Blog Archives - Page 47 of 55

Fireside Lounge: Made In Oakland

2018-03-15T13:44:40-07:00

Fireside Lounge Series

“Made In Oakland”

May 11, 2012 * 6:30-9:30pm

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. Explore the creative passions of professional artists and the educational opportunities available while sipping cocktails in our unique atmosphere. A gallery of remarkable artwork by students and faculty will be on display and live performances are scheduled throughout the night. Admission is $10 at the door and is free for members of The Crucible.

Join us for an evening of makers, innovators, dreamers, and creators, as we celebrate “Made In Oakland.” This evening hosts some of the Bay Area’s most influential makers and artists. Join us as we illuminate the world of original Oakland artists in this unique presentation and discussion panel of industrial arts collectives and innovators who created movements “Made in Oakland.” We will host an industrial art show, fire performances, discounts on Crucible classes and live industrial arts demonstrations.

We are featuring

Enameling
Hot Wheels
Foundry
Fused Glass
Glass Coldworking
Machine Shop
Fire Performance
Kinetics
Fire Effects
Artists Resources

Please join us for a discussion from 7-8 pm as Executive Director, Steven Young, facilitates a panel of working artists in industrial fine arts and community artists working in Oakland.

Our “Made in Oakland” panel discussion featuring Maurice Cavness, Karen Cusolito, Dorothy Lenehan, Natalie Nadimi, Sean Orlando, Tyrone Stevenson Jr., a.k.a. Scraper Bike King, and other innovators.

Event Location & Directions

The event will be located at:
The Crucible
1260 7th Street
Oakland, CA 94607
Directions…

Parking

The Crucible has a very small parking lot on the corner of 7th & Union that will be available for disabled placard parking only. Those spaces are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and go quickly. There are also two paid parking lots that will be staffed. 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; your car may be towed.

Public Transit

Ditch the car and don’t worry about parking – The Crucible is easily accessible by BART! From the West Oakland BART Station, exit onto 7th Street, turn right and walk 2 blocks east to Union (at the 2nd light). The Crucible is on the northwest corner of 7th & Union, at 1260 7th Street. To plan your BART trip, visit www.bart.gov.

Fireside Lounge: Made In Oakland2018-03-15T13:44:40-07:00

Spring Open House 2012

2018-04-16T13:45:45-07:00

Spring Open House
“The Science of Art”

Saturday, April 7, 2012 • 12-4PM
Free Admission

The Science of Art, an event to highlight the scientific principals, enquiry and exploration behind the fine and industrial arts processes taught and practiced here at the Crucible! The event will bring together Crucible faculty, guest artists, a curated gallery of exhibits and demonstrations, projects from local schools as well as special performances, food, and the participation of a number of other local art and science related organizations and university programs. Our goal is to connect ourselves and our community to The Science of Art and give us an opportunity to further understand the world in which we live and work, making way for new creativity and innovation at every stage of our process.

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, where furnaces roar and sparks fly. Check out exciting live demonstrations and exhibits explaining the science behind the art of The Crucible. Catch amazing fiery performances and wander through our student and faculty art show displaying the creativity of The Crucible.

Event Highlights:

Intriguing demonstrations combining science and art including the Science of Fire, Venturi Effect, Ruben’s Tube, Harmonograph, Die Moto Bio-diesel motorcycle display, mysteries of steel made visible, Raku firing, bicycle physics, and other fascinating experiments in action
Guest exhibits by Tech Shop, Chabot Space & Science Center, and Berkeley Space Sciences Laboratory. Also, Ron Hipschman, Exploratorium staff physicist, will give a lecture and demonstration about many ways to make color–from neon signs to oil slicks to rainbows and more.
Amazing molten metal pour in our foundry
Fiery stage performances by our fire performance faculty & students
Live music by, Oakland based ensemble, Gamelan X
Spectacular art show showcasing work from Crucible students, faculty & staff
Beautiful handmade art for sale by Crucible artists
Eye popping discounts on Crucible classes
Bicycles for sale in The Crucible’s Bike Shop
Tasty food and drink
Chances to win free tuition for a Crucible class!

Demonstrations
The Crucible is truly unique with all the industrial art disciplines we have under one roof. During our this exciting Open House we will demystify the science of art with demonstrations and exhibits in every area. Instructors, students, guest artists, and scientists will be on hand to answer any questions you may have. Check out a map of our studio!

Art Show
Every spring we like to show off what we do here with a spectacular art show. We will have pieces from Crucible staff, students, faculty and volunteers showcasing all of the fabulous industrial arts classes we teach here. During the open house we will ask visitors to vote on their favorite top three pieces. Free tuition

Spring Open House 20122018-04-16T13:45:45-07:00

Fireside Lounge: Industrial Strength

2018-03-15T13:41:57-07:00

Friday, February 24, 2012 • 6:30-9:30PM
$10 at door / Free for Crucible Members

In one captivating night, we consider the strength of industrial materials transformed by the passion of artists who are inspired by it. This evening will include a lecture panel of women industrial artists who personify industrial strength.

We are hosting an open fire spin jam for experienced fire performers and alumni. No instruction will be given; it’s just a chance for people to practice their fire performance skills in a safe environment. All fire toys are welcome, but each will receive a safety inspection before they can be used in the spin jam. See Spin Jam Rules…

Discounts on Crucible class tuition will be available to attendees who register at the event. New students will receive 20% off class tuition and Crucible members will receive 25% off class tuition. In addition, guests can put their $10 cover charge towards the cost of the class. A door prize raffle and the costume contest will also offer attendees a chance to winning free tuition on a Crucible class. All ages are welcome. There is a $10 cover at the door and Crucible members are free.

Event Highlights

Live industrial art demonstrations in featured areas: Jewelry, Blacksmithing, (ARC, MIG, TIG & Oxyacetylene) Welding and Fire Performance
Panel discussion focusing on a few of the women currently changing the face of the industrial arts
Spectacular art show showcasing work from featured areas
Crucible Spin Jam
Tasty food from Fist of Flour (Woodfired-Pizza) and Breadfruit (Caribbean Cuisine)
Exciting discounts on Crucible classes
And chances to win free tuition on a Crucible class!

Lecture Series: Women in Industrial Arts
7-8pm

The panel will be facilitated by Carla Hall, Youth Program Director at The Crucible and avid blacksmith and fabricator.

Panel members:

Rebecca Anders, co-director of the Flux Foundation
Liisa Pine Schoonmaker, instructor at The Crucible, Laney College Executive Board Member, and past Chairman of the San Francisco American Welding Society
Joyce Hsu, Architect, and Artist
Beatriz Cuevas, Youth Program Intern and Stanford student

Crucible Spin Jam Rules

The spin jam is regulated by the Spin Jam Manager and the Fire Safety Captain. They have the final say in all things safety related and have the authority to eject anyone not adhering to the rules or common sense safety.

The Crucible will provide a trained fire safety crew armed with wet towels and CO2 extinguishers, a fuel dump area and a spin out area. Performers should bring their own fuel clearly marked with type of fuel and their name. White gas and ultra pure lamp oil are the only two fuels allowed. All fire toys are welcome. We ask that you wear all natural fiber clothing (cotton, wool, silk etc.) and no synthetics. Spin time allotted will depend on the amount of jam participants. Please be aware of your surroundings and other performers in the spin area while spinning. No official instruction will be given during the spin jam, though sharing tips and tricks with

Fireside Lounge: Industrial Strength2018-03-15T13:41:57-07:00

Fire Ballets & Operas

2017-11-22T12:08:43-08:00


	The World Premiere of MACHINE: A Fire Opera™ January 11-14 and 18-21, 2012 Based on a short story by science fiction author Derek J. Goodman, MACHINE is set in a fiery industrial universe in which workers have sold themselves into a lifetime of servitude. When one worker regains his power of self-determination, the story ignites into an explosive brew of escape plots, alliances, and unlikely love interests. This spectacular performance features two opera singers, a rock singer and percussionists that “play” the scaffolding-like set. Visual effects including a molten metal pour, fire performers and industrial artists such as glass blowers and blacksmiths. MACHINE will deliver the kind of awe-inspiring performance that Crucible audiences have come to expect. Learn More…

Past Fire Ballets and Fire Operas


	The Crucible’s Benefit Fire Ballet 2009 DRACUL: Prince of Fire January 7-10 and 14-17, 2009 The story begins with Dracul exploring the dark outer regions of his land. He encounters something both monstrous and magnificent and is attacked. He feels strange fiery venom coursing through his body as it dies. But he is not dead. Dracul awakes infused with a strange power… read more… “As a spectacle, the show is—riveting. And the talent of performers and production staff is impressive…” – The Berkeley Daily Planet “The performances are unequivocally top notch. Nowhere this side of the Seine River are you likely to see such an extravaganza or partake of such a festival of sight and sound.” – Alameda Sun “From a group reenactment of Michael Jackson’s Thriller, to a fire-breathing metal dragon, to awe-inspiring feats of aerial ballet and fire tossing, Dracul doesn’t lack for eye-candy.” – Diablo Magazine

	The Crucible’s Benefit Fire Ballet 2008 FIREBIRD: “L’oiseau de feu” April 9-12 and 16-19, 2008 A theatrical spectacle that fuses ballet, classical music, and aerial performance with fire and industrial arts to create a compelling 1970’s retro-modern interpretation of Russian folklore. read more… “…one of the most visually stunning performances to take place thus far at The Crucible’s West Oakland warehouse.” – East Bay Voice “Leave it to The Crucible to remake a respectable work of art into a flaming, beautiful and shocking piece of theatre.” – Contra Costa Times “Awesome and fantastic; I wholeheartedly recommend this unusually creative ballet and any others performed at The Crucible. Captivating and magical, it’s an evening you’ll never forget (or ever see duplicated!)” – Urban Moto

Fire Ballets & Operas2017-11-22T12:08:43-08:00

Machine – A Fire Opera

2018-03-15T13:53:43-07:00

January 11-14 and 18-21, 2012
Tickets: $45-$65 {Buy Now}

Directed and Libretto by Mark Streshinsky
Score by Clark Suprynowicz
Press ReleaseThe Crucible proudly presents, MACHINE: A world premiere Fire Opera written, conceived and directed for The Crucible stage by Mark Streshinsky, who previously collaborated on Dracul and Firebird. The music of MACHINE is by Clark Suprynowicz who is well known in the Bay area for his Jazz and Rock infused compositions of opera and symphonic work.

Based on a short story by science fiction author Derek J. Goodman, MACHINE is set in a fiery industrial universe in which workers have sold themselves into a lifetime of servitude. When one worker regains his power of self-determination, the story ignites into an explosive brew of escape plots, alliances, and unlikely love interests. This spectacular performance features two opera singers, a rock singer and percussionists that “play” the scaffolding-like set. Visual effects including a molten metal pour, fire performers and industrial artists such as glass blowers and blacksmiths. MACHINE will deliver the kind of awe-inspiring performance that Crucible audiences have come to expect.

Composer Clark Suprynowicz has written a riveting score for this piece that incorporates seven percussionists alongside both classical and rock instrumentalists and directed by noted conductor, Barnaby Palmer. The musicians inhabit the machine and perform as the workers of the factory. Suprynowicz’ score reinforces the virile voice of baritone Eugene Brancoveanu who The SF Chronicle calls “extravagantly gifted with unforced charisma, vocal clarity and heft.”

Sung in English, MACHINE is a stunning show that takes full advantage of the industrial surroundings of The Crucible’s 56,000 square foot education facility.

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This project is based on the short story Deus Ex Machina by Derek J. Goodman and is being developed in collaboration with composer Clark Supynowicz and writer/director Mark Streshinsky with support from The Phyllis C. Wattis Foundation, the Kenneth Rainin Foundation, the James Irvine Foundation, and the East Bay Community Foundation’s Fund for Artists.

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Tickets On Sale Now!

January 11-14 and 18-20, 2012
Doors at 7:30pm / Show at 8:30PM
Tickets: $45-$65

Please Note: This is a seated event, no late entry will be permited. This show also contains mature content and situations that may not be suitable for young children.

Closing Night Gala

Saturday, January 21, 2012
Doors at 6:30pm / Show at 8:30PM
Tickets: $150

Join us in your finest evening attire at the Closing Night Gala of MACHINE to celebrate The Crucible’s 12th Anniversary. As industrial art and performance art unite, our studio space transforms into a mysterious machine of operatic fire performers, belting baritones and flaming sculptures.

Enjoy fiery cocktails and decadent hors d’oeuvres during our pre-performance reception and after the show, a champagne toast with the cast as we celebrate another innovative year at The Crucible. Gala tickets are partially tax-deductible.

Machine – A Fire Opera2018-03-15T13:53:43-07:00

2011 Crucible Holiday Gift Guide

2018-02-15T14:05:56-08:00

Crucible 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, December 17 & 18
Non-member Price $95 / Member Price $86

A great gift for your favorite industrial arts newbie, Tasters are an easy way to begin exploring in fire, metal or glass. Structured for all ages, 12 years and older*, just about anyone can get a taste of creating with fire and light. You can even take a class with a pal or sweetheart for a unique bonding experience. Try two skills on the same day and get a deal! Sign up for one morning and one afternoon Taster in separate disciplines on the same day and you’ll receive a $15 discount.

*Youth, ages 12 and up, are welcome when registered with a parent or guardian.

Saturday, December 17
10AM–1PM
Blacksmithing
Enameling
Glass Fusing
Jewelry
MIG Welding

2–5PM
Blacksmithing
Enameling
Glass Fusing
Jewelry
MIG Welding

Sunday, December 18
10AM–1PM
Blacksmithing
Glass Fusing
Jewelry
MIG Welding

2–5PM
Blacksmithing
Glass Fusing
Jewelry
MIG Welding

Winter Quarter 2012 & Spring Break 2012

Looking for a specific class to gift? Check out our winter classes listed by weekday, weekend or department. Download our Winter 2011 Catalog in PDF format for more information on classes and spring break for adults and youth.

Gift Idea #2– Tickets to a World Premiere Opera

MACHINE: A World Premiere Fire Opera
January 11-14 and 18-21, 2012 • 7–11pm

Based on a short story by science fiction author Derek J. Goodman, MACHINE is set in a fiery industrial universe in which workers have sold themselves into a lifetime of servitude. When one worker regains his power of self-determination, the story ignites into an explosive brew of escape plots, alliances, and unlikely love interests.

Tickets are on sale now! Crucible members receive an additional $5 off a ticket. Not a member? Join or renew now and save even more!

Experience Machine in style by coming to our Closing Night Gala. On Saturday, January 21, you’ll enjoy fiery foods and fine wines before the show viewing our MACHINE inspired art show and after the show, mix and mingle with performers as we toast our 13th anniversary.

More Information & Purchase Tickets…

Gift Idea #3 – A Crucible Membership

This holiday, give friends and family the gift of Crucible membership, giving them access to awesome Crucible member benefits, including early registration and discounts on Crucible classes and events, to priority access to special events. Help your loved one join our vital, vibrant community of artists, art lovers, artisans, innovators and educators by giving them the gift of membership. Plus anyone who purchases a membership as a gift by December

2011 Crucible Holiday Gift Guide2018-02-15T14:05:56-08:00

Faculty Focus – Felix Torres

2017-11-08T16:22:11-08:00

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 forests, Cuban sculptor, Felix Torres, would find raw material for his next piece. Downed by hurricanes, Guyacan, Jigui, and Ebano Carbonero wood lay like ebony, dense and heavy, rich in form, and plentiful enough that, in seven years of caring every day, he never cut a tree. He often felt nature had designed and left the form; he was just putting the finishing touches, releasing the animal or symbol within. Falling for and marrying a Bay Area native, led him to relocate four years ago to the East Bay. Yet part of his heart and part of his future remain on his family land where a budding eco-artist community, Ecolonia Nuevo Mundo, continues to develop.

Sculptors are on many street corners in Cuba. Torres saw a walking stick being brought to life and was hooked. “I was in Vedado (Havana) leaving my grandmother’s house with my mom when I saw a woodcarver in the street, I stopped in the street and held my mom’s hand so we she wouldn’t make us leave, and we watched for 20 minutes. After that I began to carve and never stopped working with wood for the rest of my life. “

By twelve, he was apprenticing and has tried to carve every day since. Although he has worked in other mediums, the organicness of wood is what calls to him most. Straight from nature ties in well to his spiritual connections, to the Afro-Cuban religious and indigenous images that influence his work. Tribal ritual carvings from cultures all over the world stimulate him. Many of his art pieces are walking sticks or masks, no two alike, which flow through him without thought into being.

Commissioned sculptures sit in Zen Centers, private sanctuaries or celebrities’ apartments that he feels almost created themselves. Yet he is prouder of the love he has for his work than any one piece or product. For the goal of Torres’ work is the doing of it.

Now teaching in a West Oakland high school, in addition to his work with youth and adults at the Crucible, his students’ spontaneity inspires him and their glowing class evaluations makes him weep. Torres believes he is providing a vital but missing part of education. He feels we have become unbalanced with our electronic way of life and that everyone should have some version of manual work to stay healthy. According to him we’d all be less stressed if we used our hands crafting something that allowed us to connect to a different part of ourselves than a keyboard reaches. One look at Felix’s smile and then his undulating wood figurines carved into vivid being, and you sense that what he says is true. Carving is health.

wood carving

Faculty Focus – Felix Torres2017-11-08T16:22:11-08:00

Newsroom

2018-03-15T14:06:48-07:00

2011 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 Industrial Art School Presents Locally Handmade Gifts at Holiday Shopping Sale and Open House (11/30/11)

Bay Area Philanthropists Help Crucible Blaze New Territory by Melding Industrial Arts and Opera (11/23/11)

Bay Area Industrial Art School Releases 2011 Holiday Gift Guide and Makes Six Recommendations (11/15/11)

The Crucible Announces Its New Fall Deals and Benefits (10/18/11)

World Premiere Fire Opera: MACHINE Tickets Now Available at Bay Area Industrial Art School (10/11/11)

Bay Area Industrial Art School to Showcase Earth-Based Arts and Autumn Light and Shadow at Fireside Lounge Evening October 14 (10/4/11)

The Crucible Bay Area Industrial Art School Announces Family Weekends to Warm Up the Holidays (9/28/11)

Industrial Arts Training with The Crucible Helps Student Get Into Stanford (9/14/11)

The Crucible Bay Area Art School and Foundry to Host Sizzling Open House Saturday, September 10 (9/7/11)

The Crucible Now Booking Team Building Activities (8/23/11)

The Crucible and Black Rock Arts Foundation Team Up on Uptown Merritt Art Park Installation Devoted to Art Bikes (8/17/11)

Bay Area Industrial Arts School Gets Fired Up for Burning Man 2011 (8/03/11)

Bay Area Industrial Art Classes Benefit from Young Interns at The Crucible (8/01/11)

Hot Damn! INFERNO: A Fire Circus Coming to The Crucible in Oakland July 14-16 (7/5/11)

B ay Area Industrial Arts Summer Camp Announced at The Crucible (6/21/11)

The Crucible Names Steven Young as New Executive Director (5/6/11)

The Crucible Announces Inferno: A Fire Circus (5/2/11)

An Evening of Fiery Girl Power (4/14/11)

Young Artists Gear Up To Play With Fire This Summer (4/4/11)

Time To Create At The Crucible (3/24/11)

The Crucible Cheers On Marathoners With Fire (3/17/11)

The Crucible Gets Fired Up For Spring (3/16/11)

An Evening of Industrial-Sized Love (2/3/11)

The Crucible’s 12th Anniversary Benefit Show Features an Amazing Collection of Extraordinary Performances of Music, Dance and Fire (1/4/11)

Crucible Revival: Keep The Fire Burning Honors Departing Founder (11/30/01)

Press Release Archive…

About The Crucible

Youth Program

||PROMO||
Machine
2011 Fire Opera

||PRESS/MEDIA||
Inside The Bay Area
Fire Arts Festival ’09

2011 Press Clippings

San Francisco Bay Area Today

Inferno: A Fire Circus Comes

Newsroom2018-03-15T14:06:48-07:00

Holiday Gifty Art Sale & Open House 2011

2018-03-08T12:22:52-08:00

Holiday 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 Information…

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, where furnaces roar and sparks fly. Check out exciting live demonstrations including welding, glass working, metal casting, blacksmithing and much much more. Catch amazing fiery performances and wander through a maze of vendors with handmade crafts, perfect for last minute gifts. You get to 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.

Shopping at the mall was never like this!

Event Highlights:
– Live industrial art demonstrations
– Amazing molten metal pour in our foundry
– Fiery stage performances by our fire performance students & Rockakamile
– Beautiful handmade art for sale by Crucible & Local artists
– Jolly visit from Santa at 1pm
– Accordion music by Duckmando
– Spectacular live preview of MACHINE (Sunday Only)
– Eye popping discounts on Crucible classes
– Handy Crucible gift certificates will be available for purchase
– Bicycles for sale in The Crucible’s Bike Shop
– Tasty food and drink
– And chances to win free tuition for a Crucible class!

Demonstrations
The Crucible is truly unique with all the industrial art disciplines we have under one roof. During our Open House we will have demonstrations in every room with instructors and students on hand to answer any questions you may have. We will also have some of our incredible youth artists demonstrating their skills! Check out a map of our studio!

Handmade Art for Sale
We will have a maze of Crucible and local artists on hand selling their beautiful handmade art. From glass, metal, wood, ceramics, clothing and more, you’ll find that perfect gift for even the toughest person on your list. Check out the vendor list…

Bicycles for Sale
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. Stop by the bike shop at this year’s Holiday Gifty for a test ride, or contact jcavagnolo@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. Learn More…

A Visit from Santa
Santa will be making a very special appearance at 1pm; bring your own camera and get a shot of you or your little one with Santa.

Discounts on Crucible Classes
New students who sign up for a Winter class during the Open House, will receive 20% off class tuition. All members who sign up, will receive 25% off. Not a member and

Holiday Gifty Art Sale & Open House 20112018-03-08T12:22:52-08:00

Faculty Focus – Mary White

2017-02-09T11:39:23-08:00

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 White, concluded an ambitious eco-artistic project six years in the making. Five thousand pounds of foundation concrete, stone, and 144 panels of drilled glass now rise 18 spired feet alongside a gushing Boulder Creek in Colorado. At night it glows but in the day it chills, as one glances up and takes in the significance of the 100 and 500 year flood water levels of the Creek that as recently as 1976 killed 140 people and caused thirty million dollars in property damage. The piece moves people, far more potently than words or statistics, to conceptualize the towering water levels when they will have only 45 minutes to leave before flood conditions prevail.

The sculpture is part community education and wholly a monument, a product of a partnership with scientists, the designer, the Boulder artist Christian Muller, Elizabeth Black, Marshall French, admirers, friends, family, of Gilbert White. Mary’s geography professor father was known as “The father of floodplain management” and won numerous honor and scientific prizes before passing away in 2006. The City of Boulder agreed a plaque in his honor would not honor his contributions adequately. Mary got to do what she loves best, which is to work collaboratively to develop a piece deeply connected to her and to issues of the environment.

Mary working on the Boulder Creek monument.

Mary was meant to be a scientist. She grew up in a Quaker family of scientists and thought she’d be a sociologist. But by the time she was in her early teens, she was drawing portraits, winning art prizes, and she realized she was at her best with the creative process of object making. By 19, she was on Park Avenue South, in NYC, working as a waitress at Max’s Kansas City serving the likes of Andy Warhol and John Chamberlain and knew she had found her milieu. Although she began her formal education at Earlham in Indiana, Viola Frey’s work compelled her to move west where she ultimately got her BA and MFA at the California College of the Arts.
She headed up San Jose State University’s Glass Program from 1985 to 2005 and upon retiring, went on a Fulbright to Ireland. There she co-taught a seminar on The Landscapes of Aesthetics and Design, with 19 students utilizing glass, ceramic and textile, with the aim of sharpening their critical thinking on art.

Teacher, Artist, Collaborator, Fulbright Scholar, Symposium sponsor, Environmentalist – There are many sides to Mary White. Much of her work connects to earthy roots and is often done with others and out of found objects. Solar powered glass birdbaths dot her Berkeley backyard, a glass watering hole emerges from the landscape

Faculty Focus – Mary White2017-02-09T11:39:23-08:00

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