Classes
At The Crucible, classes are designed for beginners as well as experienced artists and tradespeople. The Crucible’s educational programs serve over 8,500 people each year in over 175 classes and workshops. Our hands-on classes average one instructor for every six students, guaranteeing that each student receives personal attention.
Our Departments
Shop Upcoming Classes
Enamel Surfaces
In this introduction to surface alterations, students will practice additive and subtractive enameling techniques both during and after the final firing. Additive techniques...
Foundry II: Ceramic Shell Process
This class is for people with metal casting experience who have completed waxes to cast. We can also accommodate 3-D printed PLA (best unpigmented). Students will prepare their...
Throwing in Sections
In this intermediate to advanced class we will explore throwing large forms in parts on the wheel using measurements and heat to assemble a large pot! Students will then return the...
Hot Glass Sculpting I
Explore the sculptural aspects of molten glass. We will focus on color application, bit work, hot torch, and garage use. Students gain an understanding of the technical vocabulary...
Stone Carving II
In this focused class, students will recreate a leaf in limestone using mallet and chisels. They will start by making a basic model of a leaf in wet clay to show depth and movement...
Scholarship Fee
Once you’ve paid you’ll receive a receipt via email. If you have any questions about your 2023 Youth Summer Camp scholarship, please contact [email protected] ...
Youth Mexican Tin Art
Learn how to create tin art inspired by repujado and hojalata done in Mexico. After a brief history of the tradtional cultural practice and demonstration of techniques, emboss your...
Exploring Liquid Enamels
Originally formulated to glaze steel in the 1800s, liquid enamels are referred to as industrial or porcelain enamels because of their similarity to ceramic glazes. They can be...
Fused Glass Decals
Your own photos, drawings, and images can be fused to glass. Bring a jpeg to the workshop and we will print them onto special decal paper that is then fired onto glass, becoming a...
Enamel Drawing
Line drawings can evolve into beautiful pieces of decorative or wearable art when interpreted in vitreous enamels on copper. Students will practice using transparent enamel to...
Pate-de-Verre Ornaments
One of the earliest techniques of glass manipulation, pâte-de-verre or “paste of glass” is a versatile kiln casting technique that uses glass paste. In this ornament focused...
Ceramic Ornaments
Glaze your own ornaments to give to your loved ones! You will select three pre-fired ornaments to paint and glaze, learning about glazing techniques and color application. After...
3-Hour Taster: Framed Milagros
Design and fabricate framed Milagros inspired by traditional Mexican artwork and iconography. Create metal imagery like hearts, hands, and nature honoring the special moments in...
Metal Furniture Fabrication
Fabricate one-of-a-kind metal furniture for your home! Going beyond basic MIG welding, this course focuses on designing and fabricating functional and aesthetically interesting...
Ceramics II
Ceramics II is designed for students who have successfully completed Ceramics I and are looking to further advance their knowledge and creativity in working with clay. Students...
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Scholarships
For Youth & Adults
The Crucible offers full and partial scholarships for youth and adults who would otherwise not be able to participate in classes or camps. We prioritize scholarship awards to low-income households, youth and adults living and/or attending school in West Oakland or the East Bay, and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) youth and families.
Registration Details
See our current youth and adult offerings here. New classes are added every 2-3 months.
- Early Member registration for April-June 2023 classes: Tuesday, February 7
- Public registration for April-June 2023 classes: Tuesday, February 14
- Early Member registration for 2023 Youth Summer Camps: Tuesday, March 7
- Public registration for 2023 Youth Summer Camps: Tuesday, March 14
If you have any questions related to your upcoming class, please email [email protected]