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. For updates about all upcoming events, subscribe to our newsletter.
Important 2024 Dates
- January 8 – January 12: Weeklong Adult Classes
- January 15: The Crucible’s 25th Birthday!
- February 29: Field Trip Day
- March 2: West Oakland Bike Summit
- March 7: Field Trip Day
- April 18: Field Trip Day
- May 9: Field Trip Day
- June 10 – July 26: Youth Summer Camps
- July 25: Fuego Youth Leadership Reception
- July 29: GIFTY vendor applications open
- August 12 – 23: Weeklong Adult Classes
- September 7: Open Studios
- December 7 & 8: GIFTY 2024
- December 21, 2024 – January 1, 2025: Crucible closed for winter break
Upcoming Events
See our Bike Shop event page for upcoming event dates.
The Crucible is offering free, community bike maintenance and education to West Oakland and neighboring community members through our quarterly Bike Fix-A-Thons, Open Bike Shop Hours, Femme Bike Night, and Flat Fix Clinics. Drop off your bike for a tune-up or learn basic bike maintenance skills from our faculty and volunteers. We are also leading offsite events at other West Oakland locations.
Free Crucible Tours
Join us for a free, semi-monthly Crucible tour! Learn about the history of our 56,000-square-foot studio, the art and artists that make our space unique, and our nonprofit mission to keep the industrial and fine arts accessible to all.
To accommodate different schedules, tours alternate between Saturday afternoons at 2pm and Thursday evenings at 6pm.
Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis in person. Feel free to RSVP on Eventbrite: Free Crucible Tours! RSVPs made through Eventbrite are for reminder purposes only and do not act as a reservation. Tours are subject to cancellation.
Please note: a portion of the tour requires the use of stairs.
- Thursday, May 23: 6pm
- Saturday, June 8: 2pm
- Thursday, June 27: 6pm
- Saturday, July 13: 2pm
- Thursday, July 25: 6pm
- Saturday, August 10: 2pm
- Thursday, August 22: 6pm
- Saturday, September 7: 2pm
- Thursday, September 19: 6pm
- Saturday, October 5: 2pm
- Thursday, October 17: 6pm
- Saturday, November 2: 2pm
- Thursday, November 14: 6pm
- Join us for GIFTY December 7th and 8th
Can’t wait to see inside?
Check out our virtual 3D Tour by clicking the button below!
Browse Past In-person Events
Fall Open House 2008
Fall Community Open House Saturday, September 6, 2008 – 12PM to 6PM Exhibitor List: Oakland Fire Department City Slicker Farms DeFremery Park Mandela Foods Cooperative West Oakland Environmental Indicators Project East Bay College Fund Prescott Circus Clowns Ella Baker Center for Human Rights Youth Radio Trapeze Arts West Oakland Discovery Museum de Young Museum Popo’s Pizza BumpityThump Youth Movement Records CUE/Velocity Circus What Now America Propville Directory Studio One Oakland School for the Arts Student Art Show – Best in Show Winners FIRST PLACE SECOND PLACE THIRD PLACE Photo Gallery – Click Here
Newsletter Sep 08
What’s Happening! • Art & Soul • Fall Community Open House Fiery Fall • Fall Class Highlights • Got Workspace? • Old Jewelry Gets New Life for a Good Cause • Build a Mandolin or Ukulele in Just Four Days! • Fired Up Summer Camp Recap • Fall Youth After School Program Mark Your Calendar – Upcoming Events • Holiday Gifty Art Sale & Open House • Crucible Recommends News & Updates • Faculty Focus – Rick Turner • Join The Crucible Team What’s Happening! Art & Soul Saturday, August 30th 12 – 6PM Here’s a great way to celebrate Oakland, art, music, dance, food and the end of the summer! Stop by and visit ERV. ERV is our Educational Resource Vehicle, a big red International fire truck with a full metal shop on board. We’ll be there with live demonstrations of glass flameworking, welding, torch cutting, and blacksmithing. {Click Here to Learn More} Fall Community Open House Saturday, September 6th 12 – 6PM FREE ADMISSION The annual Fall Open House is one of our favorite events – it’s when we invite everyone to come visit and get acquainted! If you’ve never taken a class or visited our massive studio space, here’s an opportunity to experience the true nature of The Crucible community of artisans, makers, innovators, performers, explorers, learners, mentors, and creators of all types. Browse through an expo of organizations that provide services to Oakland communities. Check out the work in progress on our latest community collaboration, a wheelchair access ramp crafted in steel by students, teachers, and youth. Enjoy live demonstrations, circus & fire performances, food and fun for all ages — it’s family-friendly and FREE! {Click Here to Learn More} Fiery Fall Download the new Course Catalog and Fall Schedule today! {Click Here to Learn More} “Back to School” at The Crucible is always something to look forward to: classes that will spark your creativity, plus the space and the tools to get your make on. If you’re interested in basics and fundamentals, classes like Electronics for Artists, Fundamentals of Woodworking, Exploring Moldmaking, Design for the 3rd Dimension, or Electromechanics for Everything will give you a good basis for your work. Want to learn how to make something with an entirely new skill? Try an introductory class like Architectural Applications of Plate Glass, where you’ll transform broken window glass and old bottles into sculpture, tableware, and more; or Introduction to Art Silver Clay, where you’ll be amazed how fast and easy it is to make jewelry; or learn the ancient art form of Cartoneria, and make fantastic and colorful sculptures just in time for Los Dios de los Muertos. If you’re an experienced artisan, continuing classes like Continuing Techniques in Neon, Art of the One-Speed: Building a Bicycle Frame, and Art of Fire Dancing, encourage you to stretch your imagination, learn and practice advanced skills. Got Workspace? Our CREATE program allows you to use our studio and tools for your own work. Fall […]
Newsletter Aug 08
Still Time For Summer Fun • Family Fun Weekends Get Fired Up For Fall • Download our new catalog and schedule • Fall Registration Begins Mark Your Calendar – Upcoming Events • Fall Community Open House • Design Within Reach • American Craft Show • Holiday Gifty Art Sale & Open House News & Updates • Call for Artists & Vendors for Holiday Gifty • The Crucible Gets Even More Accessible • Old Jewelry Gets New Life for a Good Cause • 2008 Fire Arts Festival Recap • Faculty Focus Still Time For Summer Fun! Family Fun Weekends August 16-17th and August 23-24th Youth summer camps at The Crucible are running at near full capacity, but you can still have a great weekend with your family exploring and learning new things together – like how to make a welded sculpture for your yard, jewelry of your own design, a glass ornament, or an illuminated sculpture. {Click Here to Learn More} Get Fired Up For Fall Download the new Course Catalog and Fall Schedule today! Open registration begins August 7th; classes begin September 22nd. Crucible members can register NOW for fall classes! If you haven’t received your new catalog and fall class schedule in the mail, you can find it on line, at your favorite pick-up spot throughout the Bay Area, or drop by The Crucible to pick one up. Check out all the great classes on tap for 2008-2009, and plan for fall fun. If you have previous experience in Blacksmithing, and an interest in sword making or medieval arts, you’ll appreciate our exciting fall classes in Bladesmithing (September 22nd) and Medieval Helmet Making with Tom Hugenin (October 4th). Those with experience in Jewelry can participate in the three-day Radical Jewelry Makeover Project, and help transform old unused jewelry into new designs that will be sold to benefit mining reform efforts that will decrease mining waste. If you’ve never had experience with fire, glass or metal before, no problem – there are tons of classes where you can give it a try – whether you just want to dabble for a day or weekend, or totally immerse yourself for weeks. Classes in our schedule marked with the gear symbol qualify for our “Working Together Discount,” where you can get up to $40 off when you register for an introductory class and a continuing class at the same time. MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THESE UPCOMING EVENTS! Fall Open House A Celebration of Art and Community September 6, 2008 12-6 PMIf you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind that big roll-up door at The Crucible, come visit and get acquainted! Featuring an expo of community organizations that bring vital and important services to our diverse neighborhood, and an art show highlighting the talents of our students and faculty, Open House is a wonderful way to experience many of the fabulous things West Oakland has to offer. This is a family-friendly event with hands-on activities for the kids, amazing performances, food […]
Fire Art Arena Rules
FIRE ARTS ARENA RULES The Crucible reserves the right to remove anyone from the Fire Arts Arena – We reserve the right to refuse entry into the event – No children under 18 without parent or guardian and youth must stay with adults during the festival – Maximum 3 children per adult to assure safety – No entry after 11:30pm – No re-entry without valid hand stamp – No outside food or drink – No chairs – No pets – No un-contracted fire performance allowed – You must be 21 to purchase, possess or consume alcohol (id required) – Photographers with professional SLR photo equipment must sign a photo release – No video unless permission was obtained 24 hours in advance – No weapons of any kind – The Crucible reserves the right to search any bags – No riding of skateboards, bicycles or any wheeled footwear inside arena – The Crucible is not responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged items By entering the Fire Arts Arena you are agreeing to these rules.
Stravinsky’s Firebird – 2008 Fire Ballet
Stravinsky’s “L’oiseau de feu” April 9-12 and 16-19, 2008 The Classic Story: Firebird The Crucible’s version of this classic Russian folktale begins in the enchanted garden of the evil sorcerer, Kashchei. A group of beautiful maidens have discovered a magical orb, whose power lures them to it, trapping them just as the evil Kashchei appears. The maidens struggle to break free of the orb’s power, but cannot release themselves, and Kashchei leads them away. Suddenly, a fire ball explodes, and the mysterious Firebird appears in its wake. She is enjoying herself in the forest when Prince Ivan, who is out hunting, spots her. He is entranced, and gives chase. After a wild pursuit, Prince Ivan finally captures the fantastic creature. The Firebird pleads for her freedom, and finally Prince Ivan grants it. In return, she presents him with a magic feather, telling him it can be used to summon her if he is ever in need. Prince Ivan climbs the wall into Kashchei’s garden and spies the group of maidens frolicking and dancing. Hiding in the trees, he watches them, and quickly becomes smitten with the maiden Tsarevna. He reveals himself and much merrymaking ensues. Ivan and Tsarevna have fallen in love at first sight, but all too soon trumpets and fire herald Kashchei’s return. Kashchei is furious that his garden has been invaded and his guards attack the group, capturing Ivan. Tsarevna pleads for mercy, but Kashchei only revels in her despair, calling for his henchmen to torture Prince Ivan. Remembering his gift from the Firebird, Prince Ivan pulls out the feather. The Firebird comes to the rescue, and emboldens the maidens to put up a fight. Working together, Ivan and Tsarevena discover that the secret to Kashchei’s immortality lies within the orb; they smash it and break all his evil spells. Good triumphs over evil, prince and princess declare their love in a wedding ceremony, and live happily ever after. The Music: Sergei Diaghilev commissioned a complete score for his ballet for the 1910 season of Ballet Russe. The resulting Firebird score was the fruit of close collaboration between librettist and choreographer, Michel Fokine, and Igor Stravinsky, and marked the first time music was created specifically for, and as an integral part of a ballet. Diaghilev was a great talent scout and a visionary who promoted collaboration between the arts. Stravinsky became celebrated as one of the greatest composers for the ballet. While they may be rolling over in their graves, we beg their forgiveness for the creative liberties taken with their music and libretto for this unique production. Photo Gallery – Click Here Complete Firebird Production Credits: Designed and Directed by: Michael Sturtz Choreography: Viktor Kabaniaev Stage Direction: Mark Streshinsky Music Direction: Scott Sterling Lighting Direction: Ben Davis Fight Direction: Jonathan Rider Technical Director: Danny DillonEvent Coordinator: Sean Orlando Production Assistant: Wendy RolónPerformers: Firebird: Tina Bohnstedt Aerial Firebird: Janine Fondiller Prince Ivan Tsarevich: Easton Smith Moto Prince Ivan Tsarevich: Darius Khashabi Tsarevna: Haley Henderson Kashchei: Iron Monkey […]
Fashion Shows
HOT COUTURE A Fusion of Fire & Fashion January 17-19, 2008 To celebrate our ninth anniversary The Crucible forged fashion with fire arts, eco-design and “flameboyant” performances in a not-to-be-missed incendiary celebration of style. The three day fashion show featured the work of a variety of Bay Area designers, including: Bad Unkl Sista, Miss Velvet Cream, Jay Bridgland, Cheeky Sweetart, Super Sugar Ray Ray, Miranda Caroligne, Eimaj Designs, Elwyn Crawford, Lee Kobus, Megan Fenske, Auberon, and many more. The evening also included fire performances by Nekyia, the aerial artistry of Tiffany Parrish, music by DJ Delachaux and Mark Growden, as well as demonstrations in welding, blacksmithing, glass blowing, and other fiery arts. read more… INDUSTRIAL CHIC Fashion + Art Show and Preview Friday, April 13, 2007 Open House, Art & Fashion Exhibition, and Rusty Elephant Sale Saturday and Sunday, April 14th & 15th, 2007 On April 13th, 2007, The Crucible presented the hottest of haute couture in a fashion show of wearable art made from repurposed materials. The evening’s entertainment included a fabulous art show, a preview of The Crucible’s Rusty Elephant Sale (an unparalleled source of donated industrial surplus), and, of course, fire performance. read more…
Hot Couture – 2008 Fashion Show
Hot Couture: A Fusion of Fire & Fashion January 17, 18 & 19, 2008 Doors Open: 7PM The Crucible celebrated our Ninth Anniversary with a blazing showcase of wearable art from Bay Area designers, awe-inspiring fire performances, aerial artistry, and fire arts demonstrations. It’s conflagration on the catwalk with models strutting incendiary creations from over twenty designers, and some of Oakland’s finest firefighters joining them on the runway. Designers featured include: Alexandria Von Bromssen Super Sugar Ray Ray Miranda Caroligne miss velvet cream Antoniya Ivanova Megan Fenske Bad Unkl Sista Darina Drapkin Eimaj Design Jay Bridgland Leila Bazzani Missing Piece Katie Burley Chrystie Capelli Escama Studio O’Lover Hats Lee Kobus Erin Mahoney Fluidance KAYO Lee Granberg The Von Stilt Familyand many more… Also Featuring: Music by DJ Delachaux Live music by Mark Growden ,,(Friday only) Lighting by reFRACTion Styling by SF Institute of Esthetics & Cosmetology Fashion Show coordinated by Missing Piece Aerial Artistry: Tiffany Parish Fire Sculptures: Jon Sarriugarte The Von Stilt FamilyAnna Prisekin Betsy Lyon Cynthia Rauschert Erika Peterson Kevin Miller Kirin Haithcox Megan Murray Allison Cohen Grag Jones Brian Walker Paul Geise VIP GALA Avant Cellist: Zoe Keating Contortionist: Serchmaa Byambaa Fire Performance: Kristina Cañizares Catering by J. Gourmet Special Thanks to: Come experience the sparks of fire and fashion in Crucible style, and support local artists and community arts education programs. This event is standing room only, 18 and over. Hot Couture VIP Gala January 19, 2008, 7pm The VIP Gala includes catered food and beverages, and special performances by renowned cellist Zoe Keating, contortionist Serchmaa Byamba and fire performer Kristina Cañizares. Proceeds benefit The Crucible adult and youth education programs. Valet parking available.
Newsletter Jan 08
….CLASSES.. ..MEMBERSHIP… .COMING EVENTS.. ..DONATE.. ..VOLUNTEER.. ..DIRECTIONS Classes to spark up the New Year! Plan now for spring break workshops and summer session HOT COUTURE: A Fusion of Fire and Fashion: Thursday SOLD OUT, Fri. & Sat tix still available SAVE THE DATE for THE CRUCIBLE’S Benefit Fire Ballet: FIREBIRD Crucible Recommends: Hand Tool Event with Lie-Nielsen CREATE = Crucible’s Expanded Access to Tools & Equipment Youth Blacksmithing Classes to spark up the New Year! Whether you want to weld, bend iron, shape glass, dance with fire, create light, work with wood, or learn other skills in the industrial arts, there’s something for you at The Crucible. Classes start again January 26th — right after our Anniversary Celebration, so get ready for a year of exploration and creativity with us at The Crucible. There are some great new classes, plus we’ve expanded both our facilities and popular spring and summer programs for adults and youth. First Time Offered! Neon Letter and Pattern Bending – March 4th – April 1 This course teaches specialized skills utilized in basic neon letter and pattern bending, and builds on knowledge developed in Neon Illuminated Sculpture I and II. You’ll work in our newly renovated neon studio and learn how to measure and create neon patterns, and techniques in mounting and wiring finished neon. Introduction to Welded Sculpture Three weekend intensives in February & March Introduction to Jewelry Two weekend intensives in March Design for the 3rd Dimension This core class for all 3D work starts in April Stained Glass Sculpture Register early for this class starting in March Intro to Mechanical Sculpture This popular class runs in January& March Classes for Youth provide hours of exciting learning and a sense of accomplishment. After school classes start January 28th in Blacksmithing, Jewelry, and Welding Weekend workshops give plenty of time for supervised learning and practicing an exciting skill, like Youth Welding, which runs February 2-3rd. Find the complete class schedule online, at your local library and other pick-up spots throughout the Bay Area, and here at The Crucible’s office. Plan now for spring break workshops and summer session Our spring and summer workshops and weekend intensives have been a great success, and this year we’ve added even more opportunities for adults, youth and families to learn and explore. So break out your calendars and plan an exciting spring or summer vacation with us. Adult week-long classes: March 17-21 June 16-20 July 21-25 August 4-8ccc You’ll have time to learn a new skill and be rewarded with your own creations in Blacksmithing, Foundry, Flameworking, Neon, Jewelry and Woodworking. Youth week-long classes: March 24-28 June 23-27 July 28-Aug 1 August 11-15 Choose from four morning and four afternoon classes in blacksmithing, welding, metal casting, flameworking, glass, neon, or woodcarving to customize a week of fun for your child. These sessions fill up fast, so don’t wait too long. Family Fun Weekends: April and Junecccc A rare opportunity to explore new territory with your child […]
Fire Arts Festival
The Crucible’s Annual Celebration of Fire, Art and Community The 9th Annual Fire Arts Festival has burned itself out — 4 days; 300,000 sq. feet; 35+ installations; 23+ performing groups; 18 merchandise vendors; 5 food vendors; 4 bars; 1,000+ volunteers; miles of barricades and fencing; probably a million BTUs expended and over 12,000 people attending — more than any previous Fire Arts Festival! The open air studios and demonstrations of Main Street drew people of all ages to see what the industrial arts are all about, with many getting hands-on with ceramics, stone cutting, electronics, and more. Many of the astounding art installations invited visitors to interact and control the action, while artists explained the physics and engineering behind their work – or just kicked up the flames higher – as the awe-struck audience watched. The Rootabaga Opera, by Dan Cantrell rocked the stage every night with song, dance, puppetry and shadow effects that set the tone for the amazing performers and musicians that followed. Saturday’s Fire & Light Soirée was an scorching success with hundreds enjoying an exquisite dinner amidst beautiful art and décor. Our two youth representatives received a standing ovation, and the bidding for artwork was spirited. Thanks to everyone who supported our arts education programs by coming to The 9th Annual Fire Arts Festival. Live Flickr Slideshows – Click on images for more information. {morfeo 17} G4 TV – The Pyromaniac’s Crucible Art Fest (Link to Video) The Crucible’s 9th Annual Fire Arts Festival – Inside Bay Area {youtube}qZ619MIyyHg{/youtube} Blackmahal’s Lal Singh Bhatti and Radioactive Freestyle at the Fire Arts Festival {youtube}5QaSy7A_s8Y{/youtube} DCDT & Friends with Amanda Palmer, Fire Arts Festival 2009 – Billie Jean, Oasis {youtube}1HHQ3TiiQsI{/youtube} Fire Pendulum by PyroKenetics at Fire Arts Festival 2009 {youtube}3iM8JEP_efw{/youtube}
Fire Arts Festival Artists & Performers
Performance Artists Amanda Palmer Axis Dance Company Aziz Abbatiello BlacKMahal Bronkar Lee Bumpitythump Capacitor Copper Lantern Fire Theater El Circo The Embodiment Project Flamenco Fury FLO-ology Fire Arts Collective Loco Bloco Lucero Loyd Family Players Nocturnal Sunshine Frank Olivier Poor Man’s Whiskey Simon Chaban Titanium Sporkestra Vulcan Crew The Rootabaga Opera Cast Installation Artists Rebecca Anders – Fishbug Dave Andres Michael Christian – Elevation Dan Das Mann and Karen Cusolito Department of Spontaneous Combustion Matisse Enzer – Flamethrower Shooting Gallery Exxothermia False Profit Labs Orion Fredericks Charlie Gadeken Gaspo Ryon Gesink Wally Glenn Justin Gray Kristin Hoard Interpretive Arson Jeremy Krentz Lil’ Ju Ju Pinball Catie Magee & Elizabeth Scott Mark Perez – The Life-Size Mousetrap Pyrokinetics Christian Ristow – The Hand of Man Alan Rorie – Neuron Chamber Alexander Rose and Camron Assadi Jon Sarriugarte Jack Schroll – El Diablo Patrick Scott Nate Smith – Fire Vortex Kal Spelletich Earl Stirling Mardi Storm Michael Sturtz Evan Tracy Team Gnome Maria Zhalnina Performance Artists Amanda Palmer Amanda Palmer is a performer most noted for being the lead singer, pianist, and lyricist/composer of the “Brechtian punk cabaret” duo The Dresden Dolls. {youtube}udHpzUnoHSk{/youtube} MySpace: www.myspace.com/whokilledamandapalmer page up Axis Dance Company Prepare to leave all your preconceptions at the door… AXIS Dance Company, one of the world’s most acclaimed and innovative ensembles of performers with and without disabilities, will change the way you think about dance and the possibilities of the human body forever. Founded in 1987, AXIS has become a jewel of contemporary dance and disability culture. AXIS has paved the way for a powerful contemporary dance form – physically integrated dance- performing in over sixty cities nationwide, as well as in Europe and Siberia. Website: www.axisdance.org page up Aziz Abbatiello Aziz Abbatiello has combined the practices of the Mevlevi Order with fire arts, a process that has led him on a seven-year path of discovery and refinement, culminating in a synergy of the fire arts and the practice of the “whirling dervish.” He trains under Postneshin Jelaluddin Loras, Pir of the Mevlevi Order of America. He also studies with Sheikh Sherif Baba, head of the Rifai Marufi Order. page up BlackKMahal BlacKMahal is a full band, complete with MCs and vocalists, that is based in San Francisco. Their immediate credibility is due in part to the lead vocalist and the ‘Godfather’ of the Dhol drum, Lal Singh Bhatti, an American and Indian music icon who lives in the Bay Area. The band formed serendipitously when Vijay Chattha, an active hip-hop DJ at the time, met Lal Singh at a wedding in the East Bay 5 years ago. The two began discussing music, and started toying with the idea of a project that spanned their respective tastes and experiences.BlacKMahal was formed shortly after and, with the help of some friends, they began making music that reflects Punjabi tradition in the context of timeless funk and contemporary hip-hop. They have been performing ever since at major venues including […]
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...