Free Art Camps For Oakland Youth This Spring

During Spring Break, The Crucible is running five different art camps completely free, specifically for Oakland youth, ages 12-15, who are interested in the fine and industrial arts but don’t have the financial resources necessary to participate. Priority to these free art camps will be given to youth who live in West and East Oakland and qualify for free or reduced lunch. These free classes will run Monday–Wednesday, March 25–27, from 9am to 4pm.

The following classes will be offered to qualified youth for free:

Copper Metal Clay

Learn the basics of working with copper metal clay, using rollers, texture plates, rubber stamps, files, and brushes. Learn to form clay for both flat and sculptural designs. We will cover creating surface texture and enhancements, clay bail design, arrangement, placement, stone setting, finishing, polishing, and more. Students will complete multiple copper projects and one in silver.

Fused Glass Sculpture

Create a variety of creatures and habitats in both warm and cold glass. Students will learn how to cut, shape, and embellish glass using a variety of tools, molds, and machines. 2-D and 3-D projects may include fused tiles, jewelry, treasure chests, wind chimes, cityscapes, toadstools, insects, and jellyfish. You will be encouraged to choose projects and create art based on your own interests.

Neon Glass Bending

Learn the science behind neon gases and high voltage electrical transformers as you are taught how to shape and manipulate glass tubes into letters, shapes, or figures. Bending glass in this challenging course will build hand-eye coordination and concentration skills. Each student will make one small, working, neon-filled luminous tube wired with a transformer. The piece can be taken home or incorporated into other artwork.

Bike Mechanics and Design

In this class, students will learn in-depth knowledge of bike mechanics, bicycle design, and how and why bikes are built the way they are. As students disassemble and reassemble an entire bike, they will learn the names of the components and the tools used in a professional shop. Students will also learn about welding fabrication, as it applies to bike building.

Intro to Welded Sculpture

Learn to fuse, cut, bend, and shape metal. This intensive introduction to stick welding, also known as arc welding, and oxy-acetylene torch cutting is taught by a technical pro. In-depth demonstrations and guidance will be given on the safe and effective operation of welding equipment as instructors help you create a small welded sculpture or project.