ImpactYouth Programs

Give A Warm Welcome To Our 2019 New Fuego Leaders

By Cathy Niland | 7.10.19

Since 2010, The Crucible has opened its doors to high school students interested in expanding their artistic ability and leadership skills. Each summer, participants have joined us for two weeks of art making, teaching in the classrooms, and teacher-student mentorship as part of our Fuego Youth Leadership Program.

This year, in honor of Fuego’s tenth anniversary, we have expanded the program to be four weeks long, where both our first year Fuego Leaders and second year Fuego Leaders work and learn together.

Donald Pollard, Fuego Leader in MIG Welding, 18-years-old

I look forward to meeting new people, learning new things, trying different things out, and seeing what it’s all about. I came here as a camper previously and I worked with some of the Fuego leaders then and I was interested in what they did.

Donald Pollard, Fuego Leader in MIG Welding, age 18

“We had these two great two-week programs, and it wasn’t enough time for our youth to really develop their leadership skills, teaching abilities, or artist practice to the extent that they wanted to,” Alyssa Stone, our Director of Programs explained. “This year, by overlapping these two programs and giving the students four weeks together, they can deepen their engagement in the classroom, work for a longer period with their mentors, and the second year Fuego Leaders can pass their knowledge and experience on to the first year leaders.”

Leslie Kwok, Fuego Leader in Jewelry, 15-years-old

I’m really looking forward to working with other people who are passionate about industrial arts, and who are also in this stage of their life where they’re trying to learn how to be better leaders and improve their own art.

Leslie Kwok, Fuego Leader in Jewelry, age 15

With the expanded time, we have also expanded the curriculum. This year, each leader will work on multiple collaborative projects exploring themes of identity, leadership, community, artistry, and transformation.

C'Zarriah Davis-Smith, Fuego Leader in Glass Flameworking, 16-years-old

I’m looking forward to the opportunity to maybe have a job at The Crucible after the Fuego program and continue to learn about different types of art. There are so many options here.

C’Zarriah Davis-Smith, Fuego Leader in Glass Flameworking, age 16

In their first week during the morning session, our Fuego leaders are focused on identity, working to create a mandala incorporating personal artifacts. Then at the end the week, each leader will construct a personal portrait. In the afternoon, our Fuego students are back in the classroom, assisting with camp classes and building skills in their discipline, leadership, and learning.

I want to improve my skills in leather working, and have some fun, and help people out with something that I enjoy!

Ava Hodge, Fuego Leader in Leather, Age 16

Meet All Our First Year Fuego Leaders

Max Arellano, Fuego Leader in Blacksmithing, 17-years-old

Max Arellano
Blacksmithing
Age 17

Lauren Bartlett, Fuego Leader in Leather, 17-years-old

Lauren Bartlett
Leather
Age 17

Ava Hodge
Leather
Age 16

Leslie Kwok, Fuego Leader in Jewelry, 15-years-old

Leslie Kwok
Jewelry
Age 15

Elisa McCormick, Fuego Leader in ARC Welding, 16-years-old

Elisa McCormick
ARC Welding
Age 16

Alexandra Otani
Glass Flameworking
Age 17

Donald Pollard, Fuego Leader in MIG Welding, 18-years-old

Donald Pollard
MIG Welding
Age 18

Re-Meet Our Second Year Fuego Leaders

Rowan Barbeau, Fuego Leader in Jewelry, 18-years-old

Rowan Barbeau
Jewelry
Age 18

Alex Donellan
Blacksmithing
Age 16

C'Zarriah Davis-Smith, Fuego Leader in Glass Flameworking, 16-years-old

C’Zarriah Davis-Smith
Glass Flameworking
Age 16

Simha Furaha, Fuego Leader in Glassblowing, 16-years-old

Simha Furaha
Glass Blowing
Age 16

Ian MacDonald, Fuego Leader in ARC Welding, 16-years-old

Ian MacDonald
ARC Welding
Age 16

Jonathan Lee, Fuego Leader in TIG Welding, 16-years-old

Jonathan Lee
TIG Welding
Age 16

Ben Lockwood-Johnston, Fuego Leader in Blacksmithing, 16-years-old

Ben Lockwood-Johnston
Blacksmithing
Age 16

Rowen Sanford-Eckhaus, Fuego Leader in Jewelry Casting, 18-years-old

Rowen Sanford-Eckhaus
Jewelry
Age 18

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