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.
Fall Open House 2011
BlogFall 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...
Inferno: A Fire Circus
Blogphotos a courtesy of Lucent Dossier Experience Inferno: A Fire Circus Friday & Saturday, July 15 & 16, 2011 • 7PM Event Press Release Media Photos Enter into Inferno: A Fire Circus, the hottest show on Earth with main stage...
2011 Fire & Light Soirée and Art Auction
BlogPlease join us for The Crucible’s Fire & Light Soirée and Art Auction. Thursday, July 14, 2011 at 6:00 pm Guests will enjoy a delicious three course dinner with wine pairings and bid on beautiful works of art in metal,...
2011 Fire & Light Soirée and Art Auction Items
Blog2011 Fire & Light Soirée Art Auction Items More info & buy tickets… Fire & Light Soirée Art Auction Items Metal Table forged and fabricated steel $900 Carla Hall has been making...
Fireside Lounge: Rosie the Riveter
BlogFriday, May 6, 2011 • 6:30-9:30PM $10 at door / Crucible Members are free Event Press Release Join us for an evening of celebrating powerful women in industrial art. This girl power–filled event will host an industrial art show, fire...
Spring Open House 2011
BlogSpring Open House Saturday, April 2, 2011 • 12-4PM Free Admission Download Event Poster (PDF) A fun day for the whole family! Our open houses are a wonderful way to experience the excitement of The Crucible’s 56,000 sq. ft. studio,...
Media Coverage
Blog2011 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
BlogFriday, 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...
Fireside Lounge: Amor Ardiente
BlogFriday, 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,...
Crucible Revival
BlogThe Crucible’s 12th Anniversary Benefit January 14 & 15, 2011 • 7-11pm (Doors open at 7pm and show starts at 8pm) Press Release A fiery benefit for The Crucible’s educational programs honoring the work of our founder, Michael...
Crucible Revival Performers and Artists
BlogPerformances by Aziz Abbatiello – fiery whirling dervish Axis Dance Company – contemporary dancing Dan Cantrell – composer and musician Copper Lantern Fire Theater – fire dancing Juan Del Valle – flamenco...
Cathedral Shows
BlogThe Crucible’s Cathedral Gallery The Cathedral Gallery space is now closed. We are currently looking for a new gallery space. Stay tuned for future shows and in the mean time check out our past shows below. Have a space you would...
Call for Entries: “Aural Machina”
BlogCall for Entries: “Aural Machina“ DEADLINE: Tuesday, November 16, 2010. Exhibition Dates: Dec 16 – Feb 4 Guest Juror: Daniel Yasmin The Crucible’s Cathedral Gallery is looking for Bay Area artists to participate in our...
Delirium’s Feign
BlogThe Crucible’ Cathedral Gallery presents October 21 – November 12, 2010 Show Opening Reception: Thursday, October 21st, 6-9PM Gallery Closing Reception: Friday, November 12th, 6-9PM Ushering in the fall and onset of All Hallow’s Eve,...
Evening at The Crucible – October 2010
BlogAn Evening of Flamenco, Art & Fire Friday, October 15, 2010 6:30 – 9:30PM The Crucible 1260 7th Street, Oakland Directions $10 suggested donation at door Tasty food and beverages available for purchase This is a family...
Evening at The Crucible – October 2010 – Recap
BlogAn Evening of Flamenco, Art & Fire Friday, October 15, 2010 • 6:30 – 9:30PM Press Release for Media Event Flyer (jpeg) Thank you to all that attended The Crucible’s Evening @ The Crucible on Friday, October 15, 2010....
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”
BlogCall 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
BlogWe 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
BlogThe 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...
Flamboastin’
BlogAugust 19 – October 1, 2010 Opening Reception: Thursday, August 19th 6-9pm First Friday Art Walk: Friday, September 3rd 6-9pm Gallery Hours: Monday-Friday 11am-2pm Address: 1603 Broadway Oakland, CA 94612 Map More Info: (510) 444-0919...
Flamboastin’ – Bay Area Youth Flaunting their Sculptural Explorations
BlogThe Crucible’s Cathedral Gallery CALL FOR YOUTH ART Flamboastin’ Bay Area Youth Flaunting their Sculptural Explorations Deadline for Submission: Friday, July 30th, 2010 The Crucibleʼs Cathedral Gallery is producing itʼs first its first...
2010 Fire & Light Soirée and Art Auction Recep
BlogThank you to all our guests, artists, and volunteers for being a part of our Fire & Light Soirée and Art Auction. We are so appreciative of our Soirée guests’ support of The Crucible’s arts education programs, and...
HEAT: A Fire Cabaret
BlogHEAT: A Fire Cabaret Seduction’s Flash Point July 15-17, 2010 7PM EVENTS PHOTOS HERE… PHOTOBOOF PHOTOS HERE… Slip into a forgotten era when fire prohibition was in full effect and the frigid masses were forced underground to seek...
HEAT: A Fire Cabaret – Performers
BlogThe Cast Main Stage Performers Kim Nalley Band – vocals and live music Scarlett & Axelrod – aerial, dance and acrobatics Gravity Plays Favorites – pole dancing Jennings & Xaiohong – hand to hand balancing Tracy Piper – acrobats...
2010 Fire & Light Soirée and Art Auction
BlogFire & Light Soirée and Art Auction Thursday, July 15, 2010 6pm The Crucible Expect the spectacular. Support The Crucible. Buy your tickets. Join us for The Crucible’s annual Soirée! This fiery, festive, and fabulous evening...
Call For Proposals – Siege of the Gallery
BlogSiege of the Gallery – Call for Curatorial Proposals for a Group Exhibit CALL FOR PROPOSALS! DEADLINE: Friday, June 18, 2010 @ 5PM The Crucible’s Cathedral Gallery is figuratively under siege in July… And it could be your group...
It’s Alive
BlogThe Crucible’s Cathedral Gallery presents May 20 – July 2, 2010 Opening Reception – May 20th – 6-9PM Guest Juror: Nemo Gould Artists included: Robert Burnside Patricia Chavez & Chris Niemer Max Chen Jonathan...
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...
Evening at The Crucible – May 2010
BlogDemos, Discounts and Drinks! Friday, May 14, 2010 6:30 – 9:30PM Converge with Crucible faculty at our industrial arts facility to ignite your creativity. Instructors will be on hand to divulge age-old techniques in jewelry...
Spring Open House 2010
Blog2010 Spring Open House Celebrating Student and Faculty Art Saturday, April 17, 2010 • 12 to 4PM FREE Admission Join us this Saturday afternoon as we roll open our doors to show you what we are all about! Don’t Miss…...
Evening at The Crucible – February 2010
BlogDemos, Discounts and Drinks! February 26, 2010 6:30 – 9:30PM Free Admission On February 26, converge with Crucible faculty at our industrial arts facility to ignite your creativity. Instructors will be on hand to divulge age-old...
Metal vs. Wood
BlogThe Crucible’s Cathedral Gallery presents January 21 – March 5, 2010 Opening Reception – January 21st 6-9PM The Crucible’s art gallery in Oakland’s historic Cathedral Building, at the triangle between Broadway...
Hot Couture 2013 Call for Artists
BlogSomething 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
BlogHot 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
BlogHot 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
BlogFEATURE 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
BlogCelebrating 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
BlogFall 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{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:...
Fire Arts Festival – Applications
BlogWednesday – Saturday, July 15-18, 2009 Call for Artists and Performers We invite you to submit your work for inclusion in our 2009 Fire Arts Festival. Jump down to Applications The Crucible is a non-profit arts education center that...
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....
2009 Art Auction & Art Lottery Items
BlogFire & Light Soirée Art Auction Items Thanks to everyone who made our Art Auction so successful! Each of the pieces below was sold to the highest bidder during an exciting live auction. Nourot Studios Carla Hall Sunbrothers...
Fire & Light Soirée and Art Auction
BlogOur July 2009 Fire and Light Soiree was a fabulous success! 250 guests enjoyed a delicious dinner beneath a stunning tent canopy, and generous bidding during our art auction raised funds for The Crucible’s arts education...
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
BlogClick 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...
Spring Open House 2009
BlogCelebrating Student & Faculty Art Saturday, April 18, 2009 • 11AM to 5PM It was a sunny Saturday and hundreds of visitors shared the excitement of The Crucible as the sparks flew and hammers rang out on steel. Youth demonstrators...
Dracul: Prince of Fire – 2009 Fire Ballet
BlogThe Crucible Story of Dracul: Prince of Fire This is a crafted turn of events that brought about the start of the vampire legend, based on the actual 15th century historical character who belonged to the Order of the Dragon, a military...
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,...
Events at The Crucible
BlogSince 1999, The Crucible has produced a wide variety of events ranging from fundraisers to operas to community open houses. Maintaining collaborations with highly-trained craft and industrial artists, our goal is to reach far and wide...
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
BlogHot 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
BlogClass 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
BlogClass 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
BlogFall 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
BlogFall 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
BlogWhat’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...
Newsletter Aug 08
BlogStill Time For Summer Fun • Family Fun Weekends Get Fired Up For Fall • Download our new catalog and schedule • Fall Registration Begins Mark Your Calendar – Upcoming Events • Fall Community Open House • Design Within Reach •...
Faculty Focus – Barry Baldwin
After graduating from prestigious design schools in his native England, Baldwin spent a long apprenticeship learning stone carving and casting techniques. His work is often...
Fire Art Arena Rules
BlogFIRE ARTS ARENA RULES The Crucible reserves the right to remove anyone from the Fire Arts Arena – We reserve the right to refuse entry into the event – No children under 18 without parent or guardian and youth must stay with adults...
Stravinsky’s Firebird – 2008 Fire Ballet
BlogStravinsky’s “L’oiseau de feu” April 9-12 and 16-19, 2008 The Classic Story: Firebird The Crucible’s version of this classic Russian folktale begins in the enchanted garden of the evil sorcerer, Kashchei. A group of...
Fashion Shows
BlogHOT COUTURE A Fusion of Fire & Fashion January 17-19, 2008 To celebrate our ninth anniversary The Crucible forged fashion with fire arts, eco-design and “flameboyant” performances in a not-to-be-missed incendiary celebration of...
Hot Couture – 2008 Fashion Show
BlogHot Couture: A Fusion of Fire & Fashion January 17, 18 & 19, 2008 Doors Open: 7PM The Crucible celebrated our Ninth Anniversary with a blazing showcase of wearable art from Bay Area designers, awe-inspiring fire performances,...
Newsletter Jan 08
Blog….CLASSES.. ..MEMBERSHIP… .COMING EVENTS.. ..DONATE.. ..VOLUNTEER.. ..DIRECTIONS Classes to spark up the New Year! Plan now for spring break workshops and summer session HOT COUTURE: A Fusion of Fire and Fashion: Thursday...
Fire Arts Festival
BlogThe Crucible’s Annual Celebration of Fire, Art and Community The 9th Annual Fire Arts Festival has burned itself out — 4 days; 300,000 sq. feet; 35+ installations; 23+ performing groups; 18 merchandise vendors; 5 food vendors; 4 bars;...
Fire Arts Festival Artists & Performers
BlogPerformance Artists Amanda Palmer Axis Dance Company Aziz Abbatiello BlacKMahal Bronkar Lee Bumpitythump Capacitor Copper Lantern Fire Theater El Circo The Embodiment Project Flamenco Fury FLO-ology Fire Arts Collective Loco Bloco...
Holiday Gifty Art Sale 2007
BlogSaturday & Sunday, December 15 & 16, 2007 10AM to 4PM • FREE ADMISSION! Hot for the Holidays! Whatever holiday you celebrate, spark it up with a visit to The Crucible’s Holiday Gifty celebration. Shop for unique and...
Fire Arts Arena Directions
BlogFREE shuttle service will be available from West Oakland BART to the Fire Arts Arena and back! Youth will not be allowed on shuttles unless accompanied by an adult. Bicycle parking will also be available. Bicyclists must provide...
Fire Arts Festival® 2007
BlogThe Crucible’s 7th Annual Fire Arts Festival set West Oakland ablaze and transformed the vacant lot at Kirkham St. and 7th St. into a Fire Arts Arena with a four-day run from Wednesday, July 11th, to Saturday, July 14th, 2007. Designed...
Industrial Chic – 2007 Fashion Show
BlogINDUSTRIAL CHIC Fashion + Art Show and Preview Friday, April 13, 2007, 7- 10PM Open House, Art & Fashion Exhibition, and Rusty Elephant Sale Saturday and Sunday, April 14th & 15th, 10AM – 4PM Free Admission Friday Night Fashion...
Romeo & Juliet – 2007 Fire Ballet
BlogOur Eighth Anniversary Fundraising Production In Janurary 2007, The Crucible celebrated its 8th Anniversary with a sizzling synthesis of dance and fire: The Most Excellent and Lamentable Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet—A Fire Ballet. In...
Seven Deadly Sins – 2006 Fire Opera
BlogLust. Gluttony. Greed. Sloth. Wrath. Envy. Pride. Upon setting fire to the stage, Michael Sturtz, Founder and Executive Director of The Crucible, welcomed the audience to its 7th anniversary fundraising event — Kurt Weill and...
The Crucible Collection Benefit Art Auction
BlogChampagne Reception and Silent Auction Thursday, April 8th, 6:30pm – 8:30pm Organized with a sharp eye on the future, The Crucible Collection presented 10 contemporary artworks by some of the most renowned visual artists working today....
Dido and Aeneas – 2004 Fire Opera
BlogThe Crucible Celebrates its Fifth Anniversary in Style with a Fire Opera The roar of the furnace, the hush of the crowd: hundreds of faces turn towards the flickering candle held by Katherine Rohrer as she prepares to fill The...
Illuminated Sculpture – Ohlone
BlogIlluminated Sculpture from the Crucible Showing at The Louie Art Gallery, Ohlone College 43600 Mission Boulevard, Fremont CA January 29 through February 27, 2004 A growing art form, Illuminated Sculpture From The Crucible represented...
Lecture Series – Beverly Pepper
BlogBeverly Pepper Sculpture, Abstraction, Steel & Environment A Retrospective by the Internationally Renowned Sculptor On Sunday, October 12th, The Crucible welcomed celebrated artist Beverly Pepper to the Bay Area for a lively...
Lecture Series – Albert Paley
BlogALBERT PALEY Sunday, October 27, 2002 7:30 – 9:00pm “When I started doing iron, all of a sudden it was a revelation…it became my vehicle for exploration.” Born in Philadelphia in 1944 and internationally...
Lecture Series – Jackson, Kahn, Hayden
BlogPRESTON JACKSON Figures, Monuments, Steel & Society Figurative Metal Sculpture & the Dialogue of Teaching Sunday, July 28, 2002, 7:30 – 9:30pm Preston Jackson, a leading Chicago artist and educator, is a prime example of...
Lecture Series
BlogThe Crucible hosted lively lecture series, featuring artists, artisans and tradespeople who present their work and answer questions about the processes and techniques they use to produce their art. Lectures were held on Sunday...
Lecture Series – Silverman, Meadows, Kingsley, Hill
BlogLANNY SILVERMAN Kinetic Art and Art & Technology from a Curator’s Viewpoint Sunday, July 28, 2002, 7:30 – 9:30pm As a curator, Lanny Silverman is ringmaster of sorts: he choreographs shows that refuse to lie flat on the...
