Test Your Crucible Knowledge: 25 Facts for 25 Years

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Test Your Crucible Knowledge: 25 Facts for 25 Years

By 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.

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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 Page

25 Facts About The Crucible

What 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 Grant

McClymonds 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!

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 partner

CASS, Inc., which also sponsors our youth summer camps.

This staffer has been with The Crucible for 16+ years

Community 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 2018

The 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 Page