“I am so lucky to have grown up in this environment where I was nurtured creatively.”
Help Bay Area youth access transformative industrial art education.
Make Something!
Our industrial art classes welcome all levels—from absolute beginners to experienced artists and craftspeople—to a one-of-a-kind learning environment in Oakland, CA. Please review our new health and safety policies before registering for your next class.
What’s Happening at The Crucible
Stay Up to Date on Our Events and Announcements
Art Transforms Lives: Youth Find Their Path Making Art With Rikki Smeltzer
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...
The Crucible Welcomes Seth Steward As New Executive Director
The Crucible is pleased to announce Seth Steward has been named our new Executive Director ahead of our upcoming 25th anniversary year....
Plan for a Creative 2024: January-March Classes Open 10/31
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...
About The Crucible
The Crucible is a nonprofit organization and art school dedicated to making the fine and industrial arts accessible for all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Founded in 1999 by Michael Sturtz, our work is centered in Oakland and the East Bay, where we offer classes and team builds in glass, metal, clay, wood, and more to over 8,000 people each year.
As part of celebrating and empowering Oakland, we offer free programming, scholarships, and paid leadership opportunities for youth and adults who live locally and otherwise could not participate.