Industrial Art Classes in Oakland

MIG (metal inert gas) is the most common type of modern welding. It is a process by which a welding machine focuses electricity along a moving metal wire that is fed through a hose to a handheld torch. Student welders manipulate this torch as the electricity melts the wire and creates a weld. You will learn about the fundamentals of MIG welding, such as metallurgy, preparation, joints, technique, and safety. We will also cover plasma torch cutting. The class begins with a basic, technical welding exercise, then transitions into a small creative project.

This class is a prerequisite for the CREATE Program, a way for students to use our studio space, tools, and equipment to work on individual projects.

Health and Safety Policies

All students must review and adhere to all Crucible Health and Safety Policies.

At this time, individuals are not required to show proof of vaccination or wear a mask inside our facility. We strongly encourage staff, faculty, students, and visitors to wear masks and stay up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations in order to keep our community safe.

Age Guidelines

For adult classes, youth ages 12+ are welcome to take any adult class for ages 16+, if the parent/guardian is registered in the same class with them. The only exception is for classes in the Glass Blowing Department, where youth must be 14+ to register with their parent/guardian. Adult classes marked 18+ are only for adults over the age of 18. For youth classes, the age requirements stated on the class are generally non-negotiable, unless a student has taken multiple prior classes with us and gets approval from Crucible staff and the class instructor for an exception.

Class Policies

A student may be eligible for a refund less a non-refundable registration fee. Refunds are based on the type of class and the date of request. All registrations are subject to applicable fees regardless of the payment method or purchaser.

Students wishing to transfer must first withdraw from their registered class, adhering to the Crucible withdrawal policy. Any refund or credit due after withdrawal can be applied to enrollment in a different class.

Refunds for classes regularly priced at $200 or less:

Withdrawals made 14 or more days before the first class date: Full refund less $50 registration fee
Withdrawals made 7-13 days before the first class date: Full refund less $50 registration fee plus $25 processing fee
Withdrawals made 6 or fewer days before the first class date: Ineligible for refund or transfer

Refunds for adult classes regularly priced over $200 and youth classes outside of youth weeklong camps:

Withdrawals made 14 or more days before the first class date: Full refund less $100 registration fee
Withdrawals made 7-13 days before the first class date: Full refund less $100 registration fee plus $25 processing fee
Withdrawals made 6 or fewer days before the first class date: Ineligible for refund or transfer

Refunds for Youth Spring and Summer Weeklong Camps:

Withdrawals made 30 or more days before the first class date: Full refund less $100 registration fee
Withdrawals made 7-29 days before the first class date: Full refund less $100 registration fee plus $50 processing fee
Withdrawals made 6 or fewer days before the first class date: Ineligible for refund or transfer

Read our full withdrawal and transfer policy here.

If you wish to withdraw from a class or have questions about the class registration process, please email registrar@thecrucible.org.

What To Wear

At The Crucible, you must dress safely and appropriately. Arrive for class in all-natural fiber clothing, long pants, and closed-toe, closed-heel shoes with socks that protect up to the ankle. Long hair must be tied back. Nylon, polyester, spandex, or other synthetics are not allowed around machines, equipment, or processes that can produce hot fragments, sparks, or flames. Layers are encouraged as the studio can be very cold or very hot. Additional protective gear will be provided as needed. The CDC has a guide to acceptable cloth masks that help prevent the spread of infection. Bandannas will not be accepted inside The Crucible.

Location

The Crucible is conveniently located at 1260 7th Street, Oakland, CA, just two blocks east of the West Oakland BART station. There is a student parking lot with spaces available on a first-come, first-served basis. The lot fills up quickly, and we encourage students to bike or take public transit to class. For weekend or weeklong classes, there are great places to grab food around the area, including at 7th West and Mandela Grocery Cooperative, as well as a microwave on-site at The Crucible for students who wish to warm up packed lunches.