Blog
Our blog features articles on events, projects, programs, and people in The Crucible’s community. To stay up to date, subscribe to our weekly enewsletter and follow us on social media! We are the most active on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Vote The Crucible for “Best of the East Bay” in East Bay Express Poll
The East Bay Express is running their annual “Best of the East Bay” reader poll, in which they’re asking YOU to vote on your favorite local spots. We’d love your...
Past Events
Blog, Events, Playabound, Special Events2013 2013 Playa Bound: Sale & Open House June 22, 2013 11am to 6pm FREE Our annual Playa Bound Open House is a wonderful way for the whole family to wander through our 56,000 sq. ft. studio and a maze of vendors with handmade...
Paul Nosa and His Solar-Powered Sewing Machine: Playa Bound Preview
Meet Paul Nosa. For the past year, he’s been touring the country with his solar-powered sewing machine (yes, you read that right), participating in every art night, maker event,...
Youth Internship Focus: Robert Collins, Part 2
Robert Collins, a senior and theater production specialist at the Oakland School for the Arts, has been a dedicated Crucible member throughout his youth. Earlier, we sat down with...
Bringing the Stone Ages to Life: Barry Baldwin, Legendary Stone Carver
Barry Baldwin, founder of The Crucible’s Stone Carving program, is a legend. A stone carver since age 16, Barry has toured the world for his craft, working everywhere from Beirut,...
Faculty Focus: Judy Stone, Master Enamelist
Detail of enameled vessel by Judy Stone. Judy Stone, Head of the Enameling Department, oozes patience, dedication, and wisdom. Having taught at The Crucible since the...
Bike Program Needs Your Vote to Win $25,000
Dear Community Members, Friends, Family Members, Passers-By, Colleagues, and Artists Everywhere, We’re excited to announce that The Crucible has been chosen as one of 200 finalists...
Teacher Takes Class on a Hands-On Ancient Civilization Adventure
Orinda Intermediate School students in The Crucible’s smithy. At The Crucible, educators like Bobby Glasser have a special place in our hearts. A sixth grade Language Arts...
The Crucible Says It Out Loud
The Crucible is taking steps to define our presence in West Oakland. If you’ve come in for a class or whizzed by on BART in recent weeks, you’ve surely noticed our...
Youth Internship Focus: Robert Collins, Part 1
Robert Collins, a senior and theater production specialist at the Oakland School for the Arts, embodies everything we love about our Youth Programs at The Crucible. After an...
A Note About Our Youth Programs
At The Crucible, we’re never short of inspiration. We have talent: people who create inventive, imaginary, beautiful things on a daily basis – and who help teach us how to find our...
2013: The Year Ahead
Blog, EventsGlass Blowing Innovation Welding Dance Training Music Summer Camps Field Trips Reuse Industry Fire Hands-on Collaboration Inspiration D.I.Y. Artist Studios Blacksmithing Exhibitions Woodworking Youth Life-long Learning Family Community...
Hot Couture Dazzles and Inspires the Community
With the fashion back on hangers, the runway disassembled and the fire poofers put away (for now), we wanted to take a moment and thank The Crucible community for helping make our...
The Crucible Presents: Hot Couture 2013
Blog, Events, Hot CoutureHot Couture: A Fusion of Fashion & Fire January 11 & 12, 2013 Doors at 7pm Show at 8pm (Standing room only. No reserved seating.) Buy Tickets In celebration of The Crucible’s 14th Anniversary, we are excited to present...
Hot Couture 2013 Designer Spotlight: Miss Velvet Cream
Blog, Events, Hot CoutureIn anticipation of The Crucible’s upcoming Hot Couture Fashion Show on January 11 & 12, 2013, The Crucible staff writer Sarah Dabby chats with wearable art specialist Scatha G. Allison to learn more about her design...
Hot Couture 2013 Designer Spotlight: Sam Waller
Blog, Events, Hot CoutureAs The Crucible’s Hot Couture Fashion Show on January 11 & 12, 2013 approaches, staff writer Sarah Dabby chats with faculty member, leather artist, and Hot Couture designer Sam Waller to learn more about his pieces, his team and...
Hot Couture 2013 Designer Spotlight: SENSOREE Design Lab
Blog, Events, Hot CouturePhotos courtesy of SENSOREE. To SENSOREE Design Lab, 2013 is the year of communication. At Hot Couture, SENSOREE will premier five new interactive designs that speak to the self, each other and the spacial environment. Under the theme...
Hot Couture 2013 Designer Spotlight: Coyote Counter Collective
Blog, Events, Hot CouturePhoto courtesy of Coyote Counter Collective. Coyote Counter Collective is a cooperative art and design space in North Oakland formed by group of artists banded together to re-imagine structures on their own terms. The corner storefront...
Hot Couture 2013 Designer Spotlight: Alex Glowaski
Blog, Events, Hot CoutureIn our final Designer Spotlight, staff writer Sarah Dabby chats with maker-artist Alex Glowaski to discuss brainwave-reactive headsets, internet-enabled pieces, and her huge dreams for Hot Couture and beyond. She will be showing two...
Hot Couture 2013 Designer Spotlight: Alex Glowaski
In our final Designer Spotlight, staff writer Sarah Dabby chats with maker-artist Alex Glowaski to discuss brainwave-reactive headsets, internet-enabled pieces, and her huge dreams...
Hot Couture 2013 Designer Spotlight: Coyote Counter Collective
Photo courtesy of Coyote Counter Collective. Coyote Counter Collective is a cooperative art and design space in North Oakland formed by group of artists banded together to...
Hot Couture 2013 Designer Spotlight: SENSOREE Design Lab
Photos courtesy of SENSOREE. To SENSOREE Design Lab, 2013 is the year of communication. At Hot Couture, SENSOREE will premier five new interactive designs that speak to the self,...
Hot Couture 2013 Designer Spotlight: Sam Waller
As The Crucible’s Hot Couture Fashion Show on January 11 & 12, 2013 approaches, staff writer Sarah Dabby chats with faculty member, leather artist, and Hot Couture designer Sam...
Hot Couture 2013 Designer Spotlight: Miss Velvet Cream
In anticipation of The Crucible’s upcoming Hot Couture Fashion Show on January 11 & 12, 2013, The Crucible staff writer Sarah Dabby chats with wearable art specialist...
Entrepreneurship at The Crucible: An Interview with Alex Dilone & Felix Torres-Chaviano
Much of the curriculum at The Crucible focuses on artistic uses of industrial technology. This month, however, Alex Dilone and Felix Torres-Chaviano are using The Crucible’s...
FIRED UP! Spring and Summer Camps
Keep your young artist all fired up this Spring & Summer at The Crucible’s 8th Annual FIRED UP! Youth Camp. With 30 classes (all age-appropriate) in half-day format, these...
2013 Fireside Lounge Schedule
The Crucible’s Fireside Lounge is an intimate evening of art, industry, community, and entertainment. This exclusive engagement takes place in The Crucible’s studio and...
Interview: Peralta Junction’s Life-size Mousetrap!
While many artists at The Crucible call our 56,000 sq. ft. workspace “home,” they’ve found a new weekend play-space at Peralta Junction, West Oakland’s...
The Crucible Presents: Hot Couture 2013
Hot Couture: A Fusion of Fashion & FireJanuary 11 & 12, 2013Doors at 7pmShow at 8pm(Standing room only. No reserved seating.) Buy Tickets In celebration of The...
Gift & Get
Blog, EventsIt’s the time of year for giving. As the holidays approach, we are giving our hardworking community an opportunity to give an extraordinary gift to a loved one and receive one as well. We are now offering a Gift and Get...
Gift & Get
It’s the time of year for giving. As the holidays approach, we are giving our hardworking community an opportunity to give an extraordinary gift to a loved one and receive...
Behind the Glass: Interview with Kier Lugo
Glass Department Head Kier Lugo has been practicing and teaching the craft for nearly a decade. With a special love for the art and a glowing way of speaking about the material...
Finding Connection at The Crucible: Interview with Hiroki Fukushima
We like to make everyone feel at home at The Crucible – and for one new community member, Hiroki Fukushima, that warm welcome is especially important. A Japanese immigrant,...
Thanks Yelp! We Love You Too.
Feedback comes in many forms including praise, support, questions, and everyone’s favorite, “constructive criticism”. This month The Crucible received a wonderful...
2013 Winter Catalog
The Winter 2013 Course Catalog is now available! There are several ways to look through our winter class catalog and sign up for your dream schedule today: Download a copy of the...
Artists of The Crucible at Peralta Junction
Peralta Junction’s Pop-Up Creative Commons has become a hive of weekend activity in West Oakland. Movies, music, dancing… Each weekend as the doors open up inquisitive...
Thank You, SmartyStreets
The Crucible would like to give a special thanks to SmartyStreets (www.smartystreets.com) for their donation of address verification services. As with most non-profits, our amazing...
2012 Community Partnership Program
We’re proud to announce the expansion of our Community Partners program. In 2011 the program offered tuition discounts to educators, and in 2012 we’ve expanded...
How Art Works
The National Endowment for the Arts’ Five-Year Research Agenda, with a System Map and Measurement Model A little over five years ago, a group gathered at The Crucible for a...
Peralta Junction
A Pop-Up Creative Commons in West Oakland featuring Art, Food Trucks, Performances, People & Pumpkins. Beginning October 4, 2012, the 24,000 square-foot vacant lot full of...
Public Art Project Call to Artists
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday, October 26, 2012 (5:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time)Applications should be sent to Steven Young, Executive Director at The Crucible via email,...
Hot Couture 2013 Call for Artists
Something amazing is in the works at The Crucible. For the second time in our history, we’re launching an event bringing the creativity, skill and glamour of high fashion...
Lie-Nielsen Hand Tool Trunk Show
Blog, Special EventsFriday, September 21, 2012 • 10AM-6PM Saturday, September 22, 2012 • 10AM-5PM Free Admission The Crucible is hosting a Lie-Nielsen Hand Tool Event. Featured events include: Test their full line of woodworking hand tools. Participate in...
Lie-Nielson Tool Demo at The Crucible
Blog, Special EventsThe good people of Lie-Nielson were in The Crucible all weekend demonstrating the use of their gorgeous woodworking tools, and chatting about all things woodworking. We grabbed a few images to share....
It’s Time to Sign Up for Youth Workshops!
While it’s true that most of courses we offer are geared towards an adult audience, youth programming still forms large portion of what happens at The Crucible. Inspiring...
Hot Couture: Call for Artists
Blog, Events, Hot Couture, Press ReleasesThe Crucible seeks submissions and team proposals from fashion designers and industrial artists for our January 2013 fashion show event. General Information Something amazing is in the works at The Crucible. For the second time in our...
East Bay Mini Maker Faire 2012
The very core of The Crucible is about learning and doing: inspiring creativity in everyone, and unleashing their potential to make things. It’s no surprise then that...
Hot Couture Artist and Designer Application
Call for Fashion Designers and Industrial Artists Application submission deadline at 10pm on September 25, 2016 The Crucible is seeking designer and artist submissions for Hot...
Like a Ropes Course with Fire and Molten Metal
Molten Metal and Fire Replace Trust Falls in Today’s Team Building Workshops. If you’ve ever found yourself in even a semi-corporate environment, chances are...
2012 Fall Open House: Call For Art
Blog, Events, Open Houses, PlayaboundCall for Art Let The Crucible put your art on display! We are opening our doors to the public on Saturday, September 8th, 2012 from 12-4PM for our annual Fall Open House. Showcasing art in a gallery setting that utilizes the techniques...
Celebrating 50 Years of Studio Glass
A California Glass Exchange at the Crucible Nov. 10 and 11, 2012 Two Days of Demos, Lectures, and Two Day Glass Art Exhibition It’s easy for visitors walking into The...
2012 Youth Summer Camp Update
Summertime at The Crucible brings one of our most popular youth programs, the Youth Summer Camps. Aaron Mason sat down with Carla Hall, The Crucible’s Youth Program Director,...
2012 Fire & Light Soiree Auction Items
Blog, Events, Fire Arts FestivalThe Bay Area’s top artists working in metal, glass, fire, wood and mixed media have donated fine art for tonights auction. The live art auction will take place during dessert. Be sure to have your paddle ready, and good luck....
2012 Soirée Follow-Up
Blog, Events, Fire Arts FestivalWe’d like to thank everyone involved for being a part of The Crucible’s Fire & Light Soirée and Art Auction. We sincerely hope you enjoyed the evening as much as we did! As always, our guests arrived in full, fabulous...
2013 Playa Bound Vendor Information
Blog, Events, Open Houses, Playabound, Special EventsBe a Vendor at The Crucible’s 2013 Playa Bound Open House! Sell your handmade crafts, jewelry, clothing and accessories, utility supplies, gadgets, furniture, ceramics, glass and metal creations, neon art and more to...
Faculty Focus – Ruben Guzman
by Thea Daniels Rubén Guzmán had had it made. He had established, after college, a small lucrative graphic design firm that had been wildly successful, even challenging the big...
Executive Director Perspective: May 2012
West Oakland Industrial Arts Corridor by Steven Young I recently participated on a panel discussion at SPUR in San Francisco about the West Oakland Industrial Arts Corridor. My...
2011 Crucible Holiday Gift Guide
Blog, Events, GIFTY, Overview of ClassesCrucible Gift Ideas: A Crucible Class | Machine Tickets | A Crucible Membership | Gift Certificates Crucible Merchandise | Handmade Gifts from Holiday Gifty Gift Idea #1 – A Crucible Class Holiday Tasters Saturday & Sunday,...
Faculty Focus – Felix Torres
by Thea Daniels The Art of Woodcarving & Sculpting w/ Felix Torres May 10th – June 28th Thursdays, 6-10pm Sign Up Now! On the floor of the Sierra Maestre mountainous...
Newsroom
Blog, Events, GIFTY, Newsroom, Open Houses, Special Events2011 Press Release East Bay Industrial Art School Announces Summer Immersion Classes for Kids and Adults (12/14/11) New Winter Industrial Art Classes and Fun Family Spring Break Activities Announced at The Crucible (12/6/11) Bay Area...
Holiday Gifty Art Sale & Open House 2011
Blog, Events, GIFTY, Open HousesHoliday Gifty Art Sale & Open House Saturday, December 10, 2011 • 12PM to 6PM Sunday, December 11, 2011 • 12PM to 4PM FREE Admission Directions & Parking Download PDF of Event Poster… Vendor Application is Closed. Vendors...
Faculty Focus – Mary White
by Thea Daniels How can art illuminate what science cannot? Mary installing monument in Boulder Creek, Colorado. In July of this year, The Crucible’s Glass Department Co-Head, Mary...
Newsletters
Blog, Events, GIFTY, Newsletters, Open Houses, Special Events2011 January Monthly Newsletter – Happy Birthday to Us! Classes News – Stoke the fire in your heart… Event News – Events to Fire Up Your Heart February Monthly Newsletter – Flirting with Fire Classes News...
Holiday Gifty Vendor Information
Blog, Events, GIFTY, Open HousesHoliday Gifty Vendor Information: DEADLINE: Monday, November 14, 2011 APPLICATIONS CLOSED Sell your handmade crafts, jewelry, furniture, ceramics, glass beads, vases, ornaments, baubles, recycled steel sculptures, neon wall art, etc....
Faculty Focus – Nick DiPhillipo
by Jennifer Zahrt Nick DiPhillipo got his start in metal accidentally. Thirty-five years ago, he travelled to Arcosanti, an experimental town in the high desert of Arizona, north...
Fall Open House 2011
Blog, Events, Open HousesFall Open House Saturday, September 10, 2011 • 12-4PM Free Admission Art Show – Call For Artists Press Release A fun day for the whole family! Our open houses are a wonderful way to experience the excitement of The Crucible’s...
Industrial Artist and New Stanford Freshman, Beatriz Cuevas
Right now we have our next generation of industrial artists heading back to school. We recently had a chance to catch up with one of our students Beatriz Cuevas and talk to her...
Media Coverage
Blog, Events, Fire Operas™ & Fire Ballets™, Hot Couture, Media Coverage, Special Events2011 Classes & Programs OaklandLocal – “Oakland bike program give youth chance to stay active this summer” by Jackie Ho Comcast Hometwon Network- “Upside” (aired March 2011) PBS Kids – Design...
Fireside Lounge: Amor Ardiente
Blog, Events, Fire Arts Festival, Fireside Lounge, Open HousesFriday, February 11, 2011 • 6:30-9:30PM $10 at door / Crucible Members are free Event Press Release 5″x8″ Event Flyer (PDF) Gather around the fire for an evening of industrial-sized love filled with a kissing booth robot, hand-typed...
Faculty Focus – Judy Stone
by Jennifer Zahrt On a Tuesday evening last August, Crucible instructor Judy Stone presented the world of enameling to a group of women from the Bead Society of Northern...
Call for Entries: “Delirium’s Feign”
Blog, Cathedral GalleryCall for Entries: “Delirium’s Feign“ Deadline for Entries is October 1, 2010. The Crucible’s Cathedral Gallery is looking for Bay Area artists to participate in their upcoming group sculpture exhibit, Delirium’s Feign....
Fall Community Open House 2010
Blog, Events, Open HousesWe know you’ve driven by a thousand times wondering what goes on here. Well now’s your chance to come find out! Fall Community Open House Celebrating Art & Community Saturday, September 11, 2010 12PM to 4PM The Crucible...
Fall Open House Exhibitor Information
Blog, Events, Open HousesThe Crucible will host an open house on September 11, 2010 and we are seeking local community-based organizations to join us in our fourth Community Open House event. The Open House will run from 12-4 pm and we have limited booths and...
Student Testimonial – Fearless Fire Eating
Yes Mom, I ate fire this weekend . . . Every once in a while you do something that you know you can’t tell your mom about until after you’ve done it. You know that...
Parent Testimonial – Summer Camp
The Crucible from a Single Moms View My 12-year old daughter and 10-year old son recently attended two sessions of summer camp, at The Crucible, and I am moved to write my very...
Student Testimonial – Blacksmithing Taster
Give ‘Em Hill: I am Iron Woman I HAVE AN IRON coat hook, and I’m so proud. It’s about six inches long, tapered, then curved into a shape any self-respecting...
Hot Couture 2013 Call for Artists
Blog, Events, Hot CoutureSomething amazing is in the works at The Crucible. For the second time in our history, we’re launching an event bringing the creativity, skill and glamour of high fashion together with the strength, power and volatility of the...
Holiday Gifty Art Sale 2009
Blog, Events, GIFTY, Open HousesHot for the Holidays! Saturday & Sunday, December 12 & 13, 2009 10AM – 4PM Vendors – Applications Closed Art Show – Call For Artists – Apply Here Shopping at the mall was never like this! Support local artists and community...
Holiday Gifty Art Sale 2010
Blog, Events, GIFTY, Open HousesHot for the Holidays! Friday, December 10, 2010 (Preview Night) 7-10PM • $10 at Door / Free Admission for Crucible Members Saturday & Sunday, December 11 & 12, 2010 10AM – 4PM • Free Admission for all Press Release (PDF)...
Fantastic Faculty in the News
Recently, two members of our faculty have been in the news, reflecting the amazingly talented people in our community and their passion for making and sharing art. Norman Moore,...
Newsletter October 09
Blog, Events, GIFTY, Newsletters, Open HousesFEATURE Fall Classes in Full Swing If you’re missing the heat of summer, then come to The Crucible to get up close and personal with a kiln, torch, furnace, or flame and ignite your creativity. There are classes to suit just about...
Fall Community Open House 2009
Blog, Events, Open HousesCelebrating Art & Community Saturday, September 12, 2009 12PM to 4PM Interested in participating in this exciting event? Exhibitor Information… We know you’ve driven by a thousand times wondering what goes on...
Fall Open House 2007
Blog, Events, Open HousesFall Community Open House Saturday, September 8, 2007 Art Show and Open House – 2-6pm Artist Reception – Featuring the Art of Githinji Wa Mibre – 6-8pm Celebrating Art & Community At The Crucible’s annual Fall...
Fire Arts Festival® 2009
Blog, Events, Fire Arts Festival, Fire Operas™ & Fire Ballets™{youtube}VyxZJPsuS9k{/youtube} The Crucible’s 9th Annual Fire Arts Festival Wednesday – Saturday, July 15-18, 2009 8:00PM – 11:59PM NEW LOCATION THIS YEAR! (see where) 2009 Festival Recap Gallery | 2009 Soirée Recap Gallery Jump To:...
Getting to Know Plywood Guys – Kevin & Matt
Two of our woodworking instructors have teamed up to teach a unique design-build workshop that challenges entry-level students to make something out of one sheet of plywood....
Faculty Focus – Patricia Chavez
Fire Performance, Welding & Blacksmithing Patricia Chavez, a transplant from Tijuana, Mexico, moved to Bay Area to study psychology. After completing her BA, she realized that...
Faculty Focus – Jonathan Hyman
TIG Welding Jonathan Hyman studied fine art at the College of Marin and has been an industrial artist since 1971. Known as “The Tigster” Jonathan is certified in...
Events Gallery
Blog, Event Gallery, Events, Fire Arts Festival, Fire Operas™ & Fire Ballets™, Open Houses, Special EventsClick on an image to view a slideshow of pictures from each event. Fire Arts Festivals® Fire Ballets™ Fire Operas™ Theatrical Events Fire & Light Soirées Friday Night Events Open Houses Volunteer Appreciation Party...
Faculty Focus – Cynthia Handel
The artwork of Oakland based sculptor Cynthia Handel explores the relationship between organic and inorganic forms. Handel derives inspiration from everyday objects such as tables,...
Faculty Focus – Aimee Golant
Aimee Golant’s unique metal work is sold by over 300 retailers across the United States. The Jewish Museum of New York acquired one of her evocative mezuzahs for its...
Female Flame-Off Winner!
Crucible glass artist Tara Murray wins 2nd place in Female Flame-Off competition The 3rd Annual Female Flame-Off was recently held in Berkeley, where competitors from throughout...
Holiday Gifty Art Sale 2008
Blog, Events, GIFTY, Open HousesHot for the Holidays! Shopping at the mall was never like this! Support local artists and community arts education for youth and adults while you get your last minute shopping done at the Bay Area’s most unusual holiday celebration....
Newsletter Dec 08
Blog, Event Gallery, Events, Fire Operas™ & Fire Ballets™, GIFTY, Newsletters, Open Houses, Special EventsClass Highlights • Last Chance for Fall Classes • Holiday Taster Workshops • Winter Schedule is Here! • Hot New Classes for Winter Events • Holiday Gifty Art Sale & Open House • 10th Anniversary Fire Ballet Fundraiser The Crucible...
Newsletter Nov 08
Blog, Events, Fire Operas™ & Fire Ballets™, GIFTY, Newsletters, Special EventsClass Highlights • Family Fun Weekend • Fun Fall Classes • Holiday Taster Workshops Youth Programs • Youth Weekend Intensives • Girls Welding • Bike Frame Alteration Events • Holiday Gifty Art Sale & Open House • 10th Anniversary...
Newsletter Oct 08
Blog, Events, GIFTY, Newsletters, Open HousesFall Class Highlights • The Softer Side of The Crucible • Did You Know You Can Make Jewelry Out of Clay? • Continuing Classes in Foundry • Coldworking Glass Classes Events • Fall Community Open House Recap • Holiday Gifty Art Sale...
Faculty Focus – Rick Turner
Want to take a class from Rick? You can find him teaching Build a Mandolin or a Ukulele in Just Four Days. Rick Turner co-founded Alembic in 1970 and was involved in the design...
Fall Open House 2008
Blog, Events, Open HousesFall Community Open House Saturday, September 6, 2008 – 12PM to 6PM Exhibitor List: Oakland Fire Department City Slicker Farms DeFremery Park Mandela Foods Cooperative West Oakland Environmental Indicators Project East Bay College Fund...
Newsletter Sep 08
Blog, Events, GIFTY, Newsletters, Open HousesWhat’s Happening! • Art & Soul • Fall Community Open House Fiery Fall • Fall Class Highlights • Got Workspace? • Old Jewelry Gets New Life for a Good Cause • Build a Mandolin or Ukulele in Just Four Days! • Fired Up Summer...