These 6 Artists Will Inspire You—Get Your Soiree Art Preview

CHAMPAGNE FLUTES
Flameworked glass

Michael Dickinson

Michael enjoys the process of creating useful items with purpose in an elegant way. His current work focuses on sculpting and manipulating hollow forms, using precious metals of gold and silver to add iridescent petals or blooms within the glass. Michael Dickinson has been a Glass Flameworking instructor at The Crucible since 2016 and is the owner and primary glass artist for Dickinson Glass, based out of Marin. 

RUSTIC KNIFE
Recycled leaf spring steel, ebony, stainless steal

Clifford Bohm

Clifford Bohm is a former Crucible Blacksmithing Faculty member who now is a staff researcher and PhD student at Michigan State University. Cliff is a returning artist for The Crucible’s Fire & Light Soirée and Art Auction. He finds beauty in the juxtaposition of polished steel next to rough, unspoiled textures generated by the forging process. He strives to create well-crafted objects with a timeless quality.

THE ASSEMBLED GOD
Found, salvaged and recycled materials

Brian Enright

Brian Enright’s mission is to create works of art that inspire value and hope for individuals, communities and future generations; educating us about the beneficial impact of working with reclaimed materials. Brian has been involved with The Crucible since 2008 as a faculty member in Welding. The Assembled God is the last major work from Brian’s 2019 show “Neither Created, Nor Destroyed.” The God of Trash, he gets his power from our story and relationship to the material world.

THE ASSEMBLED GOD
Found, salvaged and recycled materials

Brian Enright on Donating to Soirée

The Crucible is where I started metal working and so it is both my first maker community and definitely where I learned the early lessons in how to operate in an industrial space, an art community, and be a teacher. To be able to have grown to a level where I can actually donate artwork that is of high value and give back through doing what I love to do makes me so happy. I am grateful to be able to give back to the place that gave so much to me.

GROWTH
Iron, copper, gold leaf

Hiroki Fukushima

Hiroki Fukushima is a Japanese metal artist who has worked with iron, cooper, and aluminimum since 1972. Hiroki’s work is exhibited at Gallery Japonesque and The Asian Art Museum. In 2012, Hiroki moved to the Bay Area, and in 2016 began working in the Blacksmithing Department at The Crucible. Growth is the manifestation of the artist’s concerns around production, works, and life. During a time when big walls or waves come to life, Hiroki felt it was important to trust himself as an artist and look forward.

9 TO 5
Mild steel

Rob Nehring (In collaboration with Rusty Noodle Studios)

With a BFA in theater, dance, and sculpture, Rob Nehring is the sole proprietor of Rusty Noodle Studios. An accomplished artist, Rob’s sculptures are in galleries and private collections throughout the United States. The whimsical characters that define Rusty Noodle Studios are created from 99% recycled materials. Through found objects and scrap metal, Rob lets the materials dictate what they will become.

9 TO 5
Mild steel

Rob Nehring on Donating to Soirée

I believe The Crucible is one of the most important assets for any artist. It has really enabled me to be an artist—because it gave me access to the studio and to shared knowledge of the other artists and staff. It is something that I want to keep going for a very long time. And as an artist, I can help sustain it by donating art.

CHESS BOARD
Assorted wood and veneer

David Page

Woodworking instructor and studio renter David Page makes the great commute from Los Angeles to Oakland once a week to stay connected to The Crucible and his life here in Oakland. He has been involved at The Crucible since 2011, wearing every hat from CREATE Member to Volunteer, and is currently an instructor in the Woodworking Department. 

CHESS BOARD
Assorted wood and veneer

David Page on Donating to Soirée

Soirée is a special event because it is a way to show the public in general some of the great things and great art work that get accomplished at The Crucible. I get so much more out of The Crucible than I give to The Crucible. Donating a piece is my way of giving back.