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.
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 and Open Bike Shop Hours. Drop off your bike for a tune-up or learn basic bike maintenance skills from our faculty and volunteers.
2021 GIFTY: Craft Show & Open House
After our all-virtual event last year, we are thrilled to be hosting our annual GIFTY Craft Show & Open House in person this holiday season. Join us for three days of the best shopping in the Bay Area, along with family-friendly activities, live demos from our talented faculty, $25 off classes, and more!
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
Lie-Nielsen Toolworks Hand Tool Event
Friday, September 7, 2018 • 10am-6pm Saturday, September 8, 2018 • 10am-5pm We are hosting a free community event with Lie Nielsen Toolworks, showcasing their top-notch woodworking hand tools. Come see how quality hand tools can make your woodworking projects easier, with demonstrations by Kevin Drake of Glen-Drake Toolworks in Fort Bragg, California.
The Crucible’s Fire & Water Open House
Saturday, August 25, 2018 • 12 - 5pm Join us at the end of the summer for a day of fine and industrial arts inspired by aquatic life and the most abundant natural resource! Nineteen of our departments will be celebrating water with art, fire, and fun, while raising awareness and funds for The Ocean Cleanup.
Summer Bike Sale at The Crucible
Sunday, August 12, 2018 • 11am - 5pm 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. And, get prepared for the playa- many of these bikes are perfect for Burning Man!
2018 Fire & Light Soirée and Art Auction
Saturday, April 7, 2018 • 6 - 10pm This unique signature fundraiser, sustains our one-of-a-kind industrial arts education programs. Join us in celebrating the contributions of honoree Charles R. Olson, past Crucible Board President.
The Crucible’s 2018 Spring Open House
Saturday, March 31, 2018 • 12 - 5pm Join us this Spring for a taste of what you can create in the fine and industrial arts, with discounted class, exciting demonstrations, a carefully curated Art Gallery, and more!
GIFTY 2017: Our holiday celebration of local creative culture
Friday, December 15, 2017 • 7pm-9:30pm Saturday, December 16, 2017 • 10am-6pm Sunday, December 17, 2017 • 11am-5pm Dozens of leading East Bay artists, craftspeople, and Crucible faculty members will be selling their best handmade pieces in a holiday celebration of local creative culture.
Lie-Nielsen Toolworks Hand Tool Event
Friday, September 22, 2017 • 10am-6pm Saturday, September 23, 2017 • 10am-5pm We are hosting a free community event with Lie Nielsen Toolworks, showcasing their top-notch woodworking hand tools. Come see how quality hand tools can make your woodworking projects easier, with demonstrations by Kevin Drake of Glen-Drake Toolworks in Fort Bragg, California.
The Crucible’s 2017 Fall Open House
Saturday, September 9, 2017 • 12 - 5pm Designed to give you a peek into the programs and events we run all year long, our open houses are a wonderful way to experience the excitement of The Crucible!
2017 Fire & Light Soirée and Art Auction
Saturday, April 8, 2017 • 6pm Save the date for an evening of art, industry, community, creativity, and fire in support of The Crucible’s education programs. Join us in celebrating the contributions and vision of honoree Dr. Frances Hellman, who has been a valued member of The Crucible’s community for more than a decade.
Hot Couture 2017: The Beautiful Ones
Thursday, February 16, 2017 • 8pm Friday, February 17, 2017 • 8pm Saturday, February 18, 2017 • 8pm Sunday, February 19, 2017 • 7pm Since 2007, haute couture has been turned on its ear, Crucible-style, with Hot Couture — a spectacular flaming fashion show that features wearable art from the Bay Area’s most cutting-edge designers.