Events
Since 1999, The Crucible has brought our community of artists, neighbors, families, students, and makers together for events ranging from artists’ talks and demos to fire performances, benefits, and community open houses. In-person events are all currently suspended due to the shelter-in-place mandate. For updates about all upcoming events, subscribe to our newsletter.
Important Dates
- March 5: Bike Fix-A-Thon
- March 12 & 13: 3-Hour Tasters
- April 4–15: Spring Break Youth Camps
- May 21: Fire & Light Soirée
- May 30: The Crucible is closed for Memorial Day
- June 4: Bike Fix-A-Thon
- June 20–August 5: Youth Summer Camps
- July 4: The Crucible is closed for the Fourth of July
- August 15–26: Adult weeklong classes
- September 3: Bike Fix-A-Thon
- September 5: the Crucible is closed for Labor Day
- November 11: The Crucible is closed for Veteran’s Day
- December 2–4: GIFTY Craft Show & Open House
- December 10: Bike Fix-A-Thon
- December 24, 2022–January 2, 2023: The Crucible is closed for winter break
Upcoming Events
Bike Shop: Free Events and Education
The Crucible is offering free, community bike maintenance and education to West Oakland and neighboring community members through our quarterly Bike Fix-A-Thons, Open Bike Shop Hours, Femme Bike Night, and Flat Fix Clinics. Drop off your bike for a tune-up or learn basic bike maintenance skills from our faculty and volunteers. We are also leading offsite events at other West Oakland locations.
See our Bike Shop event page for upcoming event dates.
GIFTY: Annual Craft Show & Open House
GIFTY, The Crucible’s annual Craft Show & Open House returns this December 2-4. Join us for three days of the best shopping in the Bay Area. In between shopping, enjoy family-friendly activities and demonstrations. And make sure to stop by our bar for refreshments and snacks.
Saturday, December 3, 11am-6pm
Sunday, December, 4, 11am-4pm
Member Preview Night: Friday, December 2, 6-8pm
Watch Past Virtual Events
Virtual Artist Talk: Rob Nehring
Please join us Friday, June 5, for our next virtual artist talk with Crucible faculty member, Rob Nehring, of our Welding Department. Rob has been a part of The Crucible community...
Virtual Artist Talk: Nico Chen
Please join us Friday, May 22 for our next virtual artist talk. We’ll be speaking with Nico Chen, writer, photographer, and critical learning scientist focused on reimagining...
Virtual Artist Talk: Lara Hopwood
During this Virtual Artist Talk, Oakland artist and fire performer, Lara Hopwood will discuss her early introduction to fire dance, how she goes about planning a fire performance,...
Virtual Artist Talk: Whimsical and Functional Glass With Sam Schumacher
During this Virtual Artist Talk, Oakland artist and founder of Rocket Glass Works, Sam Schumacher will discuss the inspiration behind his glass work....
Virtual Artist Talk: Creating Culture Through Ceramics With Rosa Dorantes
Please join us this Friday for a virtual artist talk with Oakland artist, Rosa Dorantes, an accomplished ceramist with over twenty years of experience. Since Rosa became The...
Virtual Artist Talk: Metalworking Beyond Borders With Karen Smith
Please join us this Friday for a virtual artist talk with Oakland artist, Karen Smith. We'll discuss her philosophy on art-making, how it influences her artistry and metalwork, and...
Virtual Artist Talk: Repujado History, Family, and Culture
Join The Crucible for our first-ever virtual artist talk with Oakland repujado artist, Rachel-Anne Palacios. We'll discuss her metal embossing practice and how her work reflects...
Browse Past In-Person Events
Tricks And Treats At The Crucible
There is a rumor going around that if you hang out at The Crucible after dark, you might just catch a ghost passing through our haunted train caboose. We can't promise you will have any ghostly encounters on Halloween night, but we do promise to have some of the tastiest chocolate around.
October Bike Fix-A-Thon
Join us for our October Bike Fix-A-Thon. West Oakland and neighboring community members are invited to bring their bikes to our studio for a tune-up.
Artist Talk: The Art of Burning Man
Join The Crucible for a panel discussion with Karen Cusolito, Christopher Schardt, and Crimson Rose, where they will discuss how they have developed art for the playa at Burning Man.
2019 Lie-Nielsen Toolworks at The Crucible
Join us for the 2019 Lie-Nielsen Toolworks event, showcasing Lie Nielsen Toolworks top-notch woodworking hand tools. Come see how quality hand tools can make your woodworking...
The Crucible at AB&I Foundry’s Open House
Saturday, August 17, 2019 • 10am - 2pm The Crucible is taking our studios to AB&I Foundry's Open House, with fire poofers, demos in blacksmithing and foundry, and free hands-on activities!
The Crucible’s 2019 Fall Open House
Join us for a day of creativity, awe-inspiring demonstrations, and tons of free activities for you and your friends and family. At our upcoming Fall Open House, our faculty will be on hand demonstrating techniques in blacksmithing, woodworking, and glass flameworking—just to name a few.
Artist Talks: Listening to Form with Alicia Ponzio and Alexis Pavlantos
Friday, May 10, 2019 • 7 - 9pm Join The Crucible arts community for a talk by two of our artists, Alicia Ponzio and Alexis Pavlantos, about how they build and use natural forms in their sculpture and jewelry and find inspiration in the natural world.
20th Anniversary Fire & Light Soirée and Art Auction
Saturday, April 6, 2019 • 6 - 10pm Held at The Crucible, this artistic evening of fire and light begins with cocktails, followed by a delicious dinner, and fiery performances.
The Crucible’s 2019 Spring Open House
Saturday, March 30, 2019 • 12 - 5pm Join us this Spring for a taste of what you can create in the fine and industrial arts, with discounted classes, exciting demonstrations, a carefully curated Art Gallery, and more!
Rob Stern In The Hot Shop
Wednesday, March 13, 2019 • 7 - 9:30pm Join us for a lecture and demonstration by Rob Stern, a master glass artist who has taught at a number of the most prominent institutions for glass around the world.