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What’s New In Studio: Projects And People To Know About

Cathy Niland | 09.01.2021

The month of August is an important time for our studio staff. June and July bring the roar of Youth Summer Camps, and September is when adult classes and youth afterschool classes are back in full swing. But in between is a great time for Studio to tackle overdue projects and build a more functional studio. 

To bring you up to date on what’s new, we’ve compiled a list of some recent studio projects. From storage solutions to security improvements to department upgrades, our studio staff are the grease that keeps The Crucible’s gears turning, We wouldn’t be inspiring creativity in anyone if it weren’t for them! 

Check out their recent work and meet your Crucible studio staff below. 

new in studio
Studio Operations Technician Anna Dudasah has nearly completed work on the gates of our Shell Mezzanine.

See what’s new in studio this fall

  • Glass Flameworking Kiln Carts: Lead Studio Operations Technician Brandyn Willridge recently welded a rolling cart complete with a storage shelf for the new kiln in Glass Flameworking. A second kiln and accompanying cart will be added soon. Don’t miss Brandyn’s welded flowers adorning the cart!
  • New Shell Mezzanine Railing and Gate: Studio staffers recently worked to organize our Shell Mezzanine (named for its location above our Shell Room) and built a new and improved railing, including a brand new gate used to remove items with our forklift. Shoutout to Studio Operations Technician, Anna Dudash for her work to complete the Shell Mezz sign.
  • Help Podium in Central Studio: Instead of asking faculty to walk around looking for studio staff, Senior Studio Supervisor Ahsan Gaskins created a central podium with a walkie-talkie system so instructors can more efficiently run classes. 
  • Department signs: We recently ordered a new set of department signs to help students better navigate our studio. The team is in the process of getting those up.
  • Back Gate Improvements: At the corner of 8th and Union is The Crucible’s back gate, which just got an upgrade! A new steel plate has been added for extra security and Studio Operations Technician Johannes Valvur completed the exterior with a lovely (and uplifting) piece of art. 
  • Storage for Wood and Metal: For a while, studio staff have been relocating scrap metal to a shipping container in our back yard. With that move complete, they were also able to organize our collection of wood pieces with an improved storage system close to the back door, complete with easy to read labels. 

Know Your Studio Team

Get to know our stellar studio staff and say hello the next time you stop by.

new in studio

Vanessa Zagaroli

Director of Studio Operations and Facilities

new in studio

Ahsan Gaskins

Senior Studio Supervisor

new in studio

Megan Kristy

Senior Studio Supervisor

new in studio

Maliq Nathaniel

Lead Studio Operations Technician

new in studio

Brandyn Willridge

Lead Studio Operations Technician

new in studio

Anna Dudash

Studio Operations Technician

new in studio

Itzhak Gundy

Studio Operations Technician

new in studio

Johannes Valvur

Studio Operations Technician

new in studio

Paige Plander

Studio Operations Technician

What’s new in studio? It could be you!

We’re hiring for a number of positions on our studio, programs, and development teams, as well as faculty in many departments. Check out our jobs page to learn more.

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