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GIFTY 2016

2019-07-05T16:51:00-07:00

Dozens of leading artists, craftspeople, and Crucible faculty members will be selling their best hand-made pieces in a holiday celebration of local creative culture. With works of glass, metal, wood, ceramics, and more, you will find the perfect gifts for all the people on your list.

Seasonal treats, beverages, and entertainment make this an event all ages will enjoy. Parents of small children will need to pay special attention, as this space does have rough edges.

Saturday, December 10, 2016 | 11am-5pm

Sunday, December 11, 2016 | 11am-5pm

On Saturday and Sunday, we’ll have music, food, and drinks for sale, as well as demonstrations of Crucible areas of study. Our themed Open House events are a great way to learn more about our 56,000 square foot studio and seasonal class offerings.

Member preview on Friday, December 9, 2016 | 7-9:30pm

Like last year, we’ll host a special preview for members and invited guests on Friday evening. If you would like to attend the Friday preview, but are not yet a member, join here.

GIFTY highlights:

  • Live industrial arts demonstrations like glass blowing and foundry pours
  • Enameling and stamping for Copper Quilt commUNITY art project
  • Hands-on clay activity in Ceramics Studio (Saturday and Sunday)
  • Bicycles for sale in The Crucible’s Bike Shop
  • Crucible gift certificates available
  • Tickets available for our annual Hot Couture fire fashion show
  • Drawing for a free Crucible class
  • $25 discount on a class, if registered during GIFTY
  • Raffle for a New Belgium Fat Tire bike
  • Oakland Youth Symphony brass trio performing Friday, 7:30-8:30pm
  • A dazzling collection of work by local artists and artisans

Local gourmet goodies:

Share the Facebook events:

Friday, December 9 at 7 PM – 9:30 PM
Saturday, December 10 at 11 AM – 5 PM
Sunday, December 11 at 11 AM – 5 PM

GIFTY 20162019-07-05T16:51:00-07:00

Fireside Lounge – Fall 2016

2019-07-05T16:54:14-07:00

Fireside Lounge Open House

Friday, October 28, 2016 | 6:30-9:30pm

Join us for an evening celebrating local dreamers and creators, as we host some of the Bay Area’s most influential makers and artists. The Crucible’s Fireside Lounge illuminates the world of original artists, collectives, and innovators who create movements “Made in Oakland.”

The Crucible’s Fireside Lounge lets you see demonstrations of our industrial and fine arts for yourself. Catch exciting demonstrations and hands-on activities with Crucible faculty, including Glass Fusing & Slumping, Glass Flameworking, Glass Blowing, Glass Casting & Coldworking, Enameling, Neon, Bike, Machine Shop, and Paper & Textiles. We’ll also have live performances of fire eating, poi, and fire staff, as well as interactive fire effects.

Explore The Crucible’s studio and learn about our extraordinary art programs, while sipping wine and beer in a unique atmosphere. TART! Oakland and Zella’s Soulful Kitchen will be serving up tasty treats. A gallery of remarkable work by students and faculty will be on display, including art by the Ceramics studio, Daniel Stauber, and Rusty Noodle Studios. And you’ll have a chance to win a free Crucible class in a drawing.

PoppyWagon We are truly excited to have the opportunity to display a FLUX Foundation sculpture at Fireside Lounge. Flux Foundation aims to engage people in designing and building large-scale public art as a catalyst for education, collaboration, and empowerment. PoppyWagon is part of the FLUXcycles series of mobile sculptures that FLUX artists started creating in 2011. Originally made for the 2014 Maker Faire in San Mateo, PoppyWagon is a whimsical fire sculpture with bright orange buds inspired by the California Poppy burst and flames that you control with the push of a lever. The wagon is a custom-made cart designed and fabricated by FLUX artists.

We’ll see you October 28th for an evening of art, industry, community, and entertainment. This event is free and open to the general public. All are welcome! However, parents of small children will need to pay special attention, as our studio space does have some rough edges.

Fireside Lounge – Fall 20162019-07-05T16:54:14-07:00

Tools to Table Open House

2019-07-05T16:59:33-07:00

Tools to Table: Fall Open House

Saturday, September 10, 2016 | noon-5pm

Celebrate and explore the tools and techniques of creating and consuming food and drink! Tools to Table will feature over a dozen areas of interest: featured food and spirit vendors, creative collaborations, and onstage demonstrations. Guests will catch amazing fiery performances, see exciting demos in our studios, and explore our student and faculty art show displaying the creativity of The Crucible artist community as it relates to tools and utensils.

Our themed Open House events are a great way to learn more about our 56,000 square foot studio and seasonal class offerings.

James Syhabout Jeff PringleThis year, we are thrilled to announce that our neighbor, James Syhabout, Oakland born and reared, acclaimed chef of two-star Michelin-rated chef of Commis and Hawker Fare will be joining us for a butchery demonstration at 4pm. Chef James is working with a local bladesmith, Jeff Pringle, to create a custom hand forged knife as part of the collaboration and celebration of Tools to Table. Chef James will butcher a 35-pound pig, which will be donated to St. Vincent de Paul. In addition, Hawker Fare and Commis will be selling pork buns and garlic rosemary peanuts!

Billy Hiebert will be making candy molds for limited edition cast chocolate coins by Jordan Michael Schuster. Billy is a “sculpturally committed” artist with a lifelong dedication to integrating the processes, materials, techniques, and activities related to clay modeling, molding, casting, and carving. Bay area native, Jordan was long ago nicknamed “Really Wonka” in homage to his penchant for producing chocolatey mischief and glorious delectables in equal measure.

Adam Lamoreaux, our neighbor at the Beer Shed, will be serving a few of his favorite beers in glassware sandblasted by Daniel Stauber. After founding Linden Street Brewery in 2009, Adam, with wife Alice, have been part of countless community projects, social gatherings, and civic services. As The Crucible’s Workshops Manager, Daniel brings together teams of people to create something in the industrial arts. A portion of sales will be contributed to The Crucible.

On the main stage:

  • 12:30pm: Fire Performance: Lara Hopwood and Shaina Johnson
  • 1pm: Flameworking demonstration: Michael Dickinson
  • 2:30pm: Fire Performance: Lara Hopwood and Shaina Johnson
  • 3pm: Cocktail demonstration: Roya Spirit signature cocktail with mixologist Erica Compton
  • 4pm: Bladesmithing and butchery demonstration Chef James Syhabout and Jeff Pringle 

All studios will be doing demonstrations, including:

  • Woodworking GalleryCocktail glasses made in our glass blowing department
  • Pedal-powered smoothies with a bicycle blender
  • Butchering demonstration on the main stage
  • Waffle-making in our foundry with a special Crucible-designed sandcast waffle iron
  • Hammered forks and spoons in the smithy
  • Chocolate casting in our moldmaking studio
  • Fire performance

Learning opportunities, interactive activities, and artful displays:

  • Art
Tools to Table Open House2019-07-05T16:59:33-07:00

Fireside Lounge May 2016

2019-07-05T17:03:05-07:00

OaklandMadeBanner

Friday, May 6 | 6:30-9:30 pm
Demonstrations | Hands-on activities | Art show
Learn about classes | Performances
FREE admission & open to all

Celebrating Oakland First Fridays and Oakland Art Murmur, The Crucible’s Fireside Lounge is an intimate evening of art, industry, community and entertainment. This exclusive engagement takes place in The Crucible’s studio and highlights our extraordinary art programs. Explore the creative passions of professional artists and the educational opportunities available, while sipping wine and beer in our unique atmosphere. A gallery of remarkable artwork by students and faculty will be on display and live performances are scheduled throughout the night.

Join us for an evening of makers, innovators, dreamers, and creators, as we celebrate “Made In Oakland.”  We will host an industrial art show, live industrial arts demonstrations, and music.

Music is courtesy of Hassan El-Tayyab from American Nomad Music, with sets at 7pm and 8pm. Fantastic food vendors will be on hand including TART, Mr. Pops and Keena’s Kitchen! FREE admission, open to all. Discounts on upcoming Crucible classes will also be available.

Demonstrations

Catch exciting demonstrations and hands-on activities with our own Crucible faculty, in disciplines such as:

  • MIG Welding
  • TIG Welding
  • ARC/OXY Welding
  • Moldmaking
  • Ceramics
  • Blacksmithing
  • Jewelry
  • Stone Working
  • Woodworking
  • And many others!

Art Show & Sale

Ryon Gesink oscillator

Stroll through a curated gallery with pieces selected from The Crucible’s community, including faculty, artist studio renters, students, staff and volunteers. These works showcase the skills learned and perfected through the industrial arts classes we teach here. For example, a fantastic oscillating sculpture by metal and fire artist Ryon Gesink will be on display — see a video of this hypnotic piece here.

Check out the market row of unique, handmade works in our Train Bay. In addition, Crucible staff and faculty will have select items available for sale. Take home a piece of The Crucible!

The Crucible’s Fireside Lounge lets you see demonstrations of our industrial and fine arts for yourself. It is open to the general public and kids are welcome. However, parents of small children will need to pay special attention, as our studio space does have some rough edges!

Fireside Lounge May 20162019-07-05T17:03:05-07:00

Spring Open House 2016

2018-03-15T14:13:20-07:00

Saturday, March 26 | 12-5 pm
Demonstrations | Hands-on activities | Art show | Bike sale
Learn about classes | Performances
FREE admission & open to all

 

Our spring open house highlights the scientific principles, inquiry and exploration behind the fine and industrial arts processes taught and practiced at The Crucible. Nearly 20 industrial disciplines are on display under one roof, including blacksmithing, welding, glass blowing, ceramics, jewelry, woodcarving and even fire eating. We de-mystify the science of art with demonstrations, exhibits, instructors, students, guest artists and scientists who are on hand to answer your questions. It’s a fun day for the whole family and a great opportunity to learn all about our 56,000 square foot studio space. Think science fair with fire!

 

Demonstrations

Catch exciting demonstrations and hands-on activities with our own Crucible faculty, such as:

  • Molten glass formations — glass blowing demonstration
  • Feast of fire — how fire eating works
  • Optics, eyeballs and eye beads — explaining optics in glass flameworking
  • Molding and casting — the role of physics and chemistry in mold making techniques
  • Casting metal into ice
  • Clay creations — work with clay in our ceramics department
  • Copper charms — create your own copper charms in our jewelry department
  • Play with pigments — learn about pigments and how they interact with various substances
  • Plus, special activities led by prominent science organizations!

 

Art Show

Stroll through a curated gallery with pieces selected from The Crucible’s community, including faculty, artist studio renters, students, staff and volunteers. These works showcase the skills learned and perfected through the industrial arts classes we teach here. And check out the market row of unique, handmade artisans in our Train Bay.

 

Bicycles

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. Contact iz@thecrucible.org with questions or to make an appointment. In addition to getting a sweet, reliable ride, your purchase supports our Youth Earn-A-Bike Program, our Youth Mechanic Program and our Community Bike Fixathons.

The Crucible’s Open House lets you see demonstrations of our industrial and fine arts for yourself. It is open to the general public and kids are welcome. However, parents of small children will need to pay special attention, as our studio space does have some rough edges!

Spring Open House 20162018-03-15T14:13:20-07:00

GIFTY 2015

2018-03-15T13:46:10-07:00

FREE this weekend!

SPECIAL MEMBER PREVIEW

With a performance by the Pleasant Grove Joyful Noise Choir
Friday Dec. 11 | 7 – 9:30 pm

Saturday Dec. 12 | 11 am — 6 pm
Sunday Dec. 13 | Noon – 5 pm

Dozens of leading East Bay artists, craftspeople and Crucible faculty members will be selling their best hand-made pieces in a holiday celebration of local creative culture. From glass to metal, wood, ceramics, clothing and much more, you’ll find the perfect gifts for the toughest people on your list. Seasonal treats, beverages and holiday entertainers make this an event all ages can enjoy.

  • Live industrial art demonstrations like glass-blowing, foundry pouring and opportunities to get hands-on in ceramics.
  • Bicycles for sale in The Crucible’s Bike Shop.
  • Crucible gift certificates available for you to give Crucible classes as gifts.
  • Tickets available for January’s Hot Couture flaming fashion show.
  • Discounts of 10% plus another $25 off Crucible classes — even more savings available for Crucible members.
  • Enter to win free tuition for a Crucible class!
  • Help us celebrate the Gear Girls, our joint venture with Oakland Fund for the Arts teaching local high school students the art of welded sculpture.

FREE SECURE PARKING is available while space lasts, in the lot just west of The Crucible at 1300 7th Street.

Participating Vendors 2015

GIFTY 20152018-03-15T13:46:10-07:00

Fireside Lounge 10/10/2014

2018-03-15T13:33:14-07:00

Fireside Lounge: Innovation & Improvisation

Featuring the artistry of Sung Kim

Friday, October 10
6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
$10 at the door. Free for Crucible members.

Meet Sung Kim

Sung Kim is a Bay Area based sculptor, improviser, and instrument maker. We are excited to host Sung and special guest David Dupuis as part of his artist residency at Studio Grand in Oakland. While studying art in 1989, Sung first tried to modify a guitar to capture a sound he was imagining… and his imagination has continued ever since. Sung will be displaying, discussing, demonstrating, and performing with his unique instruments, resonators, and acoustic devices, beautifully hand-crafted out of wood, steel, and more. Sung has been a frequent guest at Exploratorium events and has appeared at Maker Faires. We are excited to welcome him for his first-ever Crucible appearance! This program is presented in collaboration with Studio Grand, 3234 Grand Avenue, Oakland

Studio Grand logo

Firepit, $25 class discounts, glass demos & gallery

logo firepit

Will will also feature demonstrations (submission guidelines) and display of Crucible glass and enameling work in our studios, including glass blowing, glass flameworking, glass fusing and slumping, enameling, and glass casting and coldworking. We will offer $25 discounts on classes during this Fireside Lounge, and of course, members always save 10% off tuition. The Fireside Lounge is a chance to catch up with the Crucible community, see what creative mischief folks are up to, and maybe think over that project you have in mind. We’ll have live music, demonstrations in our glass studios, a gallery, and our brand new industrial fire-pit will be up and running along with vendors, food and drink. We hope to see you there!

Learn more about Sung Kim

Sung Kim is an improvisor, sculptor, and an instrument builder born in Seoul, Korea and raised in Washington, DC. In 1989, Kim studied ceramic sculpture at the Corcoran School of Art. It was here that Kim started building his own variations of the guitar. Kim received his BFA in sculpture from The Art Institute of Chicago in 1999. It was in Chicago where Kim began to deviate from the guitar to explore other techniques, tonalities, and sympathetic resonance. It was also in Chicago where Kim started his collaboration with musicians to explore his instruments in an improvisational context. Kim facilitates his musical and sculptural endeavors by owning and operating an architectural woodworking design/build studio in the San Francisco Bay Area.

More images from Sung Kim’s Workshop

Sung Kim's domeSungKimPlaying

SungKimDome2Sung Kim in studio
SungKimBoxesSung Kim's instruments

Fireside Lounge 10/10/20142018-03-15T13:33:14-07:00

Fireside Lounge, featuring Mark Growden’s The Calling All Choir

2018-03-15T13:34:38-07:00

FiresideGrowdenBanner2

 

Friday, January 31, 2014

6:30 pm — 10:30 pm

Musical performance begins at 8 pm

$20 at the door / Free for Crucible members

Buy Tickets

Our January 31st Fireside Lounge will feature the season finale performance by The Calling All Choir, directed by artist, performer and musician Mark Growden. The musical performance will begin at 8 pm.

Enjoy an art show showcasing the Jewelery, Ceramics, Blacksmithing, Stone Carving, Mold Making and Woodworking departments with works by The Crucible’s faculty, students, studio renters, volunteers and other affiliated artists.

The Crucible faculty and students will be on hand to answer questions, display original works, and provide live demonstrations in disciplines including moldmaking, ceramics, blacksmithing, jewelry, stone working, woodworking, fire performance, and others.

Register for a class during the Fireside Lounge are receive a 20% discount on tuition (25% for members). Become a Crucible member today.

The Crucible’s Fireside Lounges are an opportunity to visit our studio space and experience a more intimate evening with our creative community, highlighting our extraordinary art programs. 

Fireside Lounge, featuring Mark Growden’s The Calling All Choir2018-03-15T13:34:38-07:00

Playa Bound: Call for Art

2018-03-15T14:07:42-07:00

On Saturday, June 22, 2013 The Crucible will host a curated industrial art exhibit in a gallery setting during the annual Playa Bound Open House & Sale. Any artist utilizing techniques taught at The Crucible is eligible and welcome to submit their metal, wood, glass, neon, jewelry, molded and textile work for consideration. 

Our Playa Bound Open House celebrates the approaching annual desert community art extravaganza – Burning Man. The studio will be a maze of vendors with handmade crafts, desert costumes, camping supplies, playa bikes, shade ideas, and leave-no-trace education. The Open House will feature live industrial art demonstrations, fire art performance, class discounts, food and beverage, and more. The exhibit will be set up in the upstairs performance room overlooking the central event space. 
 

>> Download Submission Form (Word Doc)
DEADLINE: June 17, 2013

 
The submission process is open to anyone involved with The Crucible including students, faculty, volunteers, studio renters, Create Program members and staff. 
 

IMPORTANT DATES

 

    • Monday June 17th            SUBMISSION DEADLINE 
    • Tuesday June 18th            Acceptance notification
    • Thursday June 20th           Art drop off  4-8pm
    • Friday June 21st                Art drop off 2-6pm
    • Saturday June 22nd           Open House 11am-6pm
    • Saturday June 22nd            Art pick up  6-6:30pm
    • Sunday June 23rd             Art pick up  10am-12pm

Please contact Daniel Stauber at daniel@thecrucible.org if you require an alternative drop off or pick up time.

 
We look forward to seeing your artwork on display at The Crucible’s Summer Open House:  Playa Bound!
Playa Bound: Call for Art2018-03-15T14:07:42-07:00

Fireside Lounge: Creation

2018-03-15T13:41:20-07:00

Our next Fireside Lounge leads us to explore creation and how ideas move from concept into creative expression.

Friday, May 10, 2013
6:30-9:30pm
$10 / Free for Crucible members
The Crucible, 1260 7th St, Oakland  
>> Directions

In collaboration with Maker Month, The Crucible celebrates creation with a spectacular evening of art, performance, thoughtful discussion and, of course, fire!

In our studios, we will explore processes that make creation simple. With our distinguished panel we will discuss and demystify how to do-it-yourself, Crucible style, inspiring creativity in everyone. The Crucible student and faculty will showcase creation with the “In Motion” art exhibition. Fire and dance performances will delight guests throughout the evening. 

7pm: Panel Discussion

Public art consultant, Leslie Pritchett, will facilitate our May panel discussion in our Performance Studio at 7pm with:

  • Hopi Breton, Sculpture Artist and Diablo Valley College Professor
  • Melissa Alexander, Director of Public Programs at San Francisco’s recently relocated Exploratorium
  • Dale Dougherty, Founder, President and CEO of Make Magazine, the heart and soul of Maker Faire

>> Full Panel Bios

Live industrial art demonstrations: 

  • Foundry – Our foundry department will be doing a live iron pour – an amazing demonstration of molten metal you won’t want to miss!
  • Kinetics and Electronics
  • Welding – MIG, TIG, ARC/OXY
  • Bike Shop – Art Bike Showcase
  • Machine Shop
  • Paper & Textiles – Leatherworking, Bookbinding


Exhibit

The Crucible’s art exhibit “In Motion” will showcase remarkable artwork by Crucible artists under the theme of movement.

Performances throughout the night:

  • Rockabelly – West Oakland-based bellydance fusion group
  • The Crucible’s Fire Performance faculty and student showcase


Vendors

Own a piece of creation by:

Food truck by Subs on Hubs
Beer by Linden Street Brewery


“Creation” Panel Bios

Facilitator, Leslie Pritchett brings to her public art and community art program consulting more than 20 years experience in corporate marketing, small business and start-up business management. She spent several years as managing partner of Digital Pond, a high-end digital imaging company serving clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies, such as Nike and Hewlett-Packard, to leading museums and fine art print purveyors, including the Ansel Adams Gallery. She entered the nonprofit arena as executive director of the Black Rock Arts Foundation, where over the course of three years she produced or supported more than 28 public

Fireside Lounge: Creation2018-03-15T13:41:20-07:00
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