spending Your Weekend At GIFTY!We are still beaming after an incredible GIFTY 2023! What a spectacular weekend full of creativity and community. Thank you to the thousands of visitors who came out to support our...
Read More →Read MoreCrucible Board President, Melanie Moore Named One of Influential Women 2023This is an interview with one of San Francisco Business Times' outstanding professionals in the 2023 class of Most Influential Women in Bay Area Business....
Read More →Read MoreArt Transforms Lives: Youth Find Their Path Making Art With Rikki SmeltzerIn the summer of 2011, after graduating from his metalsmithing program at the University of North Texas, Rikki Lee Smeltzer set his sights on the Bay Area, in search of a creative...
Read More →Visit Our BlogThe post The Crucible Welcomes Seth Steward As New Executive Director appeared first on The Crucible.
Classes
Plan for a Creative 2024: January-March Classes Open 10/3110.27.2023
This Tuesday, October 31, over 150 January-March classes open for early member registration. 2024 marks The Crucible’s 25th Anniversary and there’s no better way to ring in a milestone birthday than with a creative celebration. Join us for a class in the start of the new year—take a class solo, sign up with a friend, or gift a class to a creative loved one for the holidays.
Explore our adult Weeklong classes running this January. Spend a week exploring classes like Fundamentals of Machine Shop, Bladesmithing, Charm Bracelet: Copper & Silver Metal Clay, and Woodworking I. Popular favorites like Jewelry and Metals I, Woodturning I, Wheel Throwing I, and Beginning Marbles return alongside a number of youth offerings for students ages 12-18.
Get a head start on planning your January-March class picks of early member registration this Tuesday. If you haven’t secured your Crucible membership, now is the time. Be the first to access every class drop, plus 10% off tuition, invites to special events, and more. Public registration will open Tuesday, November 7.
View All Upcoming ClassesRecent Posts* Recent * Celebrate Women’s History Month With These Bay Area EventsMarch 5th, 2024 * April-June Classes Open For Members On February 6—Get Your Guide!February 4th, 2024 * Black History Month In The Bay Area: Your 2024 Events CalendarJanuary 31st, 2024 See more posts→
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Join Our Mailing ListWaiting for a specific class to start?Fill out our Notify Me form to learn when new classes go on sale.
Notify Me FormHighlight: Adult Weeklong ClassesStart the new year off right with a week of making this January.
Adult Art BikeIn this class, you can build an art bike or customize your existing bike. Get a taste of bike customization and modification without diving into the full bike frame construction process.
BookbindingIn this course, we will focus on the foundation of bookbinding techniques, history, and materials. You will construct book blocks, practice stitching techniques, and design covers that express your creative voice.
Bladesmithingn this specialized course, we will cover blade design, control of steel grain structure, hardening and tempering methods, steel finishes, and handle construction. Emphasis is on learning the fundamental skills needed to forge a good knife.
TIG Welding IUsing cold-rolled steel, this course starts with a series of small exercises and progresses into a challenging technical project, giving students a foundation in basic metallurgy, preparation, joints, technique, and safety.
Woodworking IClass assignments introduce the core concepts and techniques required for most woodworking projects, including milling boards to straighten them, choosing and creating appropriate joints to connect them, and the careful handwork to finish everything well. Students leave with a strong foundation for more advanced wood classes and a small end table.
Ceramics IThis introductory class covers traditional hand-building and surface treatment techniques while pushing the boundaries with unconventional methods. You will leave with a solid foundation in working with clay and the ability to apply your new skill set to other 3-D work and materials.
NEW! Charm Bracelet: Copper & Silver Metal ClayStudents will design and make six charms to be displayed on a linked bracelet. A new technique will be taught with each charm, including forming, texturizing, stone setting, filigree syringe work, curved surface construction, and setting a glass component. The bracelet will be secured with a bar and toggle clasp fabricated with metal clay.
Fred Ball Experimental Enameling TechniquesFred Uhl Ball (1945-1985) was an enamelist who lived and taught in Sacramento. His work was viewed as highly unorthodox at the time, but created a firm basis for current contemporary enameling. Specific techniques include working with fire scale, creating collages, using liquid enamel and other materials associated with the porcelain enamel industry, over- and under-firing, and much more.
Jewelry and Metals IWe will focus on sawing, filing, sanding, soldering, texturing, annealing, stamping, polishing, and design. Students will learn the properties of metals like copper, brass, and silver and make a sterling silver ring.
Fundamentals of Machine ShopLearn the fundamentals of Machine Shop theory and practice! Over this 15-hour course, you will be provided with a detailed handout packet and make a small project using basic machine tools.BROWSE WEEKLONG CLASSESJoin us for a 3-Hour TasterTry out one of our departments without making a full class commitment.
ARC WeldingNEW! Blacksmithing: Bottle OpenerBlacksmithing: Twisted HookCeramic MugCeramic PlanterEnamelingFoundryGlass LadlingGlass FlameworkingGlass FusingNEW! Cuttle Fish CastingJewelryLeatherMachine ShopMIG WeldingNEW! TIG WeldingSEE ALL 3-HOUR TASTERSTake your making to the next levelContinuing level classes are your opportunity to grow your skills in the department of your choosing
Blacksmithing IIBladesmithingWheel Throwing IIStone SettingGobletsContinuing EnamelingAdventures in Soft Glass: Fabulous FishGlass Flameworking IIForge Your Own Blacksmithing ToolsWoodworking IIGlass Beads IITIG Welding IITraditional DovetailsGlass Sea ShellsHot Glass Sculpting IAdventures in Soft Glass: Finding Your Inner MonsterMetal Furniture FabricationEnameling Open Studio HoursJewelry and Metals IIGlass Fusing and Slumping IIAdvanced Marble Making TechniquesCeramics IIGlass DragonsHorsehair and Sugar RakuGlass Blowing II: Cup ClassSAVE YOUR SEATSpend time working on personal projectsStudio labs are an exclusive perk for Crucible members. January-March Labs include:
Blacksmithing
Ceramics
Enameling
Foundry
Glass Blowing
Glass Flameworking
Glass Fusing & Slumping
Jewelry
Leather Working
Machine Shop
MIG & TIG Welding
Neon
Woodworking
TAKE A LABRare & popular classes just landedThese classes are sure to fill fast!
Beginning MarblesCreate nature’s most perfect form—the sphere—in glass! After a basic introduction to melting and shaping borosilicate glass, you will complete several marble designs, including the clear gravity marble, the outside twist, the ribbon, or the eyeball. Techniques include hold and cold seals, color pulling, and color application.
Brush-on Molds with Support CaseIn this class, you can make the kind of mold used by model makers, foundries, sculptors, and other professionals. You will learn how plaster and silicone work together in making molds for casting a variety of materials including wax, plastic, and gypsum products. Class will begin with information that will help you in making or selecting an object to mold that is compatible with the process and size limitations.
Elegant Stacking RingsLearn basic soldering and metalworking techniques to make a set of stackable rings from sterling silver, copper, brass, and gold fill. You will leave with several stylish rings for yourself or to give as gifts.
Enamel HeartsSpend the morning making an original heart-shaped pendant for your valentine, pet, or yourself—just in time for Valentine’s Day! Sweetly sentimental or post-apocalyptic, the end result is up to you. Cut your own individual heart shape in fine gauge copper, add texture and dimension, then apply powdered vitreous enamels and fire in the kiln to add color and vibrancy.
Fire Hula Hoop IBuild coordination and confidence as you construct your own practice PVC hula hoop and learn basic tricks with and without fire. You will learn beginner on-body and off-body moves, including turns, figure 8’s, tosses, isolations, fountains, atoms; and waist, hand, knee, and neck hooping. On the final night, you will work with open flame!
Glass Flowers and MushroomsLearn the basics of hot glass sculpting, including techniques in gathering molten glass out of the furnace, marvering, color application, and glass shaping. In this three-hour workshop, you will sculpt two different types of both flowers and mushrooms from hot glass.
Mechanical SculptureThis course introduces simple and complex mechanisms including gears, cams, pulleys, and linkages. You will learn how to create, convert, and control movement, along with combining these elements to get the complex motion you desire. Hands-on lab time using foam board, plastic, and wood deepen your understanding of these concepts, which you can apply to other materials.
Neon ILight up your life with neon! In this class you will learn the skills needed to complete a project in neon and an illuminated project. In addition to hands-on instruction in tools and techniques, this class includes discussion of design and aesthetic considerations.
Turning and MillingLearn to fabricate metal parts using the lathe and vertical milling machine. Instruction includes machine design and operation, materials, blueprint reading, tooling and precision measurement. The mill and lathe are the cornerstones of any machine shop and can produce pieces with great precision, repeatability, and accuracy. The goal of this class is to explore the capabilities and scope of these versatile machines through a series of machined projects in aluminum, brass, and steel.
Wheel Throwing ILearn how to throw clay on a potter’s wheel! Students will learn the fundamentals of throwing, including wedging clay, centering, opening, pulling, and shaping a cylinder, bowl, and cup. Learn how to use hand tools to trim and add texture to your pieces, in addition to glaze applications and finishing techniques.
Wind ChimesStudents will weld a metal rectangular wind chime box, plasma cut their unique design on the sides, and hang steel chain, hooks, and cut metal pieces to create a unique and eye-catching wind chime. Then all you need is wind for a gorgeous visual and tonal work of art.
Woodturning IUse a lathe to turn a rough piece of wood into a beautifully shaped spindle-turned mallet and face-plate mounted bowl. You will learn the basics of the turning process and cover tool usage, sharpening, wood selection, preparation, and finishing.
SIGN UP NOW!Youth classes your kids will loveOfferings for students ages 12-18 running this February.
Youth Bike MechanicsAges 12-18
Youth Blacksmithing IAges 12-18
Youth EnamelingAges 12-18
Youth Glass Flameworking IAges 12-18
Youth Jewelry and Metals IAges 12-18
Youth MIG WeldingAges 12-18
Youth Glass Blowing IAges 14-18
Youth Machine ShopAges 14-18
Youth TIG Welding IAges 14-18
SHOP YOUTH CLASSESDon’t forget, members get perks!Access early class registration, 10% off tuition, discounts on merch, invitations to exclusive events, and more.
Become A MemberKeep ReadingRead MoreCelebrate Women’s History Month With These Bay Area EventsThroughout March, we’ll be recognizing the remarkable contributions of women past and present, as part of Women’s History Month. Check out local Women’s History Month events...
Read More →Read MoreBlack History Month In The Bay Area: Your 2024 Events CalendarEvery February, The Bay Area celebrates and recognizes the myriad contributions of Black Americans to our local and national culture during Black History Month events....
Read More →Read MoreTest Your Crucible Knowledge: 25 Facts for 25 YearsIt’s hard to believe, but 2024 marks The Crucible’s 15th anniversary! Since first opening our doors on January 15, 1999, we’ve had the pleasure of meeting thousands of artists,...
Read More →Read MoreThank You For Spending Your Weekend At GIFTY!We are still beaming after an incredible GIFTY 2023! What a spectacular weekend full of creativity and community. Thank you to the thousands of visitors who came out to support our...
Read More →Read MoreCrucible Board President, Melanie Moore Named One of Influential Women 2023This is an interview with one of San Francisco Business Times' outstanding professionals in the 2023 class of Most Influential Women in Bay Area Business....
Read More →Read MoreArt Transforms Lives: Youth Find Their Path Making Art With Rikki SmeltzerIn the summer of 2011, after graduating from his metalsmithing program at the University of North Texas, Rikki Lee Smeltzer set his sights on the Bay Area, in search of a creative...
Read More →The post Plan for a Creative 2024: January-March Classes Open 10/31 appeared first on The Crucible.
Impact Community
A Case For Making: The Importance Of Education Accompanied By ArtBy Cathy Niland | 09.18.2023
As students settle into the new school year, we’re reminded of the important role art-making plays in a fulfilling, well-rounded education. Studies show that youth who access art-making opportunities develop stronger communication skills, do better in math and science subjects, and participate more in class.
We see the proof on a regular basis. Educators from our partner OUSD Title 1 schools tell us their students who participate in Crucible workshops engage more in the classroom and develop greater trust with their teachers.
Youth Program Manager, Samantha Espinoza explained, “Students who might have behavioral challenges at school, their counselors tell us their Crucible class calms them down and helps them prep for the day.”
She continued, “Oftentimes, the standard academic structure doesn’t meet students where they are. Having a creative practice helps bridge that gap. When students engage in hands-on art-making, it gives them new context for math and science lessons.”
Recent Posts* Recent * Celebrate Women’s History Month With These Bay Area EventsMarch 5th, 2024 * April-June Classes Open For Members On February 6—Get Your Guide!February 4th, 2024 * Black History Month In The Bay Area: Your 2024 Events CalendarJanuary 31st, 2024 See more posts→
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Join Our Mailing List“One big thing I see in students start to finish is their confidence levels grow, both in their own skills and in their ability to communicate with others.”– Samantha Espinoza
Youth Program Manager
Beyond the classroom, art education gives youth an outlet to express their emotions and develop greater compassion for others. And for students who struggle with traditional education, art can expose them to alternative career pathways.
Providing a safe space to create helps build strong individuals and, in turn, stronger communities. That’s why The Crucible is committed to providing fine and industrial arts education to all youth, no matter their financial need.
You can help us provide these life-changing opportunities.
When you make a gift of any size, you ensure Bay Area youth have access to the long-lasting impacts of arts education, during this school year and beyond. We can’t do it without your help—make a donation today!
Your gift makes the difference! * $25 buys clay and materials for two youth scholarship students * $50 buys a lock and helmet for one Earn-A-Bike student * $100 covers materials costs for one scholarship student in welding * $300 buys 1000 pounds of iron for youth blacksmithing classes * $500 supports the average costs for one scholarship student Make A DonationKeep ReadingRead MoreCelebrate Women’s History Month With These Bay Area EventsThroughout March, we’ll be recognizing the remarkable contributions of women past and present, as part of Women’s History Month. Check out local Women’s History Month events...
Read More →Read MoreBlack History Month In The Bay Area: Your 2024 Events CalendarEvery February, The Bay Area celebrates and recognizes the myriad contributions of Black Americans to our local and national culture during Black History Month events....
Read More →Read MoreTest Your Crucible Knowledge: 25 Facts for 25 YearsIt’s hard to believe, but 2024 marks The Crucible’s 15th anniversary! Since first opening our doors on January 15, 1999, we’ve had the pleasure of meeting thousands of artists,...
Read More →Read MoreThank You For Spending Your Weekend At GIFTY!We are still beaming after an incredible GIFTY 2023! What a spectacular weekend full of creativity and community. Thank you to the thousands of visitors who came out to support our...
Read More →Read MoreCrucible Board President, Melanie Moore Named One of Influential Women 2023This is an interview with one of San Francisco Business Times' outstanding professionals in the 2023 class of Most Influential Women in Bay Area Business....
Read More →Read MoreArt Transforms Lives: Youth Find Their Path Making Art With Rikki SmeltzerIn the summer of 2011, after graduating from his metalsmithing program at the University of North Texas, Rikki Lee Smeltzer set his sights on the Bay Area, in search of a creative...
Read More →Visit Our BlogThe post A Case For Making: The Importance Of Education Accompanied By Art appeared first on The Crucible.
Impact Community
High School Students Unveiled Talents During 2023 Fuego Youth Leadership ReceptionBy Cathy Niland | 08.22.2023
On Thursday, July 28, eight high school students gathered on the main floor of The Crucible, buzzing with excitement and nerves. In just a few short hours their guests would arrive and the show would begin. But first, our 2023 Fuego Youth Leadership cohort enjoyed their final moments as a hard-working group of friends by noshing on pizza and holding an impromptu sing-a-long.
Each summer, 8-15 high school students spend four weeks building new industrial art skills while working with a dedicated mentor to create a final project. Students also develop leadership skills by working as paid Teaching Assistants during Youth Summer Camps.
Fuego Youth Leadership Coordinator, Nico Chen, kicks off the reception with an opening speech.For many high school students, it would be hard to imagine trading four weeks of summer vacation for long hours in the studio. But not for our Fuego Youth Leaders. Many participants have described the program as “challenging”, but also find incredible satisfaction, pride, and value in the work they accomplish.
17-year-old Gabe Carpio, a first-year Fuego Youth Leader in Jewelry, was working long hours leading up to the final days of the program. Still, he stayed motivated and invested in the process. He’d originally made different plans for summer 2023, but when offered a spot as a Fuego, he couldn’t turn it down. Gabe summed it up with one simple question. “How could I give up this opportunity?”
Recent Posts* Recent * High School Students Unveiled Talents During 2023 Fuego Youth Leadership ReceptionAugust 22nd, 2023 * Check Out Your September-December Classes In Our Latest Member GuideJuly 9th, 2023 * Get To Know Our 2023 Fuego Youth Leadership CohortJuly 5th, 2023 See more posts→
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Join Our Mailing ListThe Work Pays OffAt the conclusion of the four-week program, participants put on a culminating exhibition for family, friends, and community members, complete with a gallery display, speeches from second-year participants, and live demonstrations. For the first 45 minutes of the event, visitors wander the gallery, awestruck by the talent of our Fuego participants, as students pose for photos alongside their work, beaming with pride.
First-year Fuego Youth Leader, Sebastian Holland presented a series of delicate glass creatures and landscape features arranged in a whimsical scene. His inspiration for the piece came from a recent family trip to the Sierra Nevada Mountains where he learned about a local forest fire.
“They said this fire was very natural and it means the forest can grow. That’s when I had the idea to make a flower as the centerpiece and show the beauty of the whole thing.” In Sebastian’s piece, small glass flames danced around tiny characters, all perched atop a tree round.
Sebastian was also quick to note the ways in which the themes of beauty born from fire are present in both the inspiration for his project and in his personal journey with glass. In reference to both he said, “In the moment, it can be chaotic, but there is beauty in the process.”
Building Tomorrow’s Artistic LeadersIn what might have been the most nerve-wracking moment for our participants, our four second-year Fuego Youth Leaders, Ava Gronchowski, Christian Shinhoster, Lavender Chen, and Walter Yip, gave speeches on their growth over the past two summers.
Walter Yip, the group’s most prolific maker, shared his greatest lessons with the audience. “I learned that I should always power through my obstacles and not let the possibility of failure hinder me.” He added, “Community is the foundation for social connection, support, and collective progress. I learned that making art is not just about creating, but also about leadership and inspiring others.”
We can’t wait to see what our graduating Fuegos do next and look forward to hosting first-year participants again next year. See all the incredible work from our 2023 cohort in the gallery below.
Learn more About Our Fuego Youth Leadership ProgramKeep ReadingRead MoreHigh School Students Unveiled Talents During 2023 Fuego Youth Leadership ReceptionOn Thursday, July 28, eight high school students gathered on the main floor of The Crucible, buzzing with excitement and nerves. In just a few short hours their guests would arrive...
Read More →Read MoreGet To Know Our 2023 Fuego Youth Leadership CohortEach year, during our four-week Fuego Youth Leadership Program, high school students work with a faculty mentor to deepen their industrial art knowledge in a specific department...
Read More →Read MoreSee The 2023 Fire & Light Soirée In PhotosOver the past four months, The Crucible’s founding Open For Business cohort—Amy Alaman, Brandyn Willridge, Cori Pillows, and Komoia Johnson—have been building new skills in the...
Read More →Read MoreThe Crucible’s CFO, Renée Ventimiglia, To Act As Interim Executive DirectorThe Crucible is in the process of hiring our next Executive Director. But, in the meantime, we are thrilled to announce Crucible CFO, Renée Ventimiglia, as our Interim ED....
Read More →Read MoreCelebrate Black History Month With Events In The Bay AreaFebruary is Black History Month, and every year, the Bay Area celebrates the occasion with a myriad of events for all ages....
Read More →Read MorePlease Welcome The Crucible’s Three New Board Members For 2023As The Crucible continues to expand our relationships across Oakland and the Bay Area, we are thrilled to grow our Board of Directors in 2023. Please join us in welcoming B Byrne...
Read More →Visit Our BlogThe post High School Students Unveiled Talents During 2023 Fuego Youth Leadership Reception appeared first on The Crucible.
Are you ready to shape glass, forge metal, and mold clay this fall? September–December classes open this Tuesday, July 11 exclusively for Crucible members. And with more than 200 sessions to pick from, there’s a class for every schedule.
The post Check Out Your September-December Classes In Our Latest Member Guide appeared first on The Crucible.
Each year, during our four-week Fuego Youth Leadership Program, high school students work with a faculty mentor to deepen their industrial art knowledge in a specific department and create a final project that exemplifies what they’ve learned.
The post Get To Know Our 2023 Fuego Youth Leadership Cohort appeared first on The Crucible.
No corner of the imagination went unexplored during the first week of 2023 Crucible Youth Summer Camp. From friendly robots to glistening glass creatures, we were blown away by the creativity of our week-one campers.
The post It’s Officially 2023 Summer Camp Season–See All The Pics! appeared first on The Crucible.
Over the past four months, The Crucible’s founding Open For Business cohort—Amy Alaman, Brandyn Willridge, Cori Pillows, and Komoia Johnson—have been building new skills in the industrial arts while growing their businesses.
The post See The 2023 Fire & Light Soirée In Photos appeared first on The Crucible.
Classes
Your Summer Plans Just Landed: July-August Class Guide5.2.2023
Summer is synonymous with good times, and what could be more fun than exploring a new creative hobby? This Tuesday, May 2, our July-August 2023 classes will open for early member registration, but before they do, you can plan your perfect summer using our latest guide.
Popular favorites like Bladesmithing, Woodturning I, Glass Beads I, and MIG Welding return. We also have four new classes—Fused Glass Suncatchers, Horsehair and Sugar Raku,Wheels!, and Makers Mark and Leather Bag. Plus, our adult week-long classes (aka adult summer camps) return this August.
And families, don’t forget you can still register for 2023 Youth Summer Camps starting in June. Make sure you check out our youth guide for all the details.
Members are the only ones who get early access, so if you haven’t secured your Crucible membership, now is the time! Not only do you get first dibs on every class drop, but you also get 10% off tuition, invites to special events, discounts on merch, and more. Become a Crucible member today and save your seat in an upcoming class. Public registration will open Tuesday, May 9.
View All Upcoming ClassesRecent Posts* Recent * Your Summer Plans Just Landed: July-August Class GuideMay 1st, 2023 * Plan The Best Summer With Our 2023 Youth Summer Camp GuideMarch 6th, 2023 * Beloved Crucible Field Trips Return After Three-Year HiatusMarch 1st, 2023 See more posts→
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Join Our Mailing ListWaiting for a specific class to start?Fill out our Notify Me form to learn when new classes go on sale.
Notify Me FormHighlight: Adult Week-long ClassesSummer camp isn’t just for the kids! Spend a creative week with us this August.Adult Art BikeBuild an art bike or customize your existing bike with cool art bike elements! This 30 hour class allows you to get a taste of bike customization and modification without diving into the full art bike/bike frame construction process. A great class for both teens and adults.
Blacksmithing ILearn the basics of blacksmithing! This class teaches the fundamental skills needed to forge steel and understand blacksmithing tools. We will introduce tapering, upsetting, flattening, dishing, and bending of hot steel. Students make small projects, such as spoons, knives, forks, and hooks.
BladesmithingThis specialized course focuses on the forging techniques needed to produce sharp-edged tools of high-carbon steel. We will cover blade design, control of steel grain structure, hardening and tempering methods, steel finishes, and handle construction. Emphasis is on learning the fundamental skills needed to forge a good knife.
BookbindingIn this course, we will focus on the foundation of bookbinding technique, history, and materials. You will construct book blocks, practice stitching techniques, and design covers that express your creative voice. Traditional and contemporary tools will be used to construct several types of books.
Casting Wax to SilverLearn the ancient process of lost wax casting sculptural jewelry. Experimenting with different types of wax, you will carve, cast, and finish at least one small fetish, pendant, or ring in silver. Students are encouraged to bring in personal sketches and ideas. Bronze is also available.
Ceramics ITry your hands at making sculptural and functional forms in clay. This introductory class covers traditional hand-building and surface treatment techniques while pushing the boundaries with unconventional methods. You will leave with a solid foundation in working with clay and the ability to apply your new skill set to other 3-D work and materials.Exploration in ChainmakingThis class covers the classical skills needed to make woven and Etruscan chains. You will learn to manipulate wire through the selected use of hand tools, making jump rings, splicing wires together, and fusing jump rings shut. Your finished one-of-a-kind silver chain can accommodate an original pendant or be worn alone.
Foundry FundamentalsPractice traditional blacksmithing techniques, such as drawing, bending, twisting, punching, slitting, and drifting using the forge and anvil. Students will learn to forge with confidence and complete projects such as a bracelet, hook, fork, and spoon.
Glass Beads ILearn to make colorful glass beads from Effettre glass rods (a soft glass) using an oxy-propane torch. This class teaches you how to make a variety of bead shapes, introduces tools to form and alter surface patterns, and shows you how to make stringers and twistees.
Glass Flameworking IIIn addition to learning more progressive solid glass techniques, you will learn to use glass tubing to make blown glass perfume bottles and vessels. Color application to blown glass and annealing hollow form pieces will also be discussed.
Glass Flameworking LabPractice the skills you learn in class and explore new possibilities with your craft. No instruction is provided during lab sessions, but a lab monitor will be present to answer questions, manage safety, and provide overall support.
Jewelry and Metals ILearn the basics of jewelry making. We will focus on sawing, filing, sanding, soldering, texturing, annealing, stamping, polishing, and design. Students will learn the properties of metals like copper, brass, and silver and make a sterling silver ring.
Jewelry and Metals IIFurther develop your basic metalsmithing skills. We will teach disk cutting and doming, bezel setting, three types of rivets, and further design techniques. In addition to technical reference samples, you will create an original piece of jewelry of your own design using a cabochon stone.
Machine Shop LabPractice the skills you learned in class and explore new possibilities with your craft, or work on a personal project. No instruction is provided during lab sessions, but a lab monitor will be present to answer questions, manage safety, and provide overall support.
Makers Mark and Leather BagStudents will design a personalized stamping tool used to mark their signature on embellishable goods. By the end of this week-long immersive experience, student will have a deep understanding of both machining and leatherworking. Our techniques include using templates to cut, dye, decorate, and assemble leather goods and using a mill and other machining tools to create our metal stamper.
Wheel Throwing IBegin your exploration of metal casting with this hands-on overview of foundry processes, including wax sculpting, lost wax casting, ceramic shell, sand moldmaking, casting, and finishing. You will help pour molten metal and complete several cast-metal sculptures or utilitarian objects.
Woodworking IIn this class, we introduce the core concepts and techniques required for most woodworking projects, including milling boards to straighten them, choosing and creating appropriate joints to connect them, and the careful handwork to finish everything well. Students leave with their own small end table.
BROWSE ADULT WEEKLONGSCheck out some of our most popular offerings running this summerUse your early member access to secure your spot.
- Neon I
- Blacksmithing I
- Wheel Throwing I
- Glass Blowing I
- Woodturning I
- Woodworking I
- Glass Beads I
- Indigo Dyeing and Shibori
- Pen in One Day
- Torch Fired Enameling
- Glass Flameworking I
- Elegant Stacking Rings
- Turning and Milling
- ARC Welding I
- MIG Welding
- Wooden Box SAVE YOUR SEATNew classes just landedIt’s your chance to try something new!
Fused Glass SuncatchersLearn to cut glass and assemble it into beautiful hanging fused glass suncatchers! Add sparkle with dichroic glass, frit, and stringers that will embellish your design. Suncatchers will be kiln fired and ready for pick up the following week.
Horsehair and Sugar RakuIn this class students will hand build forms to be fired for horsehair and/or sugar raku! The second week students will refine, smooth, and dry their pots before applying terra sigillata slip to burnish before firing. After firing, students will meet the final week to load their pots into the raku kiln. Once fired, they will spread horsehair or sprinkle sugar at hot temperatures for a one of a kind effect!
Makers Mark and Leather BagStudents will design a personalized stamping tool used to mark their signature on embellishable goods. By the end of this week-long immersive experience, student will have a deep understanding of both machining and leatherworking. Machining is a crucial process for creating precise cuts on metal, while leather working allows for the students to create items such as bags, wallets, cases, and more. Our techniques include using templates to cut, dye, decorate, and assemble leather goods and using a mill and other machining tools to create our metal stamper. Students will leave our class with a personalized bag and a stamping tool to use for years to come!
Wheels!One of the most important, and some say most intimidating, parts of the bike, the wheels! We’ll cover all the parts of the wheel and their maintenance. Hub repacking, wheel truing, spoke tension and replacing spokes.
SIGN UP NOW!Spend time working on personal projectsStudio labs are an exclusive perk for Crucible members. July-September Labs include:
Blacksmithing
Ceramics
Glass Flameworking
Glass Fusing & Slumping
Jewelry
Machine Shop
TAKE A LAB CLASSDon’t miss out on these rare classes!Seats are sure to fill fast.
BladesmithingThis specialized course focuses on the forging techniques needed to produce sharp-edged tools of high-carbon steel. We will cover blade design, control of steel grain structure, hardening and tempering methods, steel finishes, and handle construction. Emphasis is on learning the fundamental skills needed to forge a good knife.
Forge WeldingFor centuries, forge welding was the only way to weld steel and iron, most commonly being used for pattern welding blades and knives. Now, you can deepen your blacksmithing skills in this class that covers all the fundamentals of this traditional craft. Learn the process of repeatedly drawing out a billet of steel, then folding it back and welding it upon itself. This class is also your introduction to the power hammer.
Torch Fired EnamelingLearn how to use the torch to fuse glass to metal! Working on copper, you will learn the basics of how the enamel medium works and how to fuse using the torch. We will go over metal preparation, enamel application, and the special considerations of using a torch for fusing. You will leave with several completed projects, including a pair of earrings and a pendant.
Contemporary EmbossingEmbossing is the process of raising the two-dimensional surface of a design to give it varying degrees of depth, an effect that can’t be achieved in painting, drawing, or printing. In this three-hour class, students will learn to emboss using a traditional press, exploring a variety of materials and both traditional and experimental techniques. By the end of class, each student will have produced their own embossed artwork.
Mordant and Indigo DyeingLearn to make a rainbow with natural dye! Cover the fundamentals of natural fibers, mordanting (fabric pre-treatment), and immersion dye baths with red madder root and yellow weld. Create patterns on cloth with shibori techniques and bundle dyeing with whole plants, including dyeing with natural indigo and creating patterns using clay paste resist. Walk away with over 10 personal projects, from silk scarves to cotton bandanas.
Stone Working: Creative CarvingExperience stone carving using traditional hand tools. With a hammer and chisel, your own creativity and imagination will slowly reveal a unique sculpture. All tools will be provided. During the first session, you will learn about selecting your stone and where to buy it. The Crucible may also have a small selection of stone you can purchase, at approximately $35 per stone. Returning students are welcome.
Exploring WeldingCan’t decide what type of welding to take? Explore the varied possibilities of oxy-acetylene, arc/stick, metal inert gas (MIG), and tungsten inert gas (TIG). You will get the chance to try all four, gaining an understanding of which type of welding is most appropriate for the projects you want to complete.
Traditional DovetailsDovetails have long been seen as a mark of craftsmanship as they’re famously tricky to do well. This class will go over the complete construction of a drawer or box made from solid lumber, including half-blind dovetails at the front, full dovetails in the back, and a bottom panel floating in a dado. Using skills from Woodworking I, students will use machines to mill lumber to their drawer’s dimensions, then learn to cut the various types of dovetails by hand. A drawer made in this class can be used in the cabinet made in Woodworking II, if desired.
REGISTER FOR A RARE CLASSTake the next step on your creative journeyContinuing level classes are your opportunity to grow your skills in the department of your choosing.
- Wheel Throwing II
- Glass Dragons
- Blacksmithing II
- Horsehair and Sugar Raku
- Jewelry and Metals II
- Glass Sea Shells
- Traditional Dovetails
- Bladesmithing
- Neon II
- Forge Welding
- Glass Blowing II: Cup Class
- Glass Flameworking II
- Glass Fusing and Slumping II
- Glass Dragons SAVE YOUR SEATDon’t forget, members get perks!Access early class registration, 10% off tuition, discounts on merch, invitations to exclusive events, free Crucible tours, and more.
Become A MemberKeep ReadingRead MoreThe Crucible’s CFO, Renée Ventimiglia, To Act As Interim Executive DirectorThe Crucible is in the process of hiring our next Executive Director. But, in the meantime, we are thrilled to announce Crucible CFO, Renée Ventimiglia, as our Interim ED....
Read More →Read MoreCelebrate Black History Month With Events In The Bay AreaFebruary is Black History Month, and every year, the Bay Area celebrates the occasion with a myriad of events for all ages....
Read More →Read MorePlease Welcome The Crucible’s Three New Board Members For 2023As The Crucible continues to expand our relationships across Oakland and the Bay Area, we are thrilled to grow our Board of Directors in 2023. Please join us in welcoming B Byrne...
Read More →Read MoreJob Opportunity: The Crucible Is Looking For A New Executive DirectorAs we enter our 24th year, The Crucible is launching a search for our next Executive Director (ED). The Crucible Board of Directors is working closely with search firm Koya...
Read More →Read MoreThank You For Spending Your Weekend At GIFTY!Thank you to the thousands of visitors who attended our annual GIFTY craft fair and open house this past weekend! With rain forecasted for both days, we weren’t sure what to...
Read More →Read MoreExecutive Director Susan Mernit to Retire from The Crucible in February 2023After four and a half years, The Crucible’s Executive Director, Susan Mernit, will retire from her role as of February 1, 2023. The Crucible has been incredibly fortunate to have...
Read More →The post Your Summer Plans Just Landed: July-August Class Guide appeared first on The Crucible.
Classes
Plan The Best Summer With Our 2023 Youth Summer Camp Guide3.6.2023
2023 Youth Summer Camp registration is nearly here. With so many offerings we thought you might like a little help finding the perfect fit for your kiddo. Behold, our 2023 Youth Summer Camp guide, complete with new, popular, continuing level. and age-appropriate highlights.
We’re especially excited to debut a number of classes across multiple departments. For the first time, 14-18-year-olds can learn to use a lathe and a mill in Youth Machine Shop and Youth Makers Mark—the latter being a leather working-machine shop crossover! We’re also holding our first-ever ceramic wheel throwing class for youth and our Glass Casting & Coldworking department returns to summer camp with the new Youth Imagery on Glass.
Parents and guardians should be sure to read our updated withdrawal and transfer policies before registering. We’ve also updated our masking and vaccination policies to match recommendations from local and state government health agencies, as well as the Oakland Unified School District.
Scroll down to see all the summer camp highlights. Don’t forget, member families get first dibs on Youth Summer Camp registration, as well as 10% off tuition. You can become a member today and secure your spot at camp. Public registration will open Tuesday, March 14.
View All Upcoming ClassesRecent Posts* Recent * Plan The Best Summer With Our 2023 Youth Summer Camp GuideMarch 6th, 2023 * Beloved Crucible Field Trips Return After Three-Year HiatusMarch 1st, 2023 * The Crucible’s CFO, Renée Ventimiglia, To Act As Interim Executive DirectorMarch 1st, 2023 See more posts→
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Join Our Mailing ListPlan your summer using our 2023 camp PDFYouth camp dates and pricing subject to change. Please refer to individual class listings for most up to date information.Download Your Youth Camp PDFBefore You Register…Make sure you read our updated policies including recent changes to our COVID-19 guidelines as well as changes to our withdrawal, transfer, and refund policies.
Read Our PoliciesNew camps your kiddos will love!NEW! Youth BookbindingThis calss will focus on the foundation of bookbinding technique, history, and materials. You will practice stitching techniques and design covers that express your creative voice, traditional and contemporary tools will be used to construct several types of books.
NEW! Youth Chain MakingThis class covers the classical skills needed to make several chains. You will learn to manipulate wire through the selected use of hand tools, making jump rings, splicing wires together, and fusing jump rings shut. Your finished one-of-a-kind silver chain can accommodate an original pendant or be worn alone.
Youth Glass Beads, Bugs, and Monsters!Students will use an oxy-propane torch to create colorful glass beads, bugs, and monsters . We will cover bead surface patterns, shaping and forming glass, and will also take a brief historical look at monsters to inspire your very own projects.
NEW! Youth Makers MarkStudents will design a personalized stamping tool used to mark their signature on embellishable goods. Techniques covered include using templates to cut, dye, decorate, and assemble leather goods and using a mill and other machining tools to create our metal stamper.
NEW! Youth Natural DyeingStudents will learn about history of natural textile dyeing and explore traditional Shibori practices. Youth will leave with one-of-a-kind projects they will treasure for years to come.
NEW! Youth Print MakingGet an introduction to the wonderful practice of printmaking through cartography, relief, and monotype print! Youth will learn how to prep, design, pull and curate their prints while learning basic care of tools and solvents.
NEW! Youth Tiny, Wild ThingsStudents will explore colorful glass beads, expressive figurines, and creatures with unique features, using an oxy-propane torch and soft glass. We will cover bead surface patterns, shaping and forming glass, and take inspiration from the wild things among us.
NEW! Youth Imagery on GlassLearn how to use enamels, china markers fired in a kiln, cold paints, our sandblaster, and engraving equipment to create art on flat glass. Using the light table and carving equipment in the cold shop, you will be able to explore the transparent, opaque, and reflective qualities of glass to create your masterpiece.
NEW! Youth Machine ShopLearn the fundamentals of Machine Shop theory and practice! Over this 15-hour course, you will be provided with a detailed handout packet and make a small project using basic machine tools.
NEW! Youth Wheel Throwing ILearn how to throw clay on a potter’s wheel. Students will learn the fundamentals, including wedging clay, centering, opening, pulling, and shaping a cylinder, bowl, and cup. Learn how to use hand tools to trim and add texture to your pieces, in addition to glaze applications and finishing techniques.
SHOP YOUTH CLASSESCheck out continuing level classes For youth 12-18* Youth Beads, Bugs & Monsters * Youth Blacksmithing II Immersion * Youth Tiny, Wild Things * Youth Woodworking II SAVE YOUR SEATPopular classes you don’t want to miss!Youth Clay CrittersExplore clay as a sculptural material to create critters of your own imagination! Learn hand-building techniques, such as slabs, coils, and pinching. We will cover several different surface treatments, traditional glazes, and non-traditional approaches.
Youth GizmosLearn kinetic techniques to design, engineer, and construct a mechanical sculpture, contraption, or gadget with lights and moving parts. Using new and salvaged components, you will learn how motors, lights, and switches work, how to create mechanical structures, how to create different types of motion, and how to incorporate switches to operate your very own fantastical contraption!
Youth Blacksmithing ILearn to bend and shape steel in The Crucible’s smithy as you practice traditional blacksmithing techniques, such as drawing, bending, twisting, punching, slitting, and drifting using the forge and anvil. Students will learn to forge with confidence and complete projects such as a bracelet, hook, fork, and spoon.
Youth Ceramics ITry your hand at making sculptural and functional forms in clay and create a one-of-a-kind ceramic sculpture or functional vessel. Youth will practice traditional hand-building and surface treatment techniques while pushing the boundaries with unconventional methods. Youth will leave with a solid foundation in working with clay and the ability to apply your new skill set to other 3-D work and materials.
Youth Glass Blowing ILearn the basic skills and techniques to create a personalized hand-blown glasswork. With supportive instruction in a team environment, you will learn to safely work with molten glass, gather glass from the furnace, apply colors, and shape and sculpt molten glass. Be prepared to work in the heat!
Youth Glass Flameworking ICreate beautiful glass ornaments, pendants, marbles, and more! Learn how to use tools and equipment like an oxy-propane torch to melt and shape glass with confidence. We will cover a variety of techniques including color pulling and applying, color pattern application, and marble making.
Youth Leather Working ILearn techniques for working with leather, including cutting, edging, stitching, dyeing, and oiling. We will cover design, setting rivets, adding hardware like buckles, and safety issues. Each student will make a belt and at least one bag.
Youth MIG Welding IMIG (metal inert gas) is the most common type of modern welding. It is a process by which a welding machine focuses electricity along a moving metal wire that is fed through a hose to a handheld torch. Student welders manipulate this torch as the electricity melts the wire and creates a weld. You will learn about the fundamentals of MIG welding, such as metallurgy, preparation, joints, technique, and safety. We will also cover plasma torch cutting. The class begins with a basic, technical welding exercise and transitions into a small creative project.
Youth Skateboard BuildingDesign and build your very own custom skateboard from seven layers of hard maple veneer. Learn woodworking techniques and the concepts of vacuum press veneering and bending wood. You will practice using basic woodworking power tools, including the band saw and power sanders, as well as hand tools, such as files, rasps, and planes. Apply a basic wood finish and set up your skateboard deck to ride.
Youth Woodturning IUsing a lathe, you can turn a rough piece of wood into a beautifully shaped spindle or bowl. In this jam-packed class, you will learn the basics of the turning process as you explore small bowl turning and spindle turning. The class will cover tool usage and sharpening, as well as wood selection, preparation, and finishing.
Youth Woodworking ILearn to use hand and power tools to shape wood into objects that will last for decades. You will learn about the properties of lumber, safe tool use, measurement and layout, and fundamental woodworking joints. You will leave with an end-grain cutting board, a mitered corner box, and the skills to build an unlimited range of wooden objects.
FIND YOUR NEXT CLASSFind the perfect camp by age groupAges 8-11 Youth Chibi Miniature Figurines * Youth Clay Critters * Youth Gizmos * Youth Gravity Cars * Youth Kandi Cuffs and Perlers * Youth Paperpalooza * Youth Paper Sculpture * Youth Printmaking * Youth Woodcarving Sculpting Ages 12-18 Youth Adventures in Sandcasting * Youth ARC Welding I * Youth Art Bike * Youth Arduino Microcontrollers * Youth Beads, Bugs & Monsters * Youth Bike Mechanics I * Youth Blacksmithing I * Youth Blacksmithing I Immersion * Youth Blacksmithing II Immersion * Youth Build A Bag * Youth Bookbinding I * Youth Casting Wax to Silver * Youth Ceramics I * Youth Chainmaking I * Youth Electronics I Ages 12-18 (cont.) Youth Electronics Immersion * Youth Enameling * Youth Exploration in Welding * Youth Glass Flameworking I * Youth Glass Fusing & Slumping I * Youth Jewelry & Metal Arts I * Youth Jewelry & Metals Immersion * Youth Leatherworking I * Youth Makers Mark * Youth MIG Welding I * Youth Natural Dyeing * Youth Skateboard Building * Youth Soft Glass Flameworking Immersion * Youth Tiny, Wild Things * Youth Woven Wire Jewelry Ages 14-18 Youth Glass Blowing I * Youth Glass Blowing Immersion * Youth Imagery on Glass * Youth Machine Shop * Youth TIG Welding I * Youth Wheel Throwing I * Youth Woodturning I * Youth Woodworking I * Youth Woodworking II FIND YOUR NEXT CLASSDon’t forget, members get perks!Access early class registration, 10% off tuition, discounts on merch, invitations to exclusive events, free Crucible tours, and more.
Become A MemberKeep ReadingRead MoreThe Crucible’s CFO, Renée Ventimiglia, To Act As Interim Executive DirectorThe Crucible is in the process of hiring our next Executive Director. But, in the meantime, we are thrilled to announce Crucible CFO, Renée Ventimiglia, as our Interim ED....
Read More →Read MoreCelebrate Black History Month With Events In The Bay AreaFebruary is Black History Month, and every year, the Bay Area celebrates the occasion with a myriad of events for all ages....
Read More →Read MorePlease Welcome The Crucible’s Three New Board Members For 2023As The Crucible continues to expand our relationships across Oakland and the Bay Area, we are thrilled to grow our Board of Directors in 2023. Please join us in welcoming B Byrne...
Read More →Read MoreJob Opportunity: The Crucible Is Looking For A New Executive DirectorAs we enter our 24th year, The Crucible is launching a search for our next Executive Director (ED). The Crucible Board of Directors is working closely with search firm Koya...
Read More →Read MoreThank You For Spending Your Weekend At GIFTY!Thank you to the thousands of visitors who attended our annual GIFTY craft fair and open house this past weekend! With rain forecasted for both days, we weren’t sure what to...
Read More →Read MoreExecutive Director Susan Mernit to Retire from The Crucible in February 2023After four and a half years, The Crucible’s Executive Director, Susan Mernit, will retire from her role as of February 1, 2023. The Crucible has been incredibly fortunate to have...
Read More →The post Plan The Best Summer With Our 2023 Youth Summer Camp Guide appeared first on The Crucible.
Youth Programs
Beloved Crucible Field Trips Return After Three-Year HiatusCathy Niland | 03.01.2023
This past Thursday, February 23, more than 180 students and educators from across the East Bay gathered at The Crucible for our first Field Trip Day in three years. The studio was buzzing with excitement as students, ages 5-18, watched live demonstrations in Blacksmithing, Glass Blowing, Ceramics, Welding, and more.
For many, a Crucible field trip is their first exposure to the industrial arts. And while they may have explored two-dimensional art in school, seeing our faculty work in three dimensions can spark a new creative interest.
That was the case for former Fuego Youth Leader and current Glass Flameworking instructor, C’Zarriah Davis-Smith four years ago. “That field trip to The Crucible changed my perspective on art. I thought I could only do 2D art, more traditional art. It didn’t cross my mind that I could do industrial art like flameworking or glass blowing.”
Recent Posts* Recent * Beloved Crucible Field Trips Return After Three-Year HiatusMarch 1st, 2023 * The Crucible’s CFO, Renée Ventimiglia, To Act As Interim Executive DirectorMarch 1st, 2023 * Your Guide To April-June 2023 Classes!February 5th, 2023 See more posts→
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Join Our Mailing ListField Trip Days are a crucial connection point for Crucible staff and students like C’Zarriah who might be a good fit for our scholarship or Fuego Youth Leadership programs. Both Oakland Public and Title 1 schools attend for free, removing financial barriers to access for local BIPOC students.
Youth Programs Manager, Samantha Espinoza, explained the importance of those initial interactions. “Field Trip Days really help us get students to take their first step into the building. They engage with new learning experiences they might not have been otherwise exposed to.”
Field Trip Days continue this spring with our next date on Thursday, March 23. Check out our gallery from last week and visit our Field Trip Day page to learn how to bring your school to The Crucible.
Sign Up For A Crucible Field TripKeep ReadingRead MoreThe Crucible’s CFO, Renée Ventimiglia, To Act As Interim Executive DirectorThe Crucible is in the process of hiring our next Executive Director. But, in the meantime, we are thrilled to announce Crucible CFO, Renée Ventimiglia, as our Interim ED....
Read More →Read MoreCelebrate Black History Month With Events In The Bay AreaFebruary is Black History Month, and every year, the Bay Area celebrates the occasion with a myriad of events for all ages....
Read More →Read MorePlease Welcome The Crucible’s Three New Board Members For 2023As The Crucible continues to expand our relationships across Oakland and the Bay Area, we are thrilled to grow our Board of Directors in 2023. Please join us in welcoming B Byrne...
Read More →Read MoreJob Opportunity: The Crucible Is Looking For A New Executive DirectorAs we enter our 24th year, The Crucible is launching a search for our next Executive Director (ED). The Crucible Board of Directors is working closely with search firm Koya...
Read More →Read MoreThank You For Spending Your Weekend At GIFTY!Thank you to the thousands of visitors who attended our annual GIFTY craft fair and open house this past weekend! With rain forecasted for both days, we weren’t sure what to...
Read More →Read MoreExecutive Director Susan Mernit to Retire from The Crucible in February 2023After four and a half years, The Crucible’s Executive Director, Susan Mernit, will retire from her role as of February 1, 2023. The Crucible has been incredibly fortunate to have...
Read More →The post Beloved Crucible Field Trips Return After Three-Year Hiatus appeared first on The Crucible.
Community
The Crucible’s CFO, Renée Ventimiglia, To Act As Interim Executive DirectorCathy Niland | 03.01.2023
The Crucible is in the process of hiring our next Executive Director. But, in the meantime, we are thrilled to announce Crucible CFO, Renée Ventimiglia, as our Interim ED.
Renée has been involved with The Crucible for over a decade. After several years as a supporter, she joined our Board of Directors in 2013 working as Treasurer and leading our Finance Committee. In 2017, she joined our staff as CFO.
Renée’s accounting expertise has been crucial to the wellbeing of our nonprofit. During her tenure, she has worked closely with the Board of Directors and Executive Directors to bring greater financial stability to our organization. In 2020, Renée worked tirelessly to acquire PPP loans that ensured The Crucible could stay afloat during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her general math and numbers wizardry is a pillar in keeping our 56,000 square-foot warehouse operational.
Recent Posts* Recent * Beloved Crucible Field Trips Return After Three-Year HiatusMarch 1st, 2023 * The Crucible’s CFO, Renée Ventimiglia, To Act As Interim Executive DirectorMarch 1st, 2023 * Your Guide To April-June 2023 Classes!February 5th, 2023 See more posts→
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Join Our Mailing List“I’ve witnessed The Crucible’s evolution over the years; from hosting the Fire Arts Festival to offering BIPOC entrepreneurial programming. It’s been exciting to watch it morph into the West Oakland community institution it is today. I’m proud to be a part of The Crucible’s next chapter and help facilitate its growth as an accessible arts hub.”
– Renée Ventimiglia
Interim Executive Director and CFO, The Crucible
In her 30 plus-year career, Renée has also held a number of accounting roles in fields including high tech, commercial film production, and global investment management. Prior to joining The Crucible, she worked for Chuck Feeney’s investment group, InterPacific/General Atlantic.
Outside of work, Renée enjoys kayaking urban waterways, collecting vinyl, hosting dinner parties, and spending time with her cranky, senior pug, Molly.
Don’t forget to share our Executive Director job posting with folks you think might be the right fit. In the meantime, Renée will be holding down the fort!
Read Executive Director Job PostKeep ReadingRead MoreThe Crucible’s CFO, Renée Ventimiglia, To Act As Interim Executive DirectorThe Crucible is in the process of hiring our next Executive Director. But, in the meantime, we are thrilled to announce Crucible CFO, Renée Ventimiglia, as our Interim ED....
Read More →Read MoreCelebrate Black History Month With Events In The Bay AreaFebruary is Black History Month, and every year, the Bay Area celebrates the occasion with a myriad of events for all ages....
Read More →Read MorePlease Welcome The Crucible’s Three New Board Members For 2023As The Crucible continues to expand our relationships across Oakland and the Bay Area, we are thrilled to grow our Board of Directors in 2023. Please join us in welcoming B Byrne...
Read More →Read MoreJob Opportunity: The Crucible Is Looking For A New Executive DirectorAs we enter our 24th year, The Crucible is launching a search for our next Executive Director (ED). The Crucible Board of Directors is working closely with search firm Koya...
Read More →Read MoreThank You For Spending Your Weekend At GIFTY!Thank you to the thousands of visitors who attended our annual GIFTY craft fair and open house this past weekend! With rain forecasted for both days, we weren’t sure what to...
Read More →Read MoreExecutive Director Susan Mernit to Retire from The Crucible in February 2023After four and a half years, The Crucible’s Executive Director, Susan Mernit, will retire from her role as of February 1, 2023. The Crucible has been incredibly fortunate to have...
Read More →The post The Crucible’s CFO, Renée Ventimiglia, To Act As Interim Executive Director appeared first on The Crucible.
Classes
Your Guide To April-June 2023 Classes!2.7.2023
Grab your planner because it’s time to pencil in some creativity! More than 140 April-June classes open for remember registration this Tuesday, February 7. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned maker, there’s a class for everyone, including youth offerings, continuing level classes, and 3-Hour Tasters.
Rare finds like Women’s Blacksmithing I, The Bandsaw Box, and Design and Make Your Own Waffle Iron return this spring. We’re also excited to be hosting 20 Shade of Grey: Medieval Enameling Techniques for the first time since 2019. Families can also register for Youth Spring Break weekend classes running this March and April.
Scroll down to see all of the April-June highlights. Remember, early registration is a member-exclusive perk and is the best way to secure your seat in class. Plus, as a member, you’ll also get 10% off tuition, free Crucible tours, discounts on merch, and invites to exclusive events. Don’t wait! Become a Crucible member today and be the first to register for class this Tuesday, February 7. Public registration will open Tuesday, February 15.
View All Upcoming ClassesRecent Posts* Recent * Your Guide To April-June 2023 Classes!February 5th, 2023 * Celebrate Black History Month With Events In The Bay AreaFebruary 2nd, 2023 * Please Welcome The Crucible’s Three New Board Members For 2023January 25th, 2023 See more posts→
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Join Our Mailing ListWaiting for a specific class to start?Fill out our Notify Me form to learn when new classes go on sale.
Notify Me FormHighlight: Youth Spring Break Weekend ClassesStudents ages 8-18 can explore youth weekend offerings running this March and April
Youth Chibi: Miniature Figurines WeekendAges 8-11Learn the basics of preparing, shaping, sculpting, cane making, and baking polymer clay. Use brightly colored clay to make small sculptures known as chibis, incorporating them into wearable objects. You will leave this class with small memorable objects and unique self-made accessories with pride!
Youth GizmosAges 8-11Youth will practice traditional hand-building and surface treatment techniques, including pinch pots, slipping and scoring, and applying underglaze. Youth will leave with a solid foundation in clay and the ability to apply their new skill set to other 3-D work and materials. At the end of class, students will leave with functional and/or sculptural pieces.
Youth Clay Critters WeekendAges 8-11Explore clay as a sculptural material to create critters of your own imagination! Learn hand-building techniques, such as slabs, coils, and pinching. We will cover several different surface treatments, traditional glazes, and non-traditional approaches.
Youth Bike MechanicsAges 12-18Youth students will disassemble and reassemble an entire bike, learning the names of components and tools used in professional shops. Focus on bicycle wheels, drive train, brakes, head set, and fitting. Bring in your own bike or learn on one available in The Crucible’s shop.
Youth ARC Welding IAges 12-18This intensive introduction to stick welding, also known as arc welding and oxy-acetylene torch cutting is taught by a technical pro. In-depth demonstrations and guidance will be given on the safe and effective operation of welding equipment as instructors help you create a small welded sculpture.
Youth Blacksmithing IAges 12-18ractice traditional blacksmithing techniques, such as drawing, bending, twisting, punching, slitting, and drifting using the forge and anvil. Students will learn to forge with confidence and complete projects such as a bracelet, hook, fork, and spoon.
Youth Jewelry and Metals IAges 12-18Using copper, silver, and other nonferrous metals, you will learn jewelry and metal art skills to create your own design. In this hands-on class, you will be taught filing, sanding, texturing, and polishing techniques used in creating metal jewelry.
Youth MIG WeldingAges 12-18MIG (metal inert gas) is the most common type of modern welding. You will learn about the fundamentals of MIG welding, including metallurgy, preparation, joints, technique, and safety. We will also cover plasma torch cutting. Student will leave with their own small creative project.
Youth Glass Flameworking IAges 12-18Learn how to use tools and equipment like an oxy-propane torch to melt and shape glass with confidence. We will cover a variety of techniques including color pulling and applying, color pattern application, and marble making. Leave with projects like glass mushrooms and snakes.
Youth Leather WorkingAges 12-18Learn techniques for working with leather, including cutting, edging, stitching, dyeing, and oiling. We will cover design, setting rivets, adding hardware like buckles, and safety issues. Each student will make a belt and at least one bag.
Youth Ceramics IAges 12-18Youth will practice traditional hand-building and surface treatment techniques, including pinch pots, slipping and scoring, and applying underglaze. Youth will leave with a solid foundation in clay and the ability to apply their new skill set to other 3-D work and materials. At the end of class, students will leave with functional and/or sculptural pieces.
Youth Soft Glass BeadsAges 12-18Learn to make colorful glass beads from Effettre soft glass rods using an oxy-propane torch. Youth will make a variety of bead shapes, stringers, and twistees and build skill using tools to form and alter surface patterns.
Youth Woodworking IAges 14-18Learn techniques for working with leather, including cutting, edging, stitching, dyeing, and oiling. We will cover design, setting rivets, adding hardware like buckles, and safety issues. Each student will make a belt and at least one bag.
Youth TIG Welding IAges 14-18TIG (tungsten inert gas) welding is a highly precise method of welding that makes clean and focused welds on everything from super-thin to very thick materials. You will learn the basics of TIG welding by working with mild steel to create sculptures all your own.
SHOP YOUTH CLASSESCheck out popular classes running this springThese classes fill fast so don’t wait to register!
- Neon I
- Beginning Marbles
- Glass Flowers and Mushrooms
- Blacksmithing I
- Wheel Throwing I
- Glass Blowing I
- Woodturning I
- Woodworking I
- Ceramics I
- Enameled Stainless Steel Bowl
- Exploring Welding
- Fundamentals of Machine ShopMachine Shop
- Glass Beads I
- Indigo Dyeing and Shibori
- Metal Clay Forms From Nature
- MIG Welding
- Pen in One Day
- Stone Working: Creative Carving SAVE YOUR SEATRare and new classes you don’t want to miss!These only come around once in a while.
Color and Pattern – Stamped and Enameled JewelryGet a taste of both metalsmithing and enameling in this fun class! Students will start in the jewelry studio, where they will learn to pattern and texture metal. Then, we will apply underglaze and transparent enamels to add color and emphasize the pattern. Students will make one or two finished pendants or pairs of earrings.
NEW! Throwing in SectionsIn this continuing-level ceramics class, you will learn to create large ceramic vessels by throwing your piece in sections. Learn to measure, attach, and finish your piece with glaze.
20 Shades of Grey: Medieval Enameling TechniquesOften associated with medieval French enameling, grisaille (grey) is the application of white enamel to a black enamel background, creating halftones and shading. Light areas of the design will have more white enamel layers than gray areas, creating an impression of low relief. Students work with silver foil and touches of gold to enhance the pieces. We will also explore sgraffito-style grisaille and other experimental approaches.
Design and Make Your Own Waffle IronEach student will create a 7” diameter stovetop waffle iron with a waffle pattern of your own design. We will make sand molds and use a cupola furnace to melt the iron. At the spectacular iron pour event, students prepare iron and coke charges, operate the cupola, and pour molten iron into their new mold.
Enamel with Mesh, Wire, and FoilIn this class, students will work with lightweight metals such as copper foil, mesh, and wire which can easily be formed by hand and enameled to make dimensional objects. Learn the secrets of folding, bending, tabbing, sewing, and weaving to give seemingly fragile materials texture, weight and heft. If you know some origami it can be put to good use. Our enamel will not only add color to our formed objects but act as a glue and a strengthener for the structures we make. No prior enameling experience is necessary.
Family Baubles and BlingJoin The Crucible for some family fun while learning about jewelry making! In family groups, you will learn to make customized and engraved pendants by creating a collage pattern encased with plexiglass and copper. Then work together to create decorative polymer clay baubles that may be used as ornaments, window hangings, or accessories.
This workshop is specially designed for children ages 5-7 years old with accompanying adult(s).
Fire Eating IAmaze an audience with your new skills as a fire eater! You will learn the science and safety behind basic tricks so you can fearlessly perform with open flame. You will learn tracing (how to run fire along the surface of your skin), transfers (moving flame from one source or position to another), various extinguishes, and tips for putting on a great show. You also will make your own set of torches to take home.
Iron CastingIn this course, you will complete a finished iron sculpture. You will explore mold construction and preparation while building your own sand mold with resin-bonded sand. Learn the steps required to prepare the cupola for an iron pour. At the spectacular iron pour event, students prepare iron and coke charges, operate the cupola, and pour molten iron into their new mold.
The Bandsaw BoxYou don’t need a fully equipped shop to enjoy woodworking! In this class, you will learn to design, make, and finish a unique wood box. With an emphasis on tool safety and material exploration, we will use a combination of power tools and hand tools to make boxes of all shapes and sizes. Beginning with a solid block of wood, you will learn how to lie out, cut, sculpt, and reassemble the block into the form of a box. Demonstrated techniques will include hidden hinges, small drawers, pull knobs, and fitted lids, as well as texturing, carving, burning, painting, and finishing. Suitable for beginning and intermediate students, all materials provided.
Women’s Blacksmithing ILearn blacksmithing taught by women, for women! This class covers the fundamentals needed to forge steel and understand blacksmithing tools. We will introduce tapering, upsetting, flattening, dishing, and bending of hot steel – all the same skills and techniques as in Blacksmithing I. You will make small projects, such as spoons, knives, forks, and hooks. This class is an inclusive, welcoming environment for women and gender-expansive individuals.
Women’s MIG WeldingLearn welding taught by women, for women! We will teach you the fundamentals of MIG welding and plasma torch cutting, including metallurgy, preparation, joints, technique, and safety—all the same skills and techniques as MIG Welding I. Come with ideas for a simple project. This class is an inclusive, welcoming environment for women and gender-expansive individuals.
Woven Wire JewelrySpend a weekend weaving wire into beautiful works of wearable art. When properly softened, wire can be used to emulate thread and then woven into jewelry, basketry, woven tapestries, clothing, and more! You will learn to manipulate copper and brass wire—changing the size, shape, and hardness to fit your needs. Then using basic weaving patterns, you will create a bracelet, pendant, or ring of your own design.
FIND YOUR NEXT CLASSSpend time working on personal projectsStudio labs are an exclusive perk for Crucible members. April-June Labs include:
Blacksmithing
Ceramics
Enameling
Foundry
Glass Fusing & Slumping
Glass Flameworking (multi-week, and one-day)
Jewelry
Leather
MIG and TIG Welding
Neon
Register NowJoin us for a 3-Hour TasterTry out one of our departments without making a full class commitment.
ARC WeldingBlacksmithingCeramic MugCeramic PlanterEnamelingFoundryGlass FlameworkingGlass FusingJewelryLeatherMachine ShopMIG WeldingFIND YOUR NEXT CLASSLevel up your learningContinuing level classes are your opportunity to grow your skills in a department of your choosing.
- Advanced Marble Making Techniques
- Adventures in Soft Glass: Fabulous Fish
- Adventures in Soft Glass: Finding Your Inner Monster
- Blacksmithing II
- Bladesmithing
- Boxes, Lockets, and Hinges
- Chasing and Repousse
- Forge Welding
- Forge Your Own Blacksmithing Tools
- Glass Beads II
- Glass Blowing II: Cup Class
- Glass Dragons
- Glass Flameworking II
- Glass Fusing and Slumping II
- Glass Sea Creatures
- Glass Sea Shells
- Goblets
- Jewelry and Metals II
- Leather Working II
- Neon II
- Wheel Throwing II
- Woodturning II SAVE YOUR SEATDon’t forget, members get perks!Access early class registration, 10% off tuition, discounts on merch, invitations to exclusive events, free Crucible tours, and more.
Become A MemberKeep ReadingRead MoreCelebrate Black History Month With Events In The Bay AreaFebruary is Black History Month, and every year, the Bay Area celebrates the occasion with a myriad of events for all ages....
Read More →Read MorePlease Welcome The Crucible’s Three New Board Members For 2023As The Crucible continues to expand our relationships across Oakland and the Bay Area, we are thrilled to grow our Board of Directors in 2023. Please join us in welcoming B Byrne...
Read More →Read MoreJob Opportunity: The Crucible Is Looking For A New Executive DirectorAs we enter our 24th year, The Crucible is launching a search for our next Executive Director (ED). The Crucible Board of Directors is working closely with search firm Koya...
Read More →Read MoreThank You For Spending Your Weekend At GIFTY!Thank you to the thousands of visitors who attended our annual GIFTY craft fair and open house this past weekend! With rain forecasted for both days, we weren’t sure what to...
Read More →Read MoreExecutive Director Susan Mernit to Retire from The Crucible in February 2023After four and a half years, The Crucible’s Executive Director, Susan Mernit, will retire from her role as of February 1, 2023. The Crucible has been incredibly fortunate to have...
Read More →Read MoreSharing Our Gratitude for Kelmen Wu This ThanksgivingIt’s the season of gratitude and we are so lucky to have a team full of dedicated individuals who keep our organization running. But this holiday, we wanted to take special care to...
Read More →The post Your Guide To April-June 2023 Classes! appeared first on The Crucible.
Community
Black History Month Events In Oakland And The Bay Area02.01.2023
Photo via AAMLOFebruary is Black History Month, and every year, the Bay Area celebrates the occasion with a myriad of events for all ages. Throughout the month, you can take part in discussions, performances, celebrations, and gatherings that speak to the past, present, and future of the Black community.
Here we’ve compiled a list of Bay Area Black History Month events. If you know of any additional free events we should include, please email us at communications@thecrucible.org.
Afro-American Council, 13th annual meeting, Oakland (1907)UC Berkeley, Bancroft LibraryIf you’d like to learn more about Black history, you can visit the African American Museum and Library at Oakland (AAMLO). Explore their online collection of journals, documents, films, and other educational resources using your Oakland library card, or visit in person and enjoy exhibits, workshops, and activities for all ages.
Recent Posts* Recent * Celebrate Black History Month With Events In The Bay AreaFebruary 2nd, 2023 * Please Welcome The Crucible’s Three New Board Members For 2023January 25th, 2023 * Job Opportunity: The Crucible Is Looking For A New Executive DirectorDecember 22nd, 2022 See more posts→
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Join Our Mailing ListPhoto via AAMLOMark Your Calendars For Black History Month 2023 Events A Tour of AAMLO: Saturdays, 12-1pm, African American Museum and Library at Oakland * Black LGBTQ Film Series: Every Saturday in February, The Oakland LGBTQ Community Center. See website for films listings and times. * The New Black Vanguard: Photography between Art and Fashion: Exhibition open through Sunday, March 5, Museum of the African Diaspora. See museum website for open hours. * The Bay Area Hip Hop Film Archives: Launch Party: Friday, February 3, 12-2pm, African American Museum and Library at Oakland * Oakland First Fridays – BLACK LOVE: Friday, February 3, 5-9pm, Telegraph Avenue between 22nd & 27th * ENGAGE Symposium: Photography, Fashion, and Black Representation: Saturday, February 4, 10am-4pm, Museum Of The African Diaspora * Lunar New Year x Black History Month: Celebration of Black & Asian Solidarity: Saturday, February 4, 11am-4pm, Oakland Asian Cultural Center * The Black Child Book Fair: Saturday, February 4, 12-5pm, African American Museum and Library at Oakland * Black History Month at Children’s Fairyland: Poet and Singer Jamey Williams: Saturday & Sunday, February 4-5, twice daily at 1:30pm and 2:30pm, Children’s Fairyland * Black Joy on Wheels: Sunday, February 5, 11am, West Oakland BART * Afro Soca Love: Oakland Black Owned Marketplace + Music Show: Friday, February 10, 10:00pm through Sunday, February 12, 6:00pm, Lot 13 * Black History Month at Children’s Fairyland: Storyteller Kirk Waller: Saturday & Sunday, February 11-12, twice daily at 1:30pm and 2:30pm, Children’s Fairyland * Friday night at OMCA with Off The Grid | Black history Month Dance Battle – DJ Cavem: Friday, February 17, 5-9pm, OMCA * Black Liberation Walking Tour: Saturday, February 18, 804 27th St * EOYDC Black History Month Celebration: Thursday, February 23, 4:30-7:30pm, East Oakland Youth Development Center * Black History Celebration 2023: Saturday, February 25, 11:30am-3:30pm, CoBiz Richmond, inc. * The 6th annual Black Joy Parade: Sunday, February 26, 12:30pm, 14th Street & Franklin Street * A Case For Reparations:* Sunday, February 26, 1-2pm, OMCA Keep ReadingRead MoreCelebrate Black History Month With Events In The Bay AreaFebruary is Black History Month, and every year, the Bay Area celebrates the occasion with a myriad of events for all ages....
Read More →Read MorePlease Welcome The Crucible’s Three New Board Members For 2023As The Crucible continues to expand our relationships across Oakland and the Bay Area, we are thrilled to grow our Board of Directors in 2023. Please join us in welcoming B Byrne...
Read More →Read MoreJob Opportunity: The Crucible Is Looking For A New Executive DirectorAs we enter our 24th year, The Crucible is launching a search for our next Executive Director (ED). The Crucible Board of Directors is working closely with search firm Koya...
Read More →Read MoreThank You For Spending Your Weekend At GIFTY!Thank you to the thousands of visitors who attended our annual GIFTY craft fair and open house this past weekend! With rain forecasted for both days, we weren’t sure what to...
Read More →Read MoreExecutive Director Susan Mernit to Retire from The Crucible in February 2023After four and a half years, The Crucible’s Executive Director, Susan Mernit, will retire from her role as of February 1, 2023. The Crucible has been incredibly fortunate to have...
Read More →Read MoreSharing Our Gratitude for Kelmen Wu This ThanksgivingIt’s the season of gratitude and we are so lucky to have a team full of dedicated individuals who keep our organization running. But this holiday, we wanted to take special care to...
Read More →The post Celebrate Black History Month With Events In The Bay Area appeared first on The Crucible.
CommunityImpact
Please Welcome The Crucible’s Three New Board Members For 202301.25.2023
As The Crucible continues to expand our relationships across Oakland and the Bay Area, we are thrilled to grow our Board of Directors in 2023. Please join us in welcoming B Byrne Astrella, Ken Cassidy, and Tasion Kwamilele to the team!
All three bring a wealth of experience to their roles, including skills in tech, finance, and communications. Each will support The Crucible’s governance and work with other board members on specialized committees.
Recent Posts* Recent * Please Welcome The Crucible’s Three New Board Members For 2023January 25th, 2023 * Job Opportunity: The Crucible Is Looking For A New Executive DirectorDecember 22nd, 2022 * Thank You For Spending Your Weekend At GIFTY!December 7th, 2022 See more posts→
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Join Our Mailing ListYour newest Crucible Board membersTech expert, B Byrne Astrella spent a number of years working at Twitter and founded the cybersecurity company Clef. During the pandemic, he developed a passion for using a 3D printer to create sculptures that he later casts in bronze, a skill he learned in the Digital Fabrication and Foundry class he took at The Crucible in 2019.
Music lover, Ken Cassidy currently works with First Republic Bank as the Director of Financial Strategy and Community Impact Investing where he focuses on long-term sustainable growth and investment in low- and moderate-income communities. He also founded the Bank’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Ambassadors program and is deeply passionate about giving back to his community.
Communication specialist, Tasion Kwamilele currently leads Government and Public Affairs for Schnitzer Steel Industries, a partner of The Crucible. She was a member of the inaugural class of Oakland School for the Arts, earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Howard University, and a Master’s degree in Journalism from UC Berkeley.
Before her role at Schnitzer Steel Industries, Tasion served as a local reporter for the Oakland Post News, the District Communications Manager for Congresswoman Barbara Lee, and the Director of Public Affairs for California Waste Solutions.
Scroll down to hear more from our newest board members. In the coming year, B, Ken, and Tasion will help guide our budgeting, upgrades to safety, and strategic planning. If you pass our newest teammates during your next visit to the studio, be sure to say ‘hello’.
Please Welcome Our Three Newest Crucible Board MembersB BYRNE ASTRELLAB is an entrepreneur and product leader, most recently leading the teams focused on Creative Tools at Twitter. He founded Clef, an Oakland cybersecurity startup that, for many years, hosted weekly community dinners in Jack London Square and received a 2016 East Bay Innovation Award as well as the 2016 Oakland Chamber “Tech Oakland” Award. Throughout the pandemic, B has been working on 3D modeling and printing art pieces to be cast in bronze, skills he learned in the Digital Fabrication and Foundry class he took at The Crucible in 2019.
The Crucible is a cornerstone of art and community in Oakland. I have learned so much from the classes I’ve taken and connected with so many wonderful people. I’m honored to help advance that mission as a member of the Board.
KEN CASSIDYKen is a Director of Financial Strategy and Community Impact Investing at First Republic Bank, where he focuses on navigating macro-environments to drive long-term sustainable growth and investing in low-to-moderate income communities. Ken also founded the Bank’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Ambassadors program with the goal of ensuring long-term commitment to ideation, implementation, and lasting change. Ken lives in Oakland and has a passion for playing music, the outdoors, and giving back to the community.
I’m honored and excited to join the Board as I believe The Crucible has a unique and powerful mission to make the industrial arts more accessible to the entire community, especially those that would not otherwise have such an opportunity.
TASION KWAMILELEOakland native, Tasion Kwamilele, graduated from Oakland School for the Arts as a member of its inaugural class. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Howard University and a master’s in journalism from UC Berkeley. Tasion formerly served as a local reporter for the Oakland Post Newspaper, the District Communications Manager for Congresswoman Barbara Lee, and the Director of Public Affairs for California Waste Solutions. She currently leads Government and Public Affairs for Schnitzer Steel Industries.
The Crucible is unique, engaging, and allows anyone to unearth a passion or artistic gift they didn’t know existed. I am beyond excited to serve this great organization, which is rooted in the community that has made me the person I am today.
Meet the folks behind the scenes!Our Crucible team includes hundreds of passionate Bay Area community members dedicated to making industrial arts education accessible. From board members, to volunteers, to faculty, it takes a village. Learn more about the community behind The Crucible!
MEET OUR PEOPLEKeep ReadingRead MorePlease Welcome The Crucible’s Three New Board Members For 2023As The Crucible continues to expand our relationships across Oakland and the Bay Area, we are thrilled to grow our Board of Directors in 2023. Please join us in welcoming B Byrne...
Read More →Read MoreJob Opportunity: The Crucible Is Looking For A New Executive DirectorAs we enter our 24th year, The Crucible is launching a search for our next Executive Director (ED). The Crucible Board of Directors is working closely with search firm Koya...
Read More →Read MoreThank You For Spending Your Weekend At GIFTY!Thank you to the thousands of visitors who attended our annual GIFTY craft fair and open house this past weekend! With rain forecasted for both days, we weren’t sure what to...
Read More →Read MoreExecutive Director Susan Mernit to Retire from The Crucible in February 2023After four and a half years, The Crucible’s Executive Director, Susan Mernit, will retire from her role as of February 1, 2023. The Crucible has been incredibly fortunate to have...
Read More →Read MoreSharing Our Gratitude for Kelmen Wu This ThanksgivingIt’s the season of gratitude and we are so lucky to have a team full of dedicated individuals who keep our organization running. But this holiday, we wanted to take special care to...
Read More →Read MoreEstate of Ronald Wornick Makes Large Wood Shop DonationThe Crucible is thrilled to announce the receipt of a large gift from the Estate of Ronald Wornick. The donation, which will greatly benefit our Woodworking Department, includes a...
Read More →The post Please Welcome The Crucible’s Three New Board Members For 2023 appeared first on The Crucible.
Community
Job Opportunity: The Crucible Is Looking For A New Executive Director12.22.2022
As we enter our 24th year, The Crucible is launching a search for our next Executive Director (ED). The Crucible Board of Directors is working closely with search firm Koya Partners to find candidates for the position.
This is an incredible opportunity for a nonprofit leadership professional who is passionate about arts access. The ED reports directly to the Board of Directors and is responsible for planning, implementing, supervising, and assessing The Crucible’s programs and operations in support of its Strategic Plan, mission, and equity and inclusion focus.
This role also leads a team of Directors and other staff and acts as the main point of contact for outreach and community relationships. As the largest nonprofit industrial arts organization in the country, it is important the new ED understand the impact of work locally and nationally.
Our new ED should be someone who is dedicated to our mission to keep the industrial arts accessible to all. If you know someone who fits this description, please have them visit the Koya Partners job listing. You can also see the full job description in the PDF below.
Recent Posts* Recent * Job Opportunity: The Crucible Is Looking For A New Executive DirectorDecember 22nd, 2022 * Thank You For Spending Your Weekend At GIFTY!December 7th, 2022 * Executive Director Susan Mernit to Retire from The Crucible in February 2023December 7th, 2022 See more posts→
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Join Our Mailing ListLEARN MORE AND APPLYKeep ReadingRead MoreJob Opportunity: The Crucible Is Looking For A New Executive DirectorAs we enter our 24th year, The Crucible is launching a search for our next Executive Director (ED). The Crucible Board of Directors is working closely with search firm Koya...
Read More →Read MoreThank You For Spending Your Weekend At GIFTY!Thank you to the thousands of visitors who attended our annual GIFTY craft fair and open house this past weekend! With rain forecasted for both days, we weren’t sure what to...
Read More →Read MoreExecutive Director Susan Mernit to Retire from The Crucible in February 2023After four and a half years, The Crucible’s Executive Director, Susan Mernit, will retire from her role as of February 1, 2023. The Crucible has been incredibly fortunate to have...
Read More →Read MoreSharing Our Gratitude for Kelmen Wu This ThanksgivingIt’s the season of gratitude and we are so lucky to have a team full of dedicated individuals who keep our organization running. But this holiday, we wanted to take special care to...
Read More →Read MoreEstate of Ronald Wornick Makes Large Wood Shop DonationThe Crucible is thrilled to announce the receipt of a large gift from the Estate of Ronald Wornick. The donation, which will greatly benefit our Woodworking Department, includes a...
Read More →Read MorePlease Welcome Our New Open For Business CohortLast Tuesday, our newest Open For Business (OFB) cohort gathered for the first time, kicking off their three-month program. This is the second iteration of our entrepreneurship...
Read More →The post Job Opportunity: The Crucible Is Looking For A New Executive Director appeared first on The Crucible.
Community
Thank You For Spending Your Weekend At GIFTY! Cathy Niland | 12.7.2022
Thank you to the thousands of visitors who attended our annual GIFTY craft fair and open house this past weekend! With rain forecasted for both days, we weren’t sure what to expect. But gloomy weather wasn’t enough to keep you from supporting the best makers and small businesses in the Bay Area.
GIFTY would not be possible without our incredible vendors! It’s always so special to see the latest pieces from returning vendors and explore new offerings from our first-time participants. From one-of-a-kind clothing to beautiful sculptures, we were blown away by the incredible selection of goods for sale this year!
We also want to give a special thank you to the vendors who donated items to our Giving Back at GIFTY fundraiser, with all proceeds from sales going to our youth industrial arts programming.
Leading up to the event, our amazing studio team went the extra mile, moving large equipment and studio structures so our winter wonderland could come to life. Office staff also made sure every detail was accounted for so the event could go off without a hitch.
Recent Posts* Recent * Thank You For Spending Your Weekend At GIFTY!December 7th, 2022 * Executive Director Susan Mernit to Retire from The Crucible in February 2023December 7th, 2022 * Sharing Our Gratitude for Kelmen Wu This ThanksgivingNovember 24th, 2022 See more posts→
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Join Our Mailing ListShop GIFTY vendors online this holiday seasonIf you didn’t make it to our in-person event, you can still support our community of makers by shopping online. Check out our GIFTY 2022 event page for links to our vendors’ online stores!
SHOP GIFTY VENDORS ONLINETo our faculty who lead compelling demos and shared their works of art with the community, we are so grateful! We were especially thrilled to see folks enjoying live glass blowing demonstrations for the first time since 2019, following a pause in programming due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
One final, extra special thank you to our Volunteer, Events, and Team Builds Manager, Cassie Punnett, our incomparable leader in all things GIFTY. She managed logistics, vendor communications, decorating, volunteers, live demos, and so much more to create a beautiful event for all. Thank you for your months of hard work, Cassie!
So that’s it, another great GIFTY is in the books! Make sure you check out some of our favorite photos from the weekend below. If you weren’t able to stop by, make sure you visit our event page and shop our GIFTY vendors’ online stores. We’ll see you at next year’s event!
Relive all the magical moments from GIFTY 2022!SHOP GIFTY VENDORS ONLINEKeep ReadingRead MoreThank You For Spending Your Weekend At GIFTY!Thank you to the thousands of visitors who attended our annual GIFTY craft fair and open house this past weekend! With rain forecasted for both days, we weren’t sure what to...
Read More →Read MoreExecutive Director Susan Mernit to Retire from The Crucible in February 2023After four and a half years, The Crucible’s Executive Director, Susan Mernit, will retire from her role as of February 1, 2023. The Crucible has been incredibly fortunate to have...
Read More →Read MoreSharing Our Gratitude for Kelmen Wu This ThanksgivingIt’s the season of gratitude and we are so lucky to have a team full of dedicated individuals who keep our organization running. But this holiday, we wanted to take special care to...
Read More →Read MoreEstate of Ronald Wornick Makes Large Wood Shop DonationThe Crucible is thrilled to announce the receipt of a large gift from the Estate of Ronald Wornick. The donation, which will greatly benefit our Woodworking Department, includes a...
Read More →Read MorePlease Welcome Our New Open For Business CohortLast Tuesday, our newest Open For Business (OFB) cohort gathered for the first time, kicking off their three-month program. This is the second iteration of our entrepreneurship...
Read More →Read MoreHOT! GLASS! BRUNCH! Is A Hot Hit With MembersThis year, The Crucible is on track to reach 1,000 members—the largest number in our nearly 24-year history! Not only do Crucible Members have access to perks like early...
Read More →The post Thank You For Spending Your Weekend At GIFTY! appeared first on The Crucible.
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The post Protected: Executive Director Susan Mernit to Retire from The Crucible in February 2023 appeared first on The Crucible.
It’s the season of gratitude and we are so lucky to have a team full of dedicated individuals who keep our organization running. But this holiday, we wanted to take special care to thank one team member in particular, Accounting Manager, Kelmen Wu.
The post Sharing Our Gratitude for Kelmen Wu This Thanksgiving appeared first on The Crucible.
Resolve to get creative in 2023! More than 130 January-March classes go on sale this Tuesday, November 1, including popular favorites, rare finds, brand-new offerings, and more.
The post Your Guide To January-March 2023 Classes Is Here! appeared first on The Crucible.
The Crucible is thrilled to announce the receipt of a large gift from the Estate of Ronald Wornick. The donation, which will greatly benefit our Woodworking Department, includes a number of machines such as a table saw, a drill press, and multiple dust collectors, a sizable quantity of lumber, and tools including hand planes, saws, and clamps, among many other items.
The post Estate of Ronald Wornick Makes Large Wood Shop Donation appeared first on The Crucible.
Last Tuesday, our newest Open For Business (OFB) cohort gathered for the first time, kicking off their three-month program. This is the second iteration of our entrepreneurship incubator, designed to support Bay Area BIPOC makers in developing and expanding their product lines.
The post Please Welcome Our New Open For Business Cohort appeared first on The Crucible.
This year, The Crucible is on track to reach 1,000 members—the largest number in our nearly 24-year history! Not only do Crucible Members have access to perks like early registration and 10% off class tuition, but their membership fees also help support the many free and subsidized community programs we run each year.
The post HOT! GLASS! BRUNCH! Is A Hot Hit With Members appeared first on The Crucible.
Making art with friends and family is a guaranteed great time! In our 3-Hour Taster classes running this October 8 and 9, you and your loved ones can try out techniques in eight different departments without committing to a multi-week class.
The post Plan A Perfect Weekend For You And Your Friends This October appeared first on The Crucible.
The Crucible is hiring for a full-time Senior Studio Supervisor position. This role oversees, supports, and coordinates a team of studio managers, shop technicians, studio interns, and volunteers while also tending to and managing regular studio projects.
The post We’re Looking For A Senior Studio Supervisor—Is It You? appeared first on The Crucible.
Crucible studio staff are constantly putting their maker skills to work for our facility—fixing machines, upgrading equipment, and helping prep for classes are regular daily tasks. Most of our studio staffers have a background in art or fabrication, but their day-to-day roles don’t always leave room for creative expression.
The post Arts & Crafts Nights Afford Crucible Studio Staff Creative Opportunity appeared first on The Crucible.
Our final classes of 2022 are about to be here! With more than 100 October-December classes on the roster, there is something for every age and experience level.
The post Get The Scoop On October-December Classes In Our Latest Member Guide appeared first on The Crucible.
This summer, after two years of pandemic-altered programming, we welcomed ten new and returning high school students to The Crucible for our annual four-week Fuego Youth Leadership program.
The post High School Students Share Final Projects During 2022 Fuego Reception appeared first on The Crucible.
In 2016, just before his freshman year of high school, Ben Lockwood-Johnston took his first Crucible class—Youth Blacksmithing Immersion. Over the next couple of years, he explored techniques in jewelry, glass blowing, welding, and beyond, but nothing captured his attention like swinging a hammer in the Smithy.
The post When The Student Becomes The Teacher: Ben Lockwood-Johnston appeared first on The Crucible.
The Crucible’s Board of Directors is a talented and dedicated group that helps guide our mission. Over the past few years, as we’ve navigated the pandemic, our Board of Directors has been especially important, providing guidance on health and safety, programming, funding, and more.
The post Please Welcome Taj Wilson and Melanie Moore As Our 2022 Acting Board Co-Presidents appeared first on The Crucible.
This week, eleven high school students came together at The Crucible to begin their four-week Furgo Youth leadership Program. The program, now in its thirteenth year, is an opportunity for Bay Area teens to expand their industrial arts skills under the guidance of a mentor while also supporting Youth Summer Camp instructors in the classroom.
The post Please Welcome Our 2022 Fuego Youth Leaders appeared first on The Crucible.
Every summer, our studio comes alive as youth summer campers return for week-long offerings in the industrial arts. This summer, students will have the opportunity to cast metal, fuse glass, mold clay, and so much more.
The post Youth Return To The Crucible For 2022 Summer Camps—See The Pics! appeared first on The Crucible.
Earlier this year, we relaunched our Glass Blowing Department with a greater community focus in mind. The idea was to expand our offerings to include free or subsidized programming to school teachers, community educators, youth groups, and beyond. To spearhead this new programming, we enlisted the help of two incredible Glass artists and educators, Kate Drury and Sam Schumacher, as our new Glass Blowing Department Co-Heads.
The post Meet Glass Blowing Department Co-Heads, Kate Drury and Sam Schumacher appeared first on The Crucible.
The Crucible is pleased to announce Josephine Lee as our new Director of Programs. This role is crucial for developing and managing faculty, classes, events, community outreach, and so much more.
The post Please Welcome Josephine Lee, Director Of Programs appeared first on The Crucible.
Over the past four months, The Crucible’s founding Open For Business cohort—Amy Alaman, Brandyn Willridge, Cori Pillows, and Komoia Johnson—have been building new skills in the industrial arts while growing their businesses.
The post Relive The Magic Of Our 2022 Fire & Light Soirée And Art Auction appeared first on The Crucible.
Be a part of our growing team! The Crucible is hiring a Team Builds & Volunteer Programs Assistant to support our Volunteer, Events, and Team Builds Manager. This is a part-time, 16-hour per week role, perfect for someone with administrative and customer service experience.
The post The Crucible Is Hiring A Team Builds & Volunteer Programs Assistant appeared first on The Crucible.
Over the past four months, The Crucible’s founding Open For Business cohort—Amy Alaman, Brandyn Willridge, Cori Pillows, and Komoia Johnson—have been building new skills in the industrial arts while growing their businesses.
The post Open For Business Closes Out With A Bang appeared first on The Crucible.
No matter how old we get, there is always something magical about summer. And what better way to tap into the youthful spirit of the season than by learning something new?! Our full complement of July-September classes just opened for early Member Registration.
The post It’s Here—Get Your Guide To July-September Classes appeared first on The Crucible.
We recently had the pleasure of reintroducing ERV (our fire truck-turned-Educational Response Vehicle) to the community during the Old Oakland Block Party hosted by Civic Design Studio.
The post ERV, Our Educational Response Vehicle, Returns In Style appeared first on The Crucible.
Our 2022 Youth Spring Camps have the studio buzzing with creative energy. Campers have come up with some amazing projects, including a giant ceramic toothbrush, beautifully crafted metal rings, and an LED lightsaber and wand.
The post 2022 Youth Spring Camps—See Every Inspiring Project appeared first on The Crucible.
The Crucible is hiring a Marketing Associate! This role is crucial in telling the stories of our community, artists, makers, and mission. The ideal candidate has experience in email and social media marketing, has excellent written and verbal communication skills, and has worked in an arts or other non-profit setting.
The post Our Team Is Growing! The Crucible Is Hiring A Marketing Associate appeared first on The Crucible.
Big news! Today, members can register for Crucible Glass Blowing classes for the first time since March of 2022—and we are ecstatic! The Hot Shop is the heart of our studio and the low, steady hum of the furnaces has been sorely missed these past two years.
The post Surprise—We Have New April Classes And Your Member Guide Is Here! appeared first on The Crucible.
The Foundry department at The Crucible is looking for instructors to teach Foundry classes at our 56,000-square-foot non-profit and industrial arts school in West Oakland. Instructors must know the fundamentals of mold making and foundry furnace operation.
The post The Crucible is Hiring Foundry Instructors appeared first on The Crucible.
On Wednesday, March 2, Mischelle Brown and ten of her students from KIPP Bridge Academy here in West Oakland arrived at The Crucible for the first in an eight-week-long series of workshops. These 7th and 8th graders are participating in a pilot program Mischelle designed to support students with alternative learning needs, called YES, I Have An IEP!.
The post KIPP Bridge Academy Student Explore New Educational Pathways Through Crucible Classes appeared first on The Crucible.
The Crucible has begun our search for a new Director of Marketing and Ecommerce! The ideal candidate for this role has direct experience both with the industrial arts and marketing administration. We are also looking for understanding and experience supporting equity and inclusion in an institution with over 150 staff and faculty through their role as the organization’s narrator and their leadership approach.
The post The Crucible is hiring a director of Marketing and Ecommerce! appeared first on The Crucible.
The Crucible is thrilled to announce the Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths scholarship for access to our blacksmithing department and smithy. The scholarship will cover the full cost of a 15-hour blacksmithing class and will offer a stipend of $1,000 to cover materials fees, travel costs, and time away from work.
The post The Society For Inclusive Blacksmiths Makes Crucible Scholarship Possible appeared first on The Crucible.
Classes
April-June Classes Open This Week: Get Your Member Guide By Cathy Niland | 2.5.2022
Spring is just around the corner and that means it’s almost time to register for classes running this April-June. This coming Tuesday, February 8, more than 160 classes will open for Crucible members, including lots of rare offerings. Whether you’re a new or returning student, there is something for everyone!
We’re very excited to introduce a handful of new classes in our Enameling, Ceramics, and Woodworking departments. We also have a number of popular and rare classes returning this spring! For the creative chef, you can up your breakfast game in Design and Make Your Own Waffle Iron, a class running this spring for the first time since 2019. Plus, Women’s Blacksmithing, Build A Skateboard, and Wind Chimes are all back—don’t miss these rare finds!
It’s not too late to become a Crucible member and access your exclusive benefits. Members get first dibs on access to April-June classes, plus 10% off class tuition, discounts on Crucible merch, invites to exclusive events, and more.
If you’re not a member, public registration will open the following Tuesday, February 15. Don’t miss your chance to take your dream class—become a Crucible member today and start cashing in on those exclusive perks.
View All Upcoming ClassesRecent Posts
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The Society For Inclusive Blacksmiths Makes Crucible Scholarship Possible
February 23rd, 2022 * April-June Classes Open This Week: Get Your Member Guide
February 4th, 2022 * The Crucible Hot Shop Relaunches With A Greater Community Focus
January 26th, 2022
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Crucible members get perks! Members get early access to class registration, 10% off class tuition and Crucible merch, invitations to exclusive events, unique member gifts, and more.
Become A MemberDepartment Highlight: Enameling With new offerings, returning rareties, and popular favorites now is the perfect time to explore the art of enameling!
New Enameling Classes NEW! Art Clay with Color Learn two new techniques in a single class! Learn to sculpt fine silver clay before kiln firing your work and adding color during vitreous enamels.
NEW! Enamel with Mesh, Wire, and Foil In this class, students will work with lightweight copper foil, mesh, and wire and add enamels to make dimensional objects. Learn the secrets of folding, bending, tabbing, sewing, and weaving to create texture, weight, and heft.
NEW! Miniature Paintings in Enamel In this weekend intensive class, you will learn to paint with vitreous enamel on a copper surface. Students will leave with two completed pieces that can stand on their own or be turned into jewelry.
NEW! Enamel Surfaces In this introduction to surface alterations, students will practice additive and subtractive enameling techniques both during and after the final firing. Students will make a square wall piece using four 2îx2î pieces.
PREREQUISITE: Enameling experience
EXPLORE THE ART OF ENAMELINGMore Brand-New Classes Across The Crucible’s 19 Departments Frames and Panels From picture frames to doors, weíll look at ways to join wood into frames. We will start with building a mitered-corner picture frame and then proceed to make a traditional mortise and tenon door with a floating raised panel.
PREREQUISITE: Woodworking I
Dovetail Drawers Dovetailed drawers have long been seen as a mark of craftsmanship as theyíre famously tricky to do well. This class will go over the complete construction of a drawer or box made from solid lumber, including half-blind dovetails at the front, full dovetails in back, and a bottom panel floating in a dado.
PREREQUISITE: Woodworking I
Wheel Throwing I Learn how to throw clay on a potter’s wheel! Students will learn the fundamentals of throwing, including wedging clay, centering, opening, pulling, and shaping a cylinder, bowl, and cup. Learn how to use hand tools to trim and add texture to your pieces, in addition to glaze applications and finishing techniques.
PREREQUISITE: Ceramics I
Register For Spring & Summer Youth Camps Your 8-18-year-old can get creative in the industrial arts this spring and summer. Youth camps are on sale now!
Spring Camps: April 4–15, 2022
Summer Camps: June 20–August 5, 2022
Shop 2022 Youth CampsDon’t Miss These Rare Offerings These classes only come around so often. Grab a seta before they fill up!
Design and Make Your Own Waffle Iron Each student will create a 7î diameter stovetop waffle iron with a waffle pattern of your own design. We will make sand molds and use a cupola furnace to melt the iron. At the spectacular iron pour event, students prepare iron and coke charges, operate the cupola, and pour molten iron into their new mold.
Stone Carving Learn to carve stone using traditional hand tools. With hammer and chisel you can enjoy the satisfaction of turning a raw piece of stone into a unique creation. All tools will be provided. During the first session, you will learn about selecting your stone and where to buy it. The Crucible may also have a small selection of stone for purchase, for approximately $35 per stone. Returning students are welcome.
Decorative Copper Cuff Using a six-inch by two-inch piece of copper, you will learn to anneal, hammer texture, stamp, and roll out texture. After the desired texture is achieved, you will use the Bonny Doon Press to form the shape of your cuff, then finish by adding more texture, polishing, or blackening.
Women’s Blacksmithing Learn blacksmithing taught by women, for women! This class covers the fundamentals needed to forge steel and understand blacksmithing tools. We will introduce tapering, upsetting, flattening, dishing, and bending of hot steel—all the same skills and techniques as in Blacksmithing I. You will make small projects, such as spoons, knives, forks, and hooks. This class is an inclusive, welcoming environment for women and gender-expansive individuals.
Build A Skateboard Build your very own custom skateboard from seven layers of hard maple veneer. Learn to shape a foam mold, the woodworking techniques, and the concepts of vacuum press veneering for bending wood. You will practice using basic woodworking power tools, including the band saw and power sanders, as well as hand tools, such as files, rasps, and planes. Apply a basic wood finish and set up your skateboard deck to ride.
Wind Chimes Create your own welded wind chime! Students will weld a metal rectangular wind chime box, plasma cut their unique design on the sides, and hang steel chain, hooks, and cut metal pieces to create a unique and eye-catching wind chime. Then all you need is wind for a gorgeous visual and tonal work of art.
Bundle Dyeing Learn the beautiful art of bundle dyeing with plants! In this class, you will gain an understanding of how to work with natural dyes as you explore the process of bundle dyeing. We will cover an introduction to natural dye plants and different types of fabric. We will work with natural dyestuffs including food scraps, fresh and dried flowers, eucalyptus, and more. You will learn how to bundle dye on silk and cotton, including how to prepare the fabric, place the dyestuffs, wrap the fabric, and steam the fabric on a stovetop. No prior experience necessary – beginners welcome.
Family Baubles and Bling Join The Crucible for some family fun while learning about jewelry making! In family groups, you will learn to make customized and engraved pendants by creating a collage pattern encased with plexiglass and copper. Then work together to create decorative polymer clay baubles that may be used as ornaments, window hangings, or accessories.
This workshop is specially designed for children ages 5-7 years old with accompanying adult(s). The cost is per person, for both children and adults.
Making Multiples: Slip Casting Ceramics Create ceramic multiples! Whether you are interested in making multiple vessels or sculptures, this class covers the basic moldmaking techniques. We will make molds from existing objects and cast clay multiples using clay slip. The clay castings will then be finished, kiln-fired, and glazed. Your personal objects are welcome and should be brought to the first class, and objects can be no larger than 5″ x 5″ x 5″.
Iron Casting In this course, you will complete a finished iron sculpture. You will explore mold construction and preparation while building your own sand mold with resin-bonded sand. Learn the steps required to prepare the cupola for an iron pour. At the spectacular iron pour event, students prepare iron and coke charges, operate the cupola, and pour molten iron into their new mold.
NOTE: This class has an additional Saturday session on May 7 from 10am-2pm.
FIND YOUR NEXT CLASSLevel Up Your Learning Continuing level classes are your opportunity to grow your skills in a department of your choosing.
Register todayAdventures in Soft Glass: Fabulous Fish-This intermediate-level class will have you sculpting fabulous solid and hollow-bodied fish. Emphasis will be on both structural and delightful decorative glass flameworking...
Learn More & Sign Up →Register todayCasting Organics and Found Objects-In this exciting course, you will expand your jewelry knowledge by making castings of unique items from organics, plastics, or styrofoam forms. Students will do two casting...
Learn More & Sign Up →Register todayDovetail Drawers-Dovetailed drawers have long been seen as a mark of craftsmanship as theyíre famously tricky to do well. This class will go over the complete construction of a drawer or box made...
Learn More & Sign Up →Register todayEnamel Surfaces-In this introduction to surface alterations, students will practice additive and subtractive enameling techniques both during and after the final firing. Additive techniques...
Learn More & Sign Up →Register todayEnameling II-Work with master enamel artist Judy Stone to further develop the skills learned in Enameling I, including torch firing, basic enamel painting, and working with precious metals and...
Learn More & Sign Up →Register todayFire Hula Hoop II-This class takes you beyond the hoop dance fundamentals and helps you add more complex hoop moves to your basic foundation. You will learn isolations, stalls, tosses, and how to...
Learn More & Sign Up →Register todayFire Poi II: Turns, Transitions, and Flow-Learn how to integrate movement with your poi spinning. After this class, your body and your poi will work together as one and you will know many new tricks. This course highlights...
Learn More & Sign Up →Register todayFoundry II: Ceramic Shell Process-This class is for people with metal casting experience who have completed waxes to cast. We can also accommodate 3-D printed PLA (best unpigmented). Students will prepare their...
Learn More & Sign Up →Register todayFrames and Panels-From picture frames to doors, weíll look at ways to join wood into frames. We will start with building a mitered-corner picture frame and then proceed to make a traditional mortise...
Learn More & Sign Up →Register todayLarge Ceramic Forms-Explore techniques for making larger ceramic forms that can survive the kiln! Make a ceramic sculpture or planter, while practicing handbuilding techniques like coiling and...
Learn More & Sign Up →Register todayLeather Working II-Apply and build upon basic leatherworking techniques to create a unique leather project of your own design and pattern. From selecting materials to developing a pattern, you will...
Learn More & Sign Up →Register todayJewelry and Metals II-Further develop your basic metalsmithing skills. We will teach disk cutting and doming, bezel setting, three types of rivets, and further design techniques. In addition to...
Learn More & Sign Up →Register todayBlacksmithing II-Deepen your knowledge in this sequel to Blacksmithing I. This class is designed to develop your basic skills along with techniques including scroll-making, collaring, basic...
Learn More & Sign Up →Register todayPower Hammer I-We will focus on power hammer techniques as we forge a set of basic hammer tools, side sets, and a round-back flatter. By the time these new tools are heat-treated, students will...
Learn More & Sign Up →Register todayRaku-Learn basic handbuilding techniques and play with a variety of raku decorating techniques. Raku firings, where ceramic pieces are taken out of the kiln glowing hot and placed in an...
Learn More & Sign Up →Register todayGlass Fusing and Slumping II-This class is a great way to continue your study of glass slumping and fusing. You will design and create your own slumping molds using different materials, such as clay, fiber,...
Learn More & Sign Up →Register todayNeon II-Building on skills developed in Neon I, this class emphasizes the decisions you make in creating a unique artwork using neon illumination. Classwork includes discussion of the...
Learn More & Sign Up → SHOP CLASSESBe the first to know when classes go live Don’t see the class you’re looking for? Fill out our Notify Me form and be the first to know when your dream class returns.
Notify Me When My Class Opens3-Hour Tasters Not ready to commit to a full class session? Try out one of our departments during a 3-Hour Taster class.
ARC Welding Blacksmithing Ceramic Mug Enameling Foundry Glass Flameworking Glass Fusing Jewelry Leather Machine Shop MIG Welding Wooden Box Shop Upcoming 3-Hour TastersMake Art Your Way In Crucible Labs Access The Crucible’s studios for your personal projects during an upcoming lab session. There is no dedicated instruction, but a lab technician will be available. All labs are continuing level classes and require a Crucible membership to register.
Register todayBlacksmithing Lab-Lab sessions are a great benefit, exclusively for Crucible members! Practice the skills you learn in class and explore new possibilities with your craft. No instruction is provided...
Learn More & Sign Up →Register todayCeramics Lab-Lab sessions are a great benefit, exclusively for Crucible members! Practice the skills you learn in class and explore new possibilities with your craft. No instruction is provided...
Learn More & Sign Up →Register todayJewelry Lab-Taking a lab is a great way to practice and perfect the skills you learn in class. In labs, you can work on class assignments or your own projects. Lab time is supervised, but does...
Learn More & Sign Up →Register todayMIG and TIG Welding Lab-Lab sessions are a great benefit, exclusively for Crucible members! Practice the skills you learn in class and explore new possibilities with your craft. No instruction is provided...
Learn More & Sign Up →Register todayWoodworking Lab-Lab sessions are a great benefit, exclusively for Crucible members! Practice the skills you learn in class and explore new possibilities with your craft. No instruction is provided...
Learn More & Sign Up →Register todayEnameling Lab-Enameling Lab sessions are the perfect opportunity to practice the skills you learn in class, meet other enameling students, purchase supplies at a huge discount, and explore new...
Learn More & Sign Up →Register todayMachine Shop Lab-Lab sessions are a great benefit! Practice the skills you learned in class and explore new possibilities with your craft, or work on a personal project. No instruction is provided...
Learn More & Sign Up →Register todayNeon Lab-Lab sessions are a great benefit, exclusively for Crucible members! Practice the skills you learn in class and explore new possibilities with your craft. No instruction is provided...
Learn More & Sign Up →Register todayGlass Fusing and Slumping Lab-Lab sessions are a great benefit, exclusively for Crucible members! Practice the skills you learn in class and explore new possibilities with your craft. No instruction is provided...
Learn More & Sign Up → See All Upcoming ClassesOur top priority is keeping everyone safe. Before you register, don’t forget to review our Health and Safety Guidelines, including mask and COVID vaccination requirements, sanitizing policies, and health checks upon arrival. {roof of completed COVID-19 vaccination is required for all students age 12 and up.
View Our Health and Safety GuidelinesKeep Reading Read MoreThe Society For Inclusive Blacksmiths Makes Crucible Scholarship PossibleThe Crucible is thrilled to announce the Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths scholarship for access to our blacksmithing department and smithy. The scholarship will cover the full...
Read More →Read MoreThe Crucible Hot Shop Relaunches With A Greater Community FocusFor the first time since March 2020, our Glass Blowing department is hosting a series of short-form classes for local educators and community program affiliates. These...
Read More →Read MoreWelding Department Head Mark Metz Sends 750 Pound Sculpture On A Cross-Country JourneyIn Spring of 2021, The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County put out a national call to artists for the public art project—a call that found its way to our Welding Department...
Read More →Read MoreZeydi Gutierrez Joins The Crucible’s Board of DirectorsZeydi Gutierrez, prior strategic director of AB&I Foundry and longtime community member and supporter of East Oakland, has recently joined The Crucible Board of Directors. Zeydi...
Read More →Read MoreMcClymonds High School Students Show Up For Last In-Person Art Classes of 2021A few weeks back on Wednesday, December 8, 32 McClymonds High School students joined us for a series of 3-Hour Tasters—the final free classes for McClymonds students of the year....
Read More →Read MoreThe Crucible Partners With SFMade For The Open For Business ProgramThe Crucible is excited to announce that SFMade and The Crucible were just awarded $275,000 from Wells Fargo Open for Business Fund to support Bay Area entrepreneurship....
Read More →
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Community
The Crucible Hot Shop Relaunches With A Greater Community Focus Cathy Niland | 1.26.2022
The Crucible’s Hot Shop is the first studio you see when you enter the building. Students, faculty, and staff often find themselves mesmerized as they watch artists turn heaps of molten glass into stunning works of art. But for nearly two years, the Hot Shop furnace has been cold with no programming taking place due to safety hazards posed by COVID-19.
That is, until this week.
For the first time since March 2020, our Glass Blowing department is hosting a series of short-form classes for local educators and community program affiliates. These community-focused offerings are part of a new initiative to increase access to glass blowing.
“Our goal is to make the Hot Shop more accessible to everyone who wants to blow glass,” explains Kate Drury, who has spent the last few months working to get the Hot Shop up and running. She’s excited about the department’s new direction. “Glass is a really amazing medium, but it’s really expensive, so, unfortunately, that can be limiting. We’re working on getting funding so that we can have free classes and offer more scholarships.”
Through these free 3-Hour Taster classes, we are excited to give individuals and community organizations a space to learn new skills and explore their creativity in glass. We hope to build long-lasting relationships with our local teachers and community partners who can help spread the word about The Crucible’s scholarship opportunities for low-income and BIPOC youth. And after the incredible challenges on teachers during COVID-19, we wanted to welcome them back to our studios for a creative respite.
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“We feel like there are no better ambassadors for the work that we do. It’s a win-win to have educators experience firsthand how meaningful these programs are,” explains Community Programs Manager Iz Plasencia.“During the pandemic, they have been working constantly, so we’re really happy to provide them a small opportunity to enjoy themselves.”
This is the first in a series of new Hot Shop offerings coming this spring. Not only will regular classes resume (yay!), but we will also have increased studio access for artists, new opportunities for McClymonds High School students, and workshops for Crucible faculty and staff.
And The Crucible Hot Shop is going mobile. Sam Schumacher, who has been teaching at The Crucible since 2015 and runs his own independent studio in Berkeley, is working on building a portable furnace and annealer to be installed in our Educational Response Vehicle (ERV). We will take this portable furnace out for demos and workshops at schools and events, helping bring the magic of glass blowing to folks all over the Bay Area.
“It’s such a valuable community resource,” explained Sam. “There’s limited access to glass blowing and it’s a challenging medium to get into. I’m really excited to be giving people access who might not normally have it.”
The Hot Shop is just getting started and already it’s returning life to the studio. As our first students gathered for today’s class, faculty and staff stopped to appreciate the roar of the furnace and the magic of our artists at work.
“The Hot Shop is just so mesmerizing,” said Iz staring at the furnace. “The sound and the flames and the molten glass—it’s so captivating. And it’s something that’s been missing from this space.”
Stay tuned for more information on Hot Shop programming and classes in the coming months as we expand our Glass Blowing department.
Don’t Miss Upcoming Glass Classes Want to be the first to know when Glass Blowing classes are running? Sign up to be notified using our Notify Me form.
Sign Up To Be NotifiedKeep Reading Read MoreThe Society For Inclusive Blacksmiths Makes Crucible Scholarship PossibleThe Crucible is thrilled to announce the Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths scholarship for access to our blacksmithing department and smithy. The scholarship will cover the full...
Read More →Read MoreThe Crucible Hot Shop Relaunches With A Greater Community FocusFor the first time since March 2020, our Glass Blowing department is hosting a series of short-form classes for local educators and community program affiliates. These...
Read More →Read MoreWelding Department Head Mark Metz Sends 750 Pound Sculpture On A Cross-Country JourneyIn Spring of 2021, The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County put out a national call to artists for the public art project—a call that found its way to our Welding Department...
Read More →Read MoreZeydi Gutierrez Joins The Crucible’s Board of DirectorsZeydi Gutierrez, prior strategic director of AB&I Foundry and longtime community member and supporter of East Oakland, has recently joined The Crucible Board of Directors. Zeydi...
Read More →Read MoreMcClymonds High School Students Show Up For Last In-Person Art Classes of 2021A few weeks back on Wednesday, December 8, 32 McClymonds High School students joined us for a series of 3-Hour Tasters—the final free classes for McClymonds students of the year....
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The post The Crucible Hot Shop Relaunches With A Greater Community Focus appeared first on The Crucible.
Classes
Get Your Week-By-Week Breakdown of The Crucible’s 2022 Youth Camps By Cathy Niland | 1.05.2022
The Crucible is excited to announce our schedule for 2022 Spring & Summer Youth Camps! Art-making has the capacity to help kids and teens build confidence, develop problem-solving skills, solidify STEAM concepts, and relieve stress, and we know those opportunities are more important than ever.
To help you and your kiddos find the perfect class, you can download our Week-By-Week guide to 2022 Youth Camps. It has all our youth camp offerings by week and age group making it easy to plan your entire summer at a glance.
Download Your Week-By-Week PDFSafety continues to be our top priority. Youth students ages 12 and up must show proof of vaccination to participate in camps and all students, faculty, staff, and parents are required to wear masks during their time at The Crucible. You can find these and other health and safety protocols on our COVID-19 Policies page.
With reduced class sizes, spots are limited, so don’t wait to sign up! Members can register starting January 11 and cash in on 10% off class tuition. If you’re not a member, it’s not too late to sign up and use your benefits to register your youth students! Public registration will open on Tuesday, January 18.
If you have any questions about 2022 Youth Camps please email registrar@thecrucible.org or call (510) 444-0919.
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Members get early access to 2022 Spring & Summer Youth Camps! Become a Crucible member today and get early access to this and all Crucible registration periods. You will also get 10% off class tuition, a discount on Crucible merchandise, access to exclusive events, and more!
Become A MemberKeep Reading Read MoreThe Society For Inclusive Blacksmiths Makes Crucible Scholarship PossibleThe Crucible is thrilled to announce the Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths scholarship for access to our blacksmithing department and smithy. The scholarship will cover the full...
Read More →Read MoreThe Crucible Hot Shop Relaunches With A Greater Community FocusFor the first time since March 2020, our Glass Blowing department is hosting a series of short-form classes for local educators and community program affiliates. These...
Read More →Read MoreWelding Department Head Mark Metz Sends 750 Pound Sculpture On A Cross-Country JourneyIn Spring of 2021, The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County put out a national call to artists for the public art project—a call that found its way to our Welding Department...
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Read More →Read MoreMcClymonds High School Students Show Up For Last In-Person Art Classes of 2021A few weeks back on Wednesday, December 8, 32 McClymonds High School students joined us for a series of 3-Hour Tasters—the final free classes for McClymonds students of the year....
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The post Get Your Week-By-Week Breakdown of The Crucible’s 2022 Youth Camps appeared first on The Crucible.
Community
Welding Department Head Mark Metz Sends 750 Pound Sculpture On A Cross-Country Journey Cathy Niland | 01.05.2022
The Watersound Monarch Art Trail is a new public art project in Walton County, Florida. The trail falls along the migration path of tens of thousands of Monarch butterflies who travel nearly 3,000 miles every year from the Northeastern United States to Southern Mexico.
In Spring of 2021, The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County put out a national call to artists for the public art project—a call that found its way to our Welding Department Head, Mark Metz.
“The project resonated with me because I’ve planted milkweed before, and I’ve given milkweed seeds to friends,” shared Mark. “The monarch butterfly life cycle depends completely on milkweed.”
Mark worked with artist George Eracleus to illustrate his concept for the project proposal. After fabricating several public art projects over the past few years, Mark was ready to expand his portfolio outside the Bay Area. “My idea was kind of like the Alice in Wonderland caterpillar, but instead of smoking hookah, he’s munching on a milkweed leaf.”
Mark told us that the piece, titled The Milkweed King, was one of eight proposals accepted out of 40 submissions. “They loved it, and I was one of the artists selected!”
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For five months, Mark fabricated his sculpture in our MIG Welding studio. The piece is primarily made up of scrap metal, and the leaves were created using materials from a previous project. “It was super great to recycle and repurpose metal for almost all of it. I was very happy with it.”
To decorate some parts of the sculpture, including the heart and the feet, Mark applied a flame carving technique using an oxy-acetylene torch. “You start with a sloppy cut, and when the metal is thick, you can’t help but create ridges. I intentionally wiggle around to give it a good texture.”
After the final applications of color, The Milkweed King, weighing approximately 750 pounds and measuring about 6 feet tall, was shipped 2,500 miles to its new home in Northwest Florida. Visitors to the park can download an app to hear Mark explain the story behind the piece and hear artistic inspiration from all of the participating artists.
Mark hopes to take his experience fabricating sizeable public art projects and share that knowledge with other artists, especially now that he is the Welding Department Head. “I think The Crucible is in the position to take on more public art projects. I am super lucky, humbled, and grateful for the fact that I’ve grown into this position. I think there is a lot of synergy between my personal trajectory and The Crucible.”
If you happen to be passing through Walton County, be sure to check out The Milkweed King at the Watersound Parkway in Rosemary Beach, Florida.
Keep Reading Read MoreThe Society For Inclusive Blacksmiths Makes Crucible Scholarship PossibleThe Crucible is thrilled to announce the Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths scholarship for access to our blacksmithing department and smithy. The scholarship will cover the full...
Read More →Read MoreThe Crucible Hot Shop Relaunches With A Greater Community FocusFor the first time since March 2020, our Glass Blowing department is hosting a series of short-form classes for local educators and community program affiliates. These...
Read More →Read MoreWelding Department Head Mark Metz Sends 750 Pound Sculpture On A Cross-Country JourneyIn Spring of 2021, The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County put out a national call to artists for the public art project—a call that found its way to our Welding Department...
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Read More →Read MoreMcClymonds High School Students Show Up For Last In-Person Art Classes of 2021A few weeks back on Wednesday, December 8, 32 McClymonds High School students joined us for a series of 3-Hour Tasters—the final free classes for McClymonds students of the year....
Read More →Read MoreThe Crucible Partners With SFMade For The Open For Business ProgramThe Crucible is excited to announce that SFMade and The Crucible were just awarded $275,000 from Wells Fargo Open for Business Fund to support Bay Area entrepreneurship....
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The post Welding Department Head Mark Metz Sends 750 Pound Sculpture On A Cross-Country Journey appeared first on The Crucible.
CommunityImpact
Zeydi Gutierrez Joins The Crucible’s Board of Directors By Natasha von Kaenel | 12.20.2021
Zeydi Gutierrez, prior strategic director of AB&I Foundry and longtime community member and supporter of East Oakland, has recently joined The Crucible Board of Directors. Zeydi brings her expertise and passion for workforce development to The Crucible Board. She will provide strategic direction and oversight to The Crucible’s long-term strategy and work to advance our mission.
Originally from Nicaragua, Zeydi came to the US when she was 17-years-old due to the civil war. After learning English, Zeydi earned her B.S. in Organizational Management and her MBA from Golden Gate University. As a member of the City of Oakland Workforce Development Board, Zeydi supported federally-funded employment and training programs and services in Oakland, making a difference both locally and nationally.
“The Crucible is honored to welcome Zeydi Gutierrez to our Board of Directors,” says Amanda Lacau-Noguera, The Crucible’s Board President. “Zeydi’s long history in supporting our youth programs coupled with her keen focus on safety in infrastructure will enable The Crucible to enhance our community outreach while at the same time ensuring our facilities continue to meet the gold standard in safety.”
Zeydi Gutierrez is the perfect person to join The Crucible’s Board as we come back from COVID. Her experience with workforce development and safety at AB&I Foundry makes her such a valuable asset as we launch our Open for Business Entrepreneurs Program and continue to update and improve our building.
Susan Mernit
Executive Director, The Crucible
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Zeydi has been a longtime supporter of The Crucible and our programs and is excited to help us deepen and foster new relationships both in East Oakland and throughout the Bay Area.
“I have seen the impact that The Crucible has on young people in Oakland and how it can open up a world of opportunities,” new Board Member Zeydi Gutierrez explains. “I am a firm believer that exposure is everything. When you expose young people to what they can do in the arts, the impact is long-lasting. If they aren’t exposed to the industrial arts, they never could have thought of it as an option—for a hobby or a career.”
Zeydi was especially inspired by the young people she knows who have participated in The Crucible’s scholarship programs and the profound change she witnessed throughout their experience. “In this world of the internet, we have lost some of the preciousness of what people can make with their hands. The Crucible can put folks back in tune with that and with themselves. You have to reach inside yourself to make art.”
We are thrilled to welcome Zeydi to The Crucible’s Board. The Crucible is always looking to add interested and committed individuals to our Advisory Council or Board of Directors. if you or someone you know is interested in participating more deeply in the strategic direction of The Crucible, please reach out to susan@thecrucible.org to learn more.
Meet the folks behind the scenes! Our Crucible team includes hundreds of passionate Bay Area community members dedicated to making industrial arts education accessible. From board members, to volunteers, to faculty, it takes a village. Learn more about the community behind The Crucible!
MEET OUR PEOPLEKeep Reading Read MoreThe Society For Inclusive Blacksmiths Makes Crucible Scholarship PossibleThe Crucible is thrilled to announce the Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths scholarship for access to our blacksmithing department and smithy. The scholarship will cover the full...
Read More →Read MoreThe Crucible Hot Shop Relaunches With A Greater Community FocusFor the first time since March 2020, our Glass Blowing department is hosting a series of short-form classes for local educators and community program affiliates. These...
Read More →Read MoreWelding Department Head Mark Metz Sends 750 Pound Sculpture On A Cross-Country JourneyIn Spring of 2021, The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County put out a national call to artists for the public art project—a call that found its way to our Welding Department...
Read More →Read MoreZeydi Gutierrez Joins The Crucible’s Board of DirectorsZeydi Gutierrez, prior strategic director of AB&I Foundry and longtime community member and supporter of East Oakland, has recently joined The Crucible Board of Directors. Zeydi...
Read More →Read MoreMcClymonds High School Students Show Up For Last In-Person Art Classes of 2021A few weeks back on Wednesday, December 8, 32 McClymonds High School students joined us for a series of 3-Hour Tasters—the final free classes for McClymonds students of the year....
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The post Zeydi Gutierrez Joins The Crucible’s Board of Directors appeared first on The Crucible.
Community
McClymonds High School Students Show Up For Last In-Person Art Classes of 2021 Cathy Niland | 12.21.2021
A few weeks back on Wednesday, December 8, 32 McClymonds High School students joined us for a series of 3-Hour Tasters—the final free classes for McClymonds students of the year. Every student who registered attended and they were some of our most enthusiastic participants yet.
McClymonds High Schoolers learned new skills in six different areas—MIG Welding, Glass Flameworking, Blacksmithing, Glass Fusing, Leatherworking, and Ceramics. Brandon, a first-time participant in the Leatherworking class, created a set of one-of-a-kind bracelets decorated with stamps and dye. It was a class he’d been eager to take.
“Leather was my first pick,” he explained, “And Blacksmithing was my second. I’m going to come back and take that one next.”
Brandon shows off his newly-crafted leather bracelets. The majority of students were exploring the industrial arts for the first time, but Raven was a returning student in Ceramics. “I took this class a few weeks back and loved it,” she shared while glazing her mug. The excitement from participants has been a big influence in getting other McClymonds high schoolers on board, which has only increased the impact of the program for students and accompanying educators.
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January 26th, 2022
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The Benefits of Art-Making Art-making at The Crucible comes with a number of benefits. Not only do students gain access to new forms of self-expression, they also create tangible connections to science and math concepts, develop new problem-solving skills, and build confidence they can take back to the classroom.
McClymonds High School chaperones have reported increased participation and stronger relationships with students who attended Crucible classes. Youth Program Associate Samantha Espinoza shared, “If a teacher came with their students to do a class, those teachers reported getting more engagement out of those students.”
It’s also through these Taster classes that we recruit students for our summer Fuego Youth Leadership Program where they can continue building skills in a given department. Last summer, McClymonds High School students ShaRay Edwards, Edgar Salazar, and Ashala Jones all became Fuego Youth Leaders after attending free McClymonds-Crucible classes in the prior school year. As Fuegos, they created stunning final projects and built new leadership skills. They will have the opportunity to return for a second summer in 2022.
You Can Support Industrial Arts Access Our partnership with McClymonds High School is just one of the ways we’re building community and increasing access to the industrial and fine arts for all. With your support, we can continue to ensure these types of opportunities remain accessible to youth of all backgrounds.
If 250 donors make a gift of any size before the end of the year, an anonymous donor has pledged to contribute $10,000 to our #ArtTransformsLives campaign and our goal of raising $150,000 for life-changing industrial art access. Can we count on you to reach our goal?
Donate Today Every Dollar Makes An Impact From students like Ashala falling in love with the industrial arts for the first time to the adult artists building community relationships through public art projects, The Crucible has proven itself to be an invaluable safe harbor for so many who seek the transformative power of art.
With your support, we can continue to offer transformative arts education to youth, young adults, working artists, and families, helping people access joy, confidence, and new opportunities in exciting career pathways.
If you believe that art transforms lives, step up and make a gift before the year ends. Any size gift before December 31 will support all the life-changing work planned for 2022!
Keep Reading Read MoreThe Society For Inclusive Blacksmiths Makes Crucible Scholarship PossibleThe Crucible is thrilled to announce the Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths scholarship for access to our blacksmithing department and smithy. The scholarship will cover the full...
Read More →Read MoreThe Crucible Hot Shop Relaunches With A Greater Community FocusFor the first time since March 2020, our Glass Blowing department is hosting a series of short-form classes for local educators and community program affiliates. These...
Read More →Read MoreWelding Department Head Mark Metz Sends 750 Pound Sculpture On A Cross-Country JourneyIn Spring of 2021, The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County put out a national call to artists for the public art project—a call that found its way to our Welding Department...
Read More →Read MoreZeydi Gutierrez Joins The Crucible’s Board of DirectorsZeydi Gutierrez, prior strategic director of AB&I Foundry and longtime community member and supporter of East Oakland, has recently joined The Crucible Board of Directors. Zeydi...
Read More →Read MoreMcClymonds High School Students Show Up For Last In-Person Art Classes of 2021A few weeks back on Wednesday, December 8, 32 McClymonds High School students joined us for a series of 3-Hour Tasters—the final free classes for McClymonds students of the year....
Read More →Read MoreThe Crucible Partners With SFMade For The Open For Business ProgramThe Crucible is excited to announce that SFMade and The Crucible were just awarded $275,000 from Wells Fargo Open for Business Fund to support Bay Area entrepreneurship....
Read More →
The post McClymonds High School Students Show Up For Last In-Person Art Classes of 2021 appeared first on The Crucible.
Community
The Crucible Partners With SF Made For The Open For Business Program 12.17.2021
The Crucible is excited to announce that SFMade and The Crucible were just awarded $275,000 from Wells Fargo Open for Business Fund to support Bay Area entrepreneurship.
In partnership with SFMade, The Crucible will be launching Open for Business, a pilot program that will serve Bay Area BIPOC entrepreneurs and help them to launch a business selling physical artisanal products.
SFMade is a nonprofit based in San Francisco dedicated to creating pathways to economic prosperity for diverse, low-income residents of the San Francisco Bay Area through business ownership and employment in local manufacturing. Since its inception, SFMade has become an internationally recognized and emulated model for manufacturing-based economic development.
Program participants, mentors, and supporters meet for an introductory diner. From left to right, Program Manager, David Banks, participants, Amy Alaman and Brandyn Willridge, and mentor Billy Hiebert. Recent Posts
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Over the course of the year, the program will help 10 BIPOC individuals to launch an artisanal manufacturing business. SFMade will provide business planning and technical assistance including tailored advising, educational workshops, and education around access to capital. The Crucible will provide support in fabricating industrial art products, and instruction and skill-building across a variety of disciplines, as well as access to tools, equipment, and studio space.
“For artists in the Bay Area, entrepreneurship is often necessary to sustain living here—but not all artists have the same access to capital or intergenerational wealth to support starting a new business,” explains Susan Mernit, Executive Director of The Crucible. “For lower-income BIPOC artists in particular, there are challenges to having access to funding, studio space, and business planning support. This partnership with SFMade will help offer useful resources to community members that we deeply value.”
Meet your 2022 Open For Business cohort Ahsan Gaskins Electronics I was born and raised in Oakland, CA, and gravitated toward electricity and conduction theory early in life, taking apart my toys and putting them back together. By 16-years-old, I had built 16 radio control cars, the fastest capable of reaching 97mph. A few years later, I joined the United States Marine Corps where I learned in-depth circuitry electron theory and became a professional solderer capable of soldering components so small they could be lost under your fingernail.
Now, post-military, I am pursuing my passion for electricity creating inventions that fill many needs. With the help of program mentors, I am researching composites that will decrease weight and allow for more vibrant aesthetics. My goal for this program is to establish a foundation for future business administration and security for my inventions through patenting and Business LLCs.
Amy Alaman Mixed Media & Textiles I am an installation artist, jewelry-maker, painter, intuitive painting teacher, and the owner and founder of Sacred Paintbrush Arts. I’m a Bay Area native currently living in West Oakland. I work with several different mediums, specializing in mixed-media art and hand-painted wood jewelry and notebooks.
Through the Open For Business program I hope to leave with a new collection of mixed-media jewelry of a higher quality and craftsmanship. I started my business in 2019 and I am hoping the support I receive from this program will help my business reach the next level and become even more sustainable long-term.
Learn more about Sacred Paintbrush online and on Instagram @thesacredpaintbrush.
Brandyn Willridge Metal & Wood My name is Brandyn Willridge. I am originally from Springfield, Massachusetts but reside in the Bay Area. I am a welder, metal sculpture artist, and metal fabricator specializing in one-off sculptures. My work also sometimes includes lighted, wood, or kinetic elements.
I am a Studio Operations Manager at The Crucible and oversee various studio tasks with a special focus on our welding department. I am also a faculty member in the Welding and Bike Shop departments, teaching classes to youth and adults.
Through the Open For Business Program, and with the help of my mentors, I’m looking to complete my product line and launch my website. See more of my art on Instagram @brandyn_413
Cori Pillows Wood & Textiles I am the founder and business owner of Core Creations, a visual art-based company generating high-end archival quality reproductions of my original art depicting historical black portraits, revolutionary ARTivism, and conceptual illustrations of the spirit and beauty reflected in my community.
I am from Chicago, Illinois, and migrated to the Bay Area in 2002. In 2009, I received my Master’s Degree in Multimedia at California State East Bay and have been selling my artwork since 2014. I am a multi-disciplinary artist practicing in mediums from acrylic painting to sculpture to woodworking.
I enjoy choosing a different international residence for three months out of a year to be inspired and make art, my favorite being Ecuador. See examples of my work and learn more about my business at thecorecreations.com
Komoia Johnson, Ph.D. Paper, Glass, & Textiles I was born and raised in the Bay Area. For the past 25 years, I have partnered with young people and their families in various educational communities. Through these partnerships, I began to use art as a vehicle for young people to decompress, work through trauma and stress, address conflict, and build positive relationships with one another. On this journey, I decided to turn my creativity toward jewelry-making.
To grow my skills, I would like to learn more about thin metal work, enamel, and glass. By combining these additional skills with my paper art, I feel like my jewelry could be taken to the next level.
As a participant in this cohort, I plan to learn how to build and sustain my business while teaching young people how to do the same. I am a firm believer that knowledge should be shared openly, freely, and widely so everyone in the community can access the support they need to be seen and heard.
Are you a good fit for this program? This program specifically supports our local communities of low-income black, indigenous, and people of color, residing in the cities of San Francisco and Oakland, and surrounding areas in Alameda County.
This program is a good fit for you if you:
- Want to build and scale a business centered on artisan goods
- Have experience creating and selling hand-crafted and/or manufactured products in at least one of the following areas: Metals, Woodworking, Jewelry, Glass, Ceramics, Leather, and/or Textiles
- Seek to expand or vary a product line
- Have the time and interest to spend 3-10 hours a week at The Crucible in West Oakland working on design, fabrication, and production skills
- Can be available in person or virtually to engage in business development and marketing strategy and execution of those strategies
- Interested in selling at some real-world and virtual markets during the course of the program
- Would benefit from financial advice and planning around expanding their business and growing revenue
Participants will receive the following:
- Studio space (shared) valued at $175
- Equipment & consumables use valued at $250
- Storage locker valued at $75
- Materials fees (start up) valued at $750
- Mentor support
- Up to 30 hours of classes at the Crucible valued at $1800
- Web development and marketing support valued at $400
- Business licenses valued at $300
- Printing and vending prep, booth signage, etc valued at $300
The Crucible and SFMade will be recruiting for a second program cohort in 2022. You can apply for this second cohort at the link below!
Ready to apply to the Open For Business program? Take your business dreams to the next level and fill out our application below.
Apply NowKeep Reading Read MoreThe Society For Inclusive Blacksmiths Makes Crucible Scholarship PossibleThe Crucible is thrilled to announce the Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths scholarship for access to our blacksmithing department and smithy. The scholarship will cover the full...
Read More →Read MoreThe Crucible Hot Shop Relaunches With A Greater Community FocusFor the first time since March 2020, our Glass Blowing department is hosting a series of short-form classes for local educators and community program affiliates. These...
Read More →Read MoreWelding Department Head Mark Metz Sends 750 Pound Sculpture On A Cross-Country JourneyIn Spring of 2021, The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County put out a national call to artists for the public art project—a call that found its way to our Welding Department...
Read More →Read MoreZeydi Gutierrez Joins The Crucible’s Board of DirectorsZeydi Gutierrez, prior strategic director of AB&I Foundry and longtime community member and supporter of East Oakland, has recently joined The Crucible Board of Directors. Zeydi...
Read More →Read MoreMcClymonds High School Students Show Up For Last In-Person Art Classes of 2021A few weeks back on Wednesday, December 8, 32 McClymonds High School students joined us for a series of 3-Hour Tasters—the final free classes for McClymonds students of the year....
Read More →Read MoreThe Crucible Partners With SFMade For The Open For Business ProgramThe Crucible is excited to announce that SFMade and The Crucible were just awarded $275,000 from Wells Fargo Open for Business Fund to support Bay Area entrepreneurship....
Read More →
The post The Crucible Partners With SFMade For The Open For Business Program appeared first on The Crucible.
Impact Community
Spread the word! The Crucible is hiring for Development Associate 12.17.2021
The Crucible is hiring a Development Associate! This is a great role for someone who wants to build their nonprofit fundraising skill and be positioned to grow in their role. You will work closely with the Development Manager, the ED, and the rest of the team to support funding for scholarships and community programs, a core part of our mission.
This is a great opportunity for someone looking to make an important impact at the largest industrial arts nonprofit in the country.
See the complete job description for the Development Associate and details on how to apply below.
Job Title: Development Associate 2022
Reports To: Development Manager
Status: Full-time, 40 hours a week
Salary: $45,760, eligible for benefits
Date: December 20, 2021
Closes: Open until filled
Background
Our mission: The Crucible inspires creative exploration and expression through welcoming, hands-on arts education and experiences for people of diverse ages and backgrounds. As an innovative hub built around the industrial arts, The Crucible is a catalyst for individual growth and vibrant community connections. In addition to supporting working and emerging artists and art students, The Crucible is dedicated to supporting career pathways into the arts and the industrial trades and access to our programs for BIPOC youth and families, especially those from West Oakland. Want to work in a supportive work environment committed to the arts? Reach out to us to learn more!
Position Overview: The Development Associate is responsible for coordination and expansion of The Crucible’s membership program, maintenance of the donor database (Salesforce), coordination of donor events, some grant and donor research and writing, and some project management and reporting. The Development Associate is also responsible for timely gift processing, acknowledgment, and benefits fulfillment. This is a great role for someone who wants to build their nonprofit fundraising skill and be positioned to grow in their role. You will work closely with the Development Manager, the ED, and the rest of the team to support funding for scholarships and community programs, a core part of our mission.
Classification: This is a full-time, non-exempt position. Evening and weekend availability are required occasionally for events and meetings.
Responsibilities
Membership Program Coordination (15%)
- Coordinate and manage the Crucible’s membership program including but not limited to:
- Create schedules and content for regular communication with members.
- Add new members to the database and handle welcome messages and questions.
- Remove expired memberships from the WooCommerce Store back end.
- Ensure members receive information on benefits (such as Cru Tote voucher).
- Respond to member emails and answer their questions.
- Handle previous and current member data in The Crucible’s database.
- Provide monthly reconciliation with Finance on membership registrations and renewals.
- Execute strategies for and carrying out member acquisition, renewal, and level increase campaigns and appeals.
- Support member events and member benefits.
- Research and report back on members who join at higher levels for possible individual and major donor cultivation.
Database Management / Stewardship (30%)
- Accurately enter information into the donor database (Salesforce) and maintain contributed income data entry for contacts, gifts, pledges, etc., to ensure consistency and the highest level of accuracy, and to reconcile with the Finance Office.
- Generate regular and accurate reports on income and fundraising progress, list maintenance, and lists for solicitation appeals.
- Prepare gift acknowledgments, pledge letters, and updates.
- Generate, reconcile, and send Development Batch Report and Contributed Income Report to Finance on a monthly basis.
- Send acknowledgment letters and emails for checks/in-kind donations.
- Update Salesforce with data entry for checks and online donations.
- Write and send acknowledgment letters for fundraisers (such as SPARK, Soiree).
Major donors and institutional grants support research (30%)
- Research individuals with the capacity for giving who are connected to The Crucible using donor tools.
- Document wealth scoring and prospect research results for the Development Team.
- Research grant prospects to support community programs, scholarships, and general operating support.
- Support Development Manager, Institutional Giving & Corporate Sponsorships, with grant writing and proposal development.
- Support planning and coordination of events organized by the Development Team throughout the year, including managing vendors and site logistics, organizing volunteers, and managing invitations/RSVPs.
- Work closely with the Board and the ED to assist with special community events, including annual fundraising events, artists’ talks and demos, and community outreach programs.
- Attend Development and other Crucible events and be a visible and engaged community member.
Other general activities (25%)
- Compile organizational and programmatic data for reporting purposes as needed.
- Email and team engagement.
Position requirements:
- Experience with donor research tools or strong interest in learning.
- Familiarity with grant writing or proposal development or strong interest in learning.
- Experience with Salesforce or a comparable CRM or database, plus willingness and interest to build skills and capacity in this area.
- Experience with data management and organization, including data entry, report generation, list management, and segmentation.
- Enthusiasm for education and The Crucible’s mission to make the industrial arts accessible to everyone.
- Commitment to quality work, productivity, and attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to organize and prioritize workload in a timely manner and handle multiple deadlines.
- Strong problem-solving and collaboration skills; enjoys people and communication.
- A high degree of professionalism and commitment to cultural competency.
- Self-starter and good communicator.
- Availability to work some nights/weekends.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion.
We offer competitive pay. This is a full-time, hourly position with job flexibility and benefits. Our work environment is fast-paced, creative, authentic, and inspiring. The Crucible is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all persons, especially those who bring the benefits of diversity to the organization. Women, people of color, people who identify as LGBTQIA+, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. There’s a lot to do, but it’s all good. Sound interesting? Get in touch.
How to apply: Please email cover letter, resume, and three reference contacts (PDF format) to human.resources@thecrucible.org. Subject line: Development Associate.
No faxes or calls, please.
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Read More → Visit Our Blog The post The Crucible is hiring for a Development Associate appeared first on The Crucible.
Impact Community
Spread the word! The Crucible is hiring for Director of Programs 12.15.2021
The Crucible is hiring a Director of Programs! The ideal candidate for this role has direct experience both with the industrial arts, and program administration. We are also looking for understanding and experience supporting equity and inclusion in a changing institution with over 150 staff and faculty through their programmatic role and their leadership approach.
This is a great opportunity for someone looking to make a huge impact at the largest industrial arts nonprofit in the country.
See the complete job description for the Director of Programs and details on how to apply below.
2022 Director of Programs Job Description Job Title: Director of Programs
Reports To: Executive Director
Status: Exempt
Salary range: $75,000-$90,000, depending on experience
Applications Open: 11/23/2021
Close: 1/31/2022
Background
The Crucible inspires creative exploration and expression through welcoming, hands-on arts education and experiences for people of diverse ages and backgrounds. As an innovative non-profit hub built around the industrial arts, The Crucible is a catalyst for individual growth and vibrant community connections. A leader in the Bay Area arts community, The Crucible is recognized for exceptional learning experiences, rich and varied arts programs, skilled and committed faculty, and amazing educational facilities. Want to work in a quirky, joyful place focused on the arts? Reach out to us to learn more!
Job summary
The Director of Programs oversees staff that support distinct programs, including classes, volunteers, events, Team Builds and private workshops, youth programs, and community programs. As part of the Leadership Team, this position is responsible for the overall vision of each program, including developing and meeting strategic goals, identifying areas of growth, overseeing budgets, and supporting staff. Together, we work as a team to advance our mission of making the industrial arts accessible to all, regardless of income. Our ideal candidate for this role has direct experience with both program administration and budgeting and with the industrial arts.
Responsibilities
Scheduled Programming and Faculty Support
- Be the lead point of contact with department heads and faculty, along with support from the faculty coordinator.
- Work with department heads to plan, manage, schedule, and staff our educational programs, including classes, workshops, and off-site activities.
- Recruit and retain department heads and faculty aligned with the core mission of The Crucible as an industrial arts school and arts community.
- Support Senior Programs Manager and team with student and registration needs.
- Ensure classes and programs offer exceptional user experience, quality instruction, measurable learning, and skills building, so that all students feel seen, welcome, and comfortable.
- Support the reimplementation of our CREATE studio access program (in partnership with Studio).
- Support professional development and a welcoming environment that makes The Crucible more inclusive of local Oakland residents, local communities of color, women, and LGBTQIA+ folks.
Team Build and Private Workshops
- Partner with program manager and other teams to scale up our Team Build and private workshops after the hiatus due to COVID-19, including improving existing systems and creating new ones.
Volunteer Programs and Outreach Events
- Oversee and support our active volunteer program, working with staff to develop and implement strategies to improve recruitment, retention, volunteer data tracking, and communication between departments.
- Co-curate planning, logistics, day-of coordination, and artist selection for key events and programs such as GIFTY, Open Houses, and artists talks.
- Oversee budgets related to volunteer programs and non-fundraising events.
.
Youth, Community and Workforce/Entrepreneurship programs
- Work with youth programs manager to design, implement and execute classes, camps, workshops and funded programs for young people ages 8-18 that support both hands-on social/emotional learning and career pathways.
Partner with community programs team to develop, execute, assess and improve community programs that provide valuable arts and career pathway experiences, especially for our Oakland neighbors and for BIPOC families and individuals.
- Help evaluate, secure, plan, budget, and execute community-based and public art programs, including Life is Living, East Bay Mini Maker Faire programs, and public art projects with strategic partners, such as Civic Design Lab and E14 Gallery.
- Support outreach to local schools and community groups, and maintain partnerships around existing and future programs, such as programs with McClymonds High School.
- Oversee and develop relationships with Bay area artists, makers, and educators to support arts inclusion and entrepreneurship, including public art projects and workforce development programs.
Finances and fundraising
- Manage budgets, work with the Executive Director and CFO to manage revenue goals, and develop data-driven recommendations.
- Analyze and contrast earned income potential for Crucible programs, which include: youth summer and spring camps, adult classes, team building/workshop activities, facility rentals, workforce development, and events.
- Lead and manage department budgets, revenue goals, and revenue projections
- Work with marketing/ecommerce to drive sales and outreach for classes and programs.
- Work with the Development Team to identify and reach fundraising goals to support low- and no-cost community programming.
- Work with our Salesforce Admin and lead team to analyze class interest, sales, and performance.
The ideal candidate is a fast-paced, well-organized, problem-solver with a resilient temperament who has the desire to build a collaborative and inclusive culture among arts workers and learners. A passion for community empowerment, community economic development, and personal expression through the arts, a commitment to developing staff skills and talents, and the ability to manage change, will make this role successful.
This position requires some on-site evening, night, and weekend work, including program supervision during Spring and Summer holidays. Background as an industrial artist greatly wished for!
Position Requirements
- Minimum of five years of relevant program management experience as a creative lead in an execution-based setting — preferably with an established arts education non-profit organization or equivalent setting
- Personal maker, creative or artistic practice a huge plus
- Experience developing and managing budgets, as well as hitting revenue goals
- Management or coaching experience, ideally with teams of creative personalities with a wide range of experience
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects
- Works effectively under pressure, reacts quickly, and meets tight deadlines
- Ability to give and receive constructive feedback
- Strong personal values around deep listening, authenticity, and integrity
- Familiar with Oakland and engaged in the Oakland community in some way
- Approaches work with an equity and inclusion lens
- Proficient with email, Google Drive/G Suite tools, and Excel
- Experience with Salesforce or other CRM a strong plus
- Comfortable with a metrics-driven approach to evaluation
- Ability to lift 35 pounds, current valid CA driver’s license, and ability to drive a car, if needed
Compensation
This is a full-time, exempt position based in Oakland, California. We offer competitive pay and benefits, paid time off, and more. Our work environment is casual, upbeat, professional, and fun. The Crucible is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all persons, especially those who bring the benefits of diversity to the organization. Women, people of color, people who identify as LGBTQIA+, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Please email cover letter, resume, and three reference contacts (PDF format) to human.resources@thecrucible.org
Subject line: Director of Programs
No faxes or calls, please!
Recent Posts
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Recent
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The Society For Inclusive Blacksmiths Makes Crucible Scholarship Possible
February 23rd, 2022 * April-June Classes Open This Week: Get Your Member Guide
February 4th, 2022 * The Crucible Hot Shop Relaunches With A Greater Community Focus
January 26th, 2022
See more posts→
Instagram No content was found. Visit Our Instagram →
Join Our Mailing List
Keep Reading Read MoreThe Society For Inclusive Blacksmiths Makes Crucible Scholarship PossibleThe Crucible is thrilled to announce the Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths scholarship for access to our blacksmithing department and smithy. The scholarship will cover the full...
Read More →Read MoreThe Crucible Hot Shop Relaunches With A Greater Community FocusFor the first time since March 2020, our Glass Blowing department is hosting a series of short-form classes for local educators and community program affiliates. These...
Read More →Read MoreWelding Department Head Mark Metz Sends 750 Pound Sculpture On A Cross-Country JourneyIn Spring of 2021, The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County put out a national call to artists for the public art project—a call that found its way to our Welding Department...
Read More →Read MoreZeydi Gutierrez Joins The Crucible’s Board of DirectorsZeydi Gutierrez, prior strategic director of AB&I Foundry and longtime community member and supporter of East Oakland, has recently joined The Crucible Board of Directors. Zeydi...
Read More →Read MoreMcClymonds High School Students Show Up For Last In-Person Art Classes of 2021A few weeks back on Wednesday, December 8, 32 McClymonds High School students joined us for a series of 3-Hour Tasters—the final free classes for McClymonds students of the year....
Read More →Read MoreThe Crucible Partners With SFMade For The Open For Business ProgramThe Crucible is excited to announce that SFMade and The Crucible were just awarded $275,000 from Wells Fargo Open for Business Fund to support Bay Area entrepreneurship....
Read More → Visit Our Blog The post Spread the word! The Crucible is hiring for Director of Programs appeared first on The Crucible.