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2016 Fire & Light Soiree and Art Auction

2018-03-15T11:56:38-07:00

COCKTAILS • DINNER • PERFORMANCE • ART AUCTION

Please join us for this special evening in support of The Crucible! Help celebrate the contributions of special guest honorees Christopher and Camille Bently, on behalf of the Bently Foundation. Enjoy fabulous music, dance, magic, and fire performance by the amazing Traveling Spectacular and marvel at incredible fire and light art installations by Orion Fredricks and Christopher Schardt.

Add to your art collection by taking home a piece of artwork from our art auction, featuring stunning sculptural works in metal, wood, ceramic and glass. Support The Crucible’s unique youth education program with our Fund-a-Need. Raise your paddle to make a 100% tax-deductible contribution to support industrial arts classes, camps and apprenticeship programs serving more than 5,000 young people annually.

For table reservations or sponsorships, please contact Sheri Kuehl, Development Director, at sheri@thecrucible.org or (510) 444-0919 x119. Individual tickets are $300 and available now for purchase online.

buytickets

 

 

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CORPORATE SPONSOR INFO (pdf)

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HOST COMMITTEE INFO (pdf)

Click or tap to view photos of last year’s Fire & Light Soirée, a fabulous night of art, fire and friendship that raised over $215,000 for The Crucible’s many educational programs.

2016 Fire & Light Soiree and Art Auction2018-03-15T11:56:38-07:00

2016 Fire & Light Soiree Photo Gallery

2018-03-15T11:59:30-07:00

Thanks to everyone who joined us at The Crucible’s 2016 Fire & Light Soirée and Art Auction. It was a fabulous evening, filled with fire, art… and fundraising! We raised more than $200,000 for Crucible programs and had a spectacular time doing it. Below are just a few photos of this memorable event! Click on each image to enlarge.

2016 Fire & Light Soiree Photo Gallery2018-03-15T11:59:30-07:00

Spring Open House 2016

2018-03-15T14:13:20-07:00

Saturday, March 26 | 12-5 pm
Demonstrations | Hands-on activities | Art show | Bike sale
Learn about classes | Performances
FREE admission & open to all

 

Our spring open house highlights the scientific principles, inquiry and exploration behind the fine and industrial arts processes taught and practiced at The Crucible. Nearly 20 industrial disciplines are on display under one roof, including blacksmithing, welding, glass blowing, ceramics, jewelry, woodcarving and even fire eating. We de-mystify the science of art with demonstrations, exhibits, instructors, students, guest artists and scientists who are on hand to answer your questions. It’s a fun day for the whole family and a great opportunity to learn all about our 56,000 square foot studio space. Think science fair with fire!

 

Demonstrations

Catch exciting demonstrations and hands-on activities with our own Crucible faculty, such as:

  • Molten glass formations — glass blowing demonstration
  • Feast of fire — how fire eating works
  • Optics, eyeballs and eye beads — explaining optics in glass flameworking
  • Molding and casting — the role of physics and chemistry in mold making techniques
  • Casting metal into ice
  • Clay creations — work with clay in our ceramics department
  • Copper charms — create your own copper charms in our jewelry department
  • Play with pigments — learn about pigments and how they interact with various substances
  • Plus, special activities led by prominent science organizations!

 

Art Show

Stroll through a curated gallery with pieces selected from The Crucible’s community, including faculty, artist studio renters, students, staff and volunteers. These works showcase the skills learned and perfected through the industrial arts classes we teach here. And check out the market row of unique, handmade artisans in our Train Bay.

 

Bicycles

Looking for a great deal on a bike? The Crucible Bike Shop has a selection of quality used bicycles that have been fully rebuilt by our youth and volunteer mechanics. Contact iz@thecrucible.org with questions or to make an appointment. In addition to getting a sweet, reliable ride, your purchase supports our Youth Earn-A-Bike Program, our Youth Mechanic Program and our Community Bike Fixathons.

The Crucible’s Open House lets you see demonstrations of our industrial and fine arts for yourself. It is open to the general public and kids are welcome. However, parents of small children will need to pay special attention, as our studio space does have some rough edges!

Spring Open House 20162018-03-15T14:13:20-07:00

Hot Couture 2016: The Fusion of Fashion & Fire

2018-03-08T12:57:48-08:00

TWO BIG NIGHTS!
Friday, Feb. 12, 2016 | 8 pm
Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016 | 8 pm

Doors Open At 7:30 pm


The Crucible’s fiery fusion of fashion design and industrial art returns! One of our signature events, this multidisciplinary performance is a collaboration between local Bay Area fashion designers and industrial artists, mixing haute couture concepts with fine arts and industrial arts. With stunning, cutting edge looks, fire effects and three runway walks rivaling Milan, this is the East Bay’s annual can’t-miss fashion and art experience. And, famed Bay Area radio personality Sterling James will emcee the event! for the vibe! Also, the acclaimed El Paisa Taco Truck will be on site. Advance price tickets still available, but VIP packages are sold out.
“… Burning Man meets Cirque du Soleil.” — KQED Arts

FEATURED DESIGNERS

VIP PACKAGES

  • FRIDAY: SOLD OUT
  • SATURDAY: SOLD OUT
  • Seats near the runway
  • Includes complimentary beverages and hors d’oeuvres
  • $100 in advance / $90 Crucible members
  • $125 at door / $110 Crucible members

GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS

  • Standing only, no seats
  • $45 in advance / $40 Crucible members
  • $60 at door / $54 Crucible members
  • Friday advance sales only until Friday @ 2 pm — after that, door prices at door
  • Saturday advance sales only until Saturday @ 2 pm — after that, door prices at door

Questions about this event? Email us for more information!

BUY HERE

LOCATION

THE CRUCIBLE
1260 7th Street
Oakland, CA 94607
Directions

RULES & REGS

  • No outside food or drink
  • Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times
  • Absolutely no pets (except service dogs)
  • Smoking is only permitted in designated smoking areas

PARKING

FREE SECURE PARKING is available while space lasts, in the lot just west of The Crucible at 1300 7th Street. The Crucible also has a small parking lot on the corner of 7th & Union that will be available for both disabled placard parking and unattended parking. Those spaces are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and go quickly. There are also two paid parking lots in the vicinity that are often monitored. One is on Kirkham Avenue and the other is the 5th Street lot by BART. Please do not park in lots owned by local businesses or the residential area behind The Crucible, as your car may be towed.

BART

Ditch the

Hot Couture 2016: The Fusion of Fashion & Fire2018-03-08T12:57:48-08:00

GIFTY 2015

2018-03-15T13:46:10-07:00

FREE this weekend!

SPECIAL MEMBER PREVIEW

With a performance by the Pleasant Grove Joyful Noise Choir
Friday Dec. 11 | 7 – 9:30 pm

Saturday Dec. 12 | 11 am — 6 pm
Sunday Dec. 13 | Noon – 5 pm

Dozens of leading East Bay artists, craftspeople and Crucible faculty members will be selling their best hand-made pieces in a holiday celebration of local creative culture. From glass to metal, wood, ceramics, clothing and much more, you’ll find the perfect gifts for the toughest people on your list. Seasonal treats, beverages and holiday entertainers make this an event all ages can enjoy.

  • Live industrial art demonstrations like glass-blowing, foundry pouring and opportunities to get hands-on in ceramics.
  • Bicycles for sale in The Crucible’s Bike Shop.
  • Crucible gift certificates available for you to give Crucible classes as gifts.
  • Tickets available for January’s Hot Couture flaming fashion show.
  • Discounts of 10% plus another $25 off Crucible classes — even more savings available for Crucible members.
  • Enter to win free tuition for a Crucible class!
  • Help us celebrate the Gear Girls, our joint venture with Oakland Fund for the Arts teaching local high school students the art of welded sculpture.

FREE SECURE PARKING is available while space lasts, in the lot just west of The Crucible at 1300 7th Street.

Participating Vendors 2015

GIFTY 20152018-03-15T13:46:10-07:00

2015 Soirée Auction Preview

2018-03-15T13:22:53-07:00

2015 Soirée Auction Preview

You’ll want to have your paddle at the ready to bid on these gorgeous, masterful pieces of art at our Live Auction.

Feeling shy? Not to worry – we have several beautiful pieces up for Silent Auction as well.

2015 Soirée Auction Preview2018-03-15T13:22:53-07:00

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 BassCarl 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

Gala15 email header620px

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.

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

Meet Hot Couture designer Domonique Echeverria

2018-03-15T13:54:24-07:00
Hot Couture 2015

Meet Hot Couture designer Domonique Echeverria

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.

Buy tickets for Friday Jan 9 Buy tickets for friday Jan 9

Copyright 2014 Sophia Constance and The Crucible. Unauthorized distribution or reproduction without express written consent prohibited.

Copyright 2014 Sophia Constance and The Crucible. Unauthorized distribution or reproduction without express written consent prohibited.

Copyright 2014 Sophia Constance and The Crucible. Unauthorized distribution or reproduction without express written consent prohibited.

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

2015 Annual Fund Campaign

2017-11-08T14:06:57-08:00

Donate Now

Journalist Bill Moyers captured it best:
“Creativity is piercing the mundane to find the marvelous.”

At The Crucible, I have witnessed the marvelous come to life in our studios: an old tree stump turned into a gorgeous wooden vessel, oozing molten glass coaxed into floral forms, an incredible gyroscopic welded sculpture engineered by an 11 year-old. Creativity brings pictures and stories to life and unlocks talents we didn’t know we had.

You play an important part of The Crucible’s creative story. When you make your year-end contribution to our Annual Fund, you are declaring that creativity matters in our community. And the creative community at The Crucible is what makes this place so special. But you don’t have to take my word for it. Listen to two voices of the over 13,000 folks we welcome every year:

“Because of The Crucible, I can now really say I know what I want to do in life (welding!) and how to do it as well. This place puts a lot of positivity in my life.”
–Te’von H., youth intern and future welder

“The Crucible has given me the knowledge, space and support to pursue my life long dream of starting my own artisan business. In addition to supporting my creativity, The Crucible allows me as an instructor to fan and fuel that creative spark in others.”
–Celeste F., artist and Ceramics/Blacksmithing faculty

Fantastic, aren’t they?

We need creative minds like these to push society forward, and The Crucible enables anyone—even you!—to push the boundaries of their creative exploration. However, tuition only covers 65% of costs to keep The Crucible fires burning–the rest is up to generous donors and sponsors like you! Your gift will sustain equitable access to quality instruction, tools, award-winning youth programs, and a supportive community for anyone who wants to advance their creativity.

Will you support creativity by making a gift before December 31?

Warmest regards,

David C. Miller
Executive Director

P.S. Did you know your Annual Fund gift of $150 or more qualifies you for a full year of family membership benefits? Donate securely today by mail or at theCrucible.org.

2015 Annual Fund Campaign2017-11-08T14:06:57-08:00

1260 7th St. Oakland, CA 94607 | 510.444.0919 | info@thecrucible.org

policies & resources | a proud West Oakland nonprofit | © 2025

Nonprofit Tax-ID: 52-2137825

The Crucible does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, programs and activities. The Crucible admits students and participants of any race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin to all the programs, and activities made available to students at the school.

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