Fire & Light Soiree – 2015

2018-12-13T11:34:01-08:00

Saturday, April 18, 6pm

Cocktails | Dinner | Performance |
Live Art Auction | After Party

Supporting The Crucible’s Education Programs

Spend this special evening celebrating art, industry, community, and the creative fire! Join us in recognizing the innovation and vision of the evening’s honoree, Autodesk CEO Carl Bass.

In addition to a delectable dinner and a one-of-a-kind live art auction, guests will be treated to a world premiere performance by San Francisco’s Capacitor, an award-winning dance company that blends tradition with technology. Join Us!

Meet Carl Bass, our 2015 honoree

Carl Bass is president and chief executive officer of Autodesk, a leader in 3D design, engineering, and entertainment software. Bass co-founded Ithaca Software, which was acquired by Autodesk in 1993. Since joining the company, he has held several executive positions including chief technology officer and chief operations officer. Bass serves on the boards of directors of Autodesk, Quirky and E2open and on the board of trustees of the Smithsonian’s Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum. He is also a maker and spends his spare time building things—from chairs and tables to boats, and most recently, an electric go-kart. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Cornell University.

WAIT LIST

This event is now SOLD OUT. If you would like to join a wait list in case of any cancellations, please call (510) 444-0919 x 119 or email Sheri Kuehl.

Soirée Gold Sponsor

Bain & Company

Soirée Silver Sponsors
and Host Committee

AB&I Foundry – Kevin Doran
Autodesk
Warren Breslau and Frances Hellman
James Madsen and Eddie Orton
NetTempo, Inc.
Renée Ventimiglia

Soirée Bronze Sponsors
and Host Committee

AB&I Recyclable Materials Department – James T. Ray
Lauren and Steve Adams
American Foundry Society – Northern California Chapter
CASS, Inc. – Official Metal Recycling Partner of The Crucible
Jeremy Crandell
Lori and Skip Fogarty
Ann and Shawn Fischer Hecht
Elizabeth Mumm Meier
Charles Olson and Yoko Watanabe
Pacific Pinball Museum
Leslie Pritchett
Schnitzer Steel Industries
David Shulman

Fire & Light Soiree – 20152018-12-13T11:34:01-08:00

2015 Fire & Light Soiree Gala Photo Gallery

2018-03-15T13:22:02-07:00

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Thanks to everyone who joined us at The Crucible’s 2015 Fire & Light Soirée. It was a fabulous night of art, fire, friendship… and fundraising! We surpassed our financial goal for the evening, raising $215,000 for Crucible programs, including $78,000 for youth programs and scholarships. Below are just a few snapshots of last year’s memorable Soirée! Click on each image to enlarge.

Save the date! On Saturday, April 9 we celebrate the vision of special guests and honorees at The Crucible’s Fire & Light Soirée 2016. For table reservations or sponsorships, please contact Sheri Kuehl, Development Director, at sheri@thecrucible.org or (510) 444-0919 x119.

2015 Fire & Light Soiree Gala Photo Gallery2018-03-15T13:22:02-07:00

Meet Hot Couture designer Domonique Echeverria

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Meet Hot Couture designer Domonique Echeverria

San Francisco born designer Domonique Echeverria mixes romantic divinity with future tribalism, a nod to the past, and an ode to female power. Now based in New York City, her approach to Hot Couture this year includes chiffon gowns, headdresses, taffeta statement pieces, body harnesses and necessary outerwear for harsh weather and hiding treasures. The chiffon will mimic the flow of water and the details will mimic Aquatic Priestesses, the tafeta will mimic the folds and hills of the earth, organzas will be incorporated to give a light feel of air along with beaded rain, and detailing of feathers and body accents will allow the feeling of fire. Learn more about Hot Couture here.

Meet Hot Couture designer Domonique Echeverria2018-03-15T13:54:24-07:00

Fireside Lounge 10/10/2014

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Fireside Lounge: Innovation & Improvisation

Featuring the artistry of Sung Kim

Friday, October 10
6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
$10 at the door. Free for Crucible members.

Sung Kim is a Bay Area based sculptor, improviser, and instrument maker. We are excited to host Sung and special guest David Dupuis as part of his artist residency at Studio Grand in Oakland. While studying art in 1989, Sung first tried to modify a guitar to capture a sound he was imagining… and his imagination has continued ever since. Sung will be displaying, discussing, demonstrating, and performing with his unique instruments, resonators, and acoustic devices, beautifully hand-crafted out of wood, steel, and more. Sung has been a frequent guest at Exploratorium events and has appeared at Maker Faires. We are excited to welcome him for his first-ever Crucible appearance! This program is presented in collaboration with Studio Grand, 3234 Grand Avenue, Oakland

Studio Grand logo

Will will also feature demonstrations (submission guidelines) and display of Crucible glass and enameling work in our studios, including glass blowing, glass flameworking, glass fusing and slumping, enameling, and glass casting and coldworking. We will offer $25 discounts on classes during this Fireside Lounge, and of course, members always save 10% off tuition. The Fireside Lounge is a chance to catch up with the Crucible community, see what creative mischief folks are up to, and maybe think over that project you have in mind. We’ll have live music, demonstrations in our glass studios, a gallery, and our brand new industrial fire-pit will be up and running along with vendors, food and drink. We hope to see you there!

Sung Kim is an improvisor, sculptor, and an instrument builder born in Seoul, Korea and raised in Washington, DC. In 1989, Kim studied ceramic sculpture at the Corcoran School of Art. It was here that Kim started building his own variations of the guitar. Kim received his BFA in sculpture from The Art Institute of Chicago in 1999. It was in Chicago where Kim began to deviate from the guitar to explore other techniques, tonalities, and sympathetic resonance. It was also in Chicago where Kim started his collaboration with musicians to explore his instruments in an improvisational context. Kim facilitates his musical and sculptural endeavors by owning and operating an architectural woodworking design/build studio in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Sung Kim's dome SungKimPlaying

SungKimDome2 Sung Kim in studio
SungKimBoxes Sung Kim's instruments

Fireside Lounge 10/10/20142018-03-15T13:33:14-07:00

Lie-Nielsen Tool Event – 9/20/2014

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Lie-Nielson Tool Demo at The Crucible

The 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.

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Lie-Nielsen Tool Event – 9/20/20142017-11-08T14:17:03-08:00

Bike Fix-A-Thon – Sunday, August 31, 2014

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Got a bike that needs a fix? Let us help!

The Crucible’s Bike Fix-A-Thon mechanics will get you back on your wheels again

During Bike Fix-A-Thons, Crucible faculty and volunteers create a bike repair studio by opening our roll-up doors at the back of the building facing West Oakland neighborhood homes. Mechanics work at six work stations, each customized to examine and repair bicycles. Mechanics explain their work as they help you, deepening your understanding of bike repair and maintenance. The repairs include patching and replacing tubes, wheel and tire work, cable and gear repairs, chain repair and replacement, and seat and handlebar adjustments.

Volunteer bicycle mechanics are needed!

Please email volunteers@thecrucible.org if you want to help out. You’ll be rewarded with a coupon for 10% off any Crucible class, free pizza and soda, and of course, the gratification of having helped the West Oakland community get rolling again.

The Fix-A-Thons are a direct way to serve the needs of the West Oakland youth, providing them functioning bicycles and a greater knowledge of bike repair, and also strengthen The Crucible’s relationship with the local community, connecting with both the youth and their families. The workshops are also an opportunity for participants to tour The Crucible, learning more about other art classes and opportunities.

The Crucible’s Bike Fix-A-Thon
Sunday August 31, 2014
Noon to 5 pm
The Crucible, 1260 7th St, Oakland, CA
FREE to West Oakland residents, with priority given to youth

Bike Fix-A-Thon – Sunday, August 31, 20142018-03-08T15:05:43-08:00

Maker Madness

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KRON4’S MAKER MADNESS features The Crucible this weekend

A fun five-minute exploration of The Crucible as a maker space filmed at the end of our 2014 youth summer camps

The Crucible’s long association with Maker Faire and culture is part of KRON4’s story in this documentary and celebration of all things maker. They spent a full day shooting here a few weeks ago and we had a great time showing them the studio. It was also the last day of our youth summer camps so there is good coverage of the Friday gallery we do with each camp for parents to see what their kids have been working on all week.

Our fall class schedule is up, so if you’re interested in learning more about any of The Crucible’s exciting classes, you can browse the catalog or sign up now.

You can see the full 60 minute version of the show friday night at 9 and Sunday at 7.

Maker Madness2017-11-08T13:59:03-08:00

East Bay Mini Maker Faire Meetup & Project Sneak Peek

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If you just can’t wait for the East Bay Mini Maker Faire (coming to Oakland on October 14, 2014), then come on down to The Crucible on July 29, 2014 to hang out in our studios and meet a few local makers who will be presenting some of the projects they are working on ahead of the faire.

The event will begin at 6:30 pm with a tour of the our 56,000 sq foot warehouse and studios. East Bay Mini Maker Faire organizer, Sabrina Merlo, will start off the Town Hall speaking about the faire which celebrates its fifth year in 2014. Project presentations will follow. Throughout the event guests can enjoy a complimentary bar inside, and there are even rumors of a food truck joining the party outside.

After the presentations there will be time for mixing with the wonderful maker community, so bring your curiosity and ideas and join us for a sneak preview of one of the East Bay’s coolest annual happenings.

East Bay Mini Maker Faire Kick-Off and Meetup
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
6:30-9:30 pm
The Crucible, 1260 7th St, Oakland

Photo credit: East Bay Maker Faire

Photo credit: Make Magazine

East Bay Mini Maker Faire Meetup & Project Sneak Peek2018-03-01T14:32:38-08:00

Tools to Table Open House

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Tools to Table: Fall Open House

Saturday, September 10, 2016 | noon-5pm

Celebrate and explore the tools and techniques of creating and consuming food and drink! Tools to Table will feature over a dozen areas of interest: featured food and spirit vendors, creative collaborations, and onstage demonstrations. Guests will catch amazing fiery performances, see exciting demos in our studios, and explore our student and faculty art show displaying the creativity of The Crucible artist community as it relates to tools and utensils.

Our themed Open House events are a great way to learn more about our 56,000 square foot studio and seasonal class offerings.

James Syhabout Jeff Pringle This year, we are thrilled to announce that our neighbor, James Syhabout, Oakland born and reared, acclaimed chef of two-star Michelin-rated chef of Commis and Hawker Fare will be joining us for a butchery demonstration at 4pm. Chef James is working with a local bladesmith, Jeff Pringle, to create a custom hand forged knife as part of the collaboration and celebration of Tools to Table. Chef James will butcher a 35-pound pig, which will be donated to St. Vincent de Paul. In addition, Hawker Fare and Commis will be selling pork buns and garlic rosemary peanuts!

Billy Hiebert will be making candy molds for limited edition cast chocolate coins by Jordan Michael Schuster. Billy is a “sculpturally committed” artist with a lifelong dedication to integrating the processes, materials, techniques, and activities related to clay modeling, molding, casting, and carving. Bay area native, Jordan was long ago nicknamed “Really Wonka” in homage to his penchant for producing chocolatey mischief and glorious delectables in equal measure.

Adam Lamoreaux, our neighbor at the Beer Shed, will be serving a few of his favorite beers in glassware sandblasted by Daniel Stauber. After founding Linden Street Brewery in 2009, Adam, with wife Alice, have been part of countless community projects, social gatherings, and civic services. As The Crucible’s Workshops Manager, Daniel brings together teams of people to create something in the industrial arts. A portion of sales will be contributed to The Crucible.

On the main stage:

12:30pm: Fire Performance: Lara Hopwood and Shaina Johnson
1pm: Flameworking demonstration: Michael Dickinson
2:30pm: Fire Performance: Lara Hopwood and Shaina Johnson
3pm: Cocktail demonstration: Roya Spirit signature cocktail with mixologist Erica Compton
4pm: Bladesmithing and butchery demonstration Chef James Syhabout and Jeff Pringle

All studios will be doing demonstrations, including:

Cocktail glasses made in our glass blowing department
Pedal-powered smoothies with a bicycle blender
Butchering demonstration on the main stage
Waffle-making in our foundry with a special Crucible-designed sandcast waffle iron
Hammered forks and spoons in the smithy
Chocolate casting in our moldmaking studio
Fire performance

Learning opportunities, interactive activities, and artful displays:

Art gallery walk
Unveiling of our pre-apprentice

Tools to Table Open House2017-11-08T14:48:15-08:00

Youth On Fire: Fireside Lounge

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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 highlights our extraordinary art programs.

Bring the whole family to explore the creative passions of young artists and the educational opportunities available at The Crucible, including summer camp classes, internships, and apprenticeship programs.

Public Art Project:

Come see students from Local Oakland high schools in action as they create a kinetic bicycle welded sculpture.

Apprentice Program:

Unveiling of the City Slicker Project designed by our youth apprentices.

Youth Poet Laureates:

Join finalists from the Oakland Youth Poet Laureate program and current Laureate, Sophie Elkin, for a spectacular night of youth poetry.

Participating  Departments:

Foundry
Moldmaking
Welding
Blacksmithing
Bike
Textiles
Wood

Youth On Fire: Fireside Lounge2018-03-15T14:20:36-07:00

Saturday, April 18, 6pm

Cocktails | Dinner | Performance | Live Art Auction | After Party

Supporting The Crucible’s Education Programs

Meet Carl Bass, our 2015 honoree

Soirée Gold Sponsor

Soirée Silver Sponsors and Host Committee

Soirée Bronze Sponsors and Host Committee

Meet Hot Couture designer Domonique Echeverria

Fireside Lounge: Innovation & Improvisation

Featuring the artistry of Sung Kim

Friday, October 10 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm $10 at the door. Free for Crucible members.

Meet Sung Kim

Firepit, $25 class discounts, glass demos & gallery

Learn more about Sung Kim

More images from Sung Kim’s Workshop

Lie-Nielson Tool Demo at The Crucible

Got a bike that needs a fix? Let us help!

The Crucible’s Bike Fix-A-Thon mechanics will get you back on your wheels again

Volunteer bicycle mechanics are needed!

KRON4’S MAKER MADNESS features The Crucible this weekend

A fun five-minute exploration of The Crucible as a maker space filmed at the end of our 2014 youth summer camps

Tools to Table: Fall Open House

Saturday, September 10, 2016 | noon-5pm

On the main stage:

All studios will be doing demonstrations, including:

Learning opportunities, interactive activities, and artful displays:

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 highlights our extraordinary art programs.

Public Art Project:

Apprentice Program:

Youth Poet Laureates:

Cocktails | Dinner | Performance |
Live Art Auction | After Party

Soirée Silver Sponsors
and Host Committee

Soirée Bronze Sponsors
and Host Committee

Friday, October 10
6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
$10 at the door. Free for Crucible members.