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...
Adult Art Bike
Build an art bike or customize your existing bike with cool art bike elements! This 30 hour class allows you to get a taste of bike customization and modification without diving...
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...
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...
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...
Kiln Cast Glass Sculpture
Create one of a kind glass sculpture using wet clay. We will use ceramic sculpting techniques to create a solid shape that will be transformed into glass. Learn the basic skills...
Glass Bead Hearts
Open your heart to soft Italian glass, while making unique glass bead hearts in beautiful colors. Using table top Bravo torch, students will shape glass into heart beads, while...
Fire Hula Hoop I
Build coordination and confidence as you construct your own practice PVC hula hoop and learn basic tricks with and without fire. You will learn beginner on-body and off-body moves,...
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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]