Hot Couture Artist and Designer Application

Call for Fashion Designers and Industrial Artists Application submission deadline at 10pm on September 25, 2016 The Crucible is seeking designer and artist submissions for Hot Couture 2017, our annual show integrating bold design, visionary fashion, and fire accessories. Our four-night event, February 16-19, 2017, will feature artists and designer teams creating haute couture concepts that illustrate the intersection between fashion, traditional industrial materials, and fabrication. For Hot Couture 2017, we are inspired by the boundary-defying showmanship of Prince. He embodies what we want for our fire fashion show: innovative artistry, iconic fashion, perpetual creativity, bold vision, and lots and lots of love. Like his collaboration with other talented artists, we encourage designers to build strong runway presentations that celebrate diversity and funk and excellence in all its forms. As such, the theme for the next Hot Couture will be “The Beautiful Ones”. The Hot Couture fashion shows will take place Thursday, February 16 to Sunday, February 19, 2017. The final dress rehearsal (open to the community) will be on Wednesday, February 15. An initial run through/fire rehearsal will be on Friday, February 10. The Crucible will provide a materials stipend for each designer/team selected. Designers will have access to The Crucible for meetings, production rehearsals, and several fabrication tools. All artists and designers will be credited for their work and the contracted designer will receive four complimentary tickets for one of the shows (night TBD). The Crucible will hire and staff all production details for the runway show. This includes lighting, pyrotechnics, ticketing, security, hospitality, and front of house. Designers are responsible for hiring their own models, makeup artists, and hair artists. Application process: Professional and amateur designers are welcome. To submit an application for inclusion in our next Hot Couture performance, send your biography, contact info, and proposal to [email protected]. Larger format files can be sent via dropbox or hard copies delivered in person to The Crucible. Please include the following in your submission: Minimum 500-word biography detailing your experience or desire to create wearable art. Include any details of past experience, exposure with runway shows, relationship to The Crucible, as well as name, address, email, phone number, and links to social media and/or websites. Minimum four head-to-toe wearable looks to be created for the runway. Sketches or photographs (jpegs) are acceptable formats. Designers will be allowed to have up to 8 designs during their walk in this year’s show. All completed looks must be imaginative and well executed. Wearable is a guideline. We ask that designers incorporate some sort of fire into their runway show and/or designs. All designs should be flame resistant. Women’s and men’s fashions are accepted and encouraged. Hair, makeup, and music ideas must also be included as part of the descriptions for each look. List of team members, including hair, makeup, models, or musicians, if known. Designers are responsible for enlisting their own models, as well as hair and makeup artists. Each team will be allowed one model per outfit (4-8), up to four artists/assistants and one photographer. Most designers submit music via […]

Tools to Table Open House

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. This 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: Cocktail 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 gallery walk Unveiling of our pre-apprentice program public art sculpture in the front yard Local artists and small businesses with wares for sale Drawing for a free Crucible class $25 discount on a class, if registered during the event Local food vendors will be on site to tempt your palates: Eat Play Events & Catering Zella’s Soulful Kitchen ChickPea Chick Far Leaves Tea Donut Savant No Worries Cuisine Truck […]

Fireside Lounge May 2016

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 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!

Fire & Light Soiree – 2016

Saturday, April 9, 6pm Cocktails | Dinner Performance | Live Art Auction Supporting The Crucible’s Education Programs   Please join us for this special evening in support of The Crucible! Help celebrate the contributions of special guest honorees Christopher and Camille Bently, on behalf of the Bently Foundation.   Enjoy fabulous music, dance, magic, and fire performance by the amazing Traveling Spectacular and marvel at incredible fire and light art installations by Orion Fredricks and Christopher Schardt.   Add to your art collection by taking home a piece of artwork from our art auction, featuring stunning sculptural works in metal, wood, ceramic and glass. Support The Crucible’s unique youth education program with our Fund-a-Need. Raise your paddle to make a 100% tax-deductible contribution to support industrial arts classes, camps and apprenticeship programs serving more than 5,000 young people annually. Reservations,  Tickets and Sponsorships For table reservations or sponsorships, please contact Sheri Kuehl, Development Director, at [email protected] or (510) 444-0919 x119. Individual tickets are $300 and available now for purchase online.     CORPORATE SPONSOR INFO   HOST COMMITTEE INFO     2015 Soiree Photo Gallery Click or tap to view photos of last year’s Fire and Light Soirée, a fabulous night of art, fire and friendship that raised over $215,000 for The Crucible’s many educational programs. Platinum Sponsor The Bently Foundation   Silver Sponsors AB&I Foundry — Kevin Doran Warren Breslau and Frances Hellman Lapis Group, Inc. James Madsen Renée Ventimiglia   Bronze Sponsors AB&I Foundry — Ted Ray Lauren and Steve Adams California Capital & Investment Group Jeremy Crandell Lori and Skip Fogarty Elizabeth Mumm Meier NetTempo Charles Olson and Yoko Watanabe Leslie Pritchett Schnitzer Steel Industries   Special Guest Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf   Board of Directors Lauren Brown Adams, Warren Breslau, Loretta Clarke, Jeremy Crandell, Kevin Doran, Lori Fogarty, Greg Hansen, Tanya Holland, Edward B. Kangeter IV, James Madsen, Charles R. Olson, Sean Orlando, Leslie Pritchett and Renée Ventimiglia  

2016 Soirée Auction Preview

2016 Fire & Light Soiree and Art Auction

COCKTAILS • DINNER • PERFORMANCE • ART AUCTION Please join us for this special evening in support of The Crucible! Help celebrate the contributions of special guest honorees Christopher and Camille Bently, on behalf of the Bently Foundation. Enjoy fabulous music, dance, magic, and fire performance by the amazing Traveling Spectacular and marvel at incredible fire and light art installations by Orion Fredricks and Christopher Schardt. Add to your art collection by taking home a piece of artwork from our art auction, featuring stunning sculptural works in metal, wood, ceramic and glass. Support The Crucible’s unique youth education program with our Fund-a-Need. Raise your paddle to make a 100% tax-deductible contribution to support industrial arts classes, camps and apprenticeship programs serving more than 5,000 young people annually. For table reservations or sponsorships, please contact Sheri Kuehl, Development Director, at [email protected] or (510) 444-0919 x119. Individual tickets are $300 and available now for purchase online.     CORPORATE SPONSOR INFO (pdf) HOST COMMITTEE INFO (pdf) Click or tap to view photos of last year’s Fire & Light Soirée, a fabulous night of art, fire and friendship that raised over $215,000 for The Crucible’s many educational programs.

2016 Fire & Light Soiree Photo Gallery

Spring Open House 2016

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 [email protected] 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!

Hot Couture 2016: The Fusion of Fashion & Fire

TWO BIG NIGHTS! Friday, Feb. 12, 2016 | 8 pm Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016 | 8 pm Doors Open At 7:30 pm The Crucible’s fiery fusion of fashion design and industrial art returns! One of our signature events, this multidisciplinary performance is a collaboration between local Bay Area fashion designers and industrial artists, mixing haute couture concepts with fine arts and industrial arts. With stunning, cutting edge looks, fire effects and three runway walks rivaling Milan, this is the East Bay’s annual can’t-miss fashion and art experience. And, famed Bay Area radio personality Sterling James will emcee the event! for the vibe! Also, the acclaimed El Paisa Taco Truck will be on site. Advance price tickets still available, but VIP packages are sold out. “… Burning Man meets Cirque du Soleil.” — KQED Arts FEATURED DESIGNERS Alexandra Candia Briana Schweizer Heather Wakefield Jennifer Remmers Jill Skinner (with Copper Chameleons, Madd Hats by Sonin and RADglow by Andrea) Lisa Jones Medium Reality Mercy Daae (with Erin Shredder) Norman Kyle Futrell Scatha G. Allison (with Domini Anne, Sophia Constance, Dawson Engler, Shabnam Q and Amanda Sage) Tansy Brooks & Angelique Benicio VIP PACKAGES FRIDAY: SOLD OUT SATURDAY: SOLD OUT Seats near the runway Includes complimentary beverages and hors d’oeuvres $100 in advance / $90 Crucible members $125 at door / $110 Crucible members GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS Standing only, no seats $45 in advance / $40 Crucible members $60 at door / $54 Crucible members Friday advance sales only until Friday @ 2 pm — after that, door prices at door Saturday advance sales only until Saturday @ 2 pm — after that, door prices at door Questions about this event? Email us for more information! BUY HERE LOCATION THE CRUCIBLE 1260 7th Street Oakland, CA 94607 Directions RULES & REGS No outside food or drink Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times Absolutely no pets (except service dogs) Smoking is only permitted in designated smoking areas PARKING FREE SECURE PARKING is available while space lasts, in the lot just west of The Crucible at 1300 7th Street. The Crucible also has a small parking lot on the corner of 7th & Union that will be available for both disabled placard parking and unattended parking. Those spaces are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and go quickly. There are also two paid parking lots in the vicinity that are often monitored. One is on Kirkham Avenue and the other is the 5th Street lot by BART. Please do not park in lots owned by local businesses or the residential area behind The Crucible, as your car may be towed. BART Ditch the car and don’t worry about parking! The Crucible is easily accessible by BART. From the West Oakland BART station, exit onto 7th Street, turn right and walk 2 blocks east to Union (at the 2nd light). The Crucible is on the northwest corner of 7th & Union, at 1260 7th Street. To plan […]

GIFTY 2015

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 McKeever Studios KrakenWhip Brenda’s Ceramics Skin Care by Felecia REDREDMELT Heart’s Desire Jewelry  Hart String Rusty Noodle Studios Malvoye Enterprises Farm Fresh to You Yes & Yes Designs Fleurette Sevin Artglass Gabrielle Lessard Kaya Sattva Jewelry Subverse Knitnut by JL The Latch Key Fabulous Fabulous Green Pisces Designs The Window Lady By Nieves: Handmade Natural Body Care One Hook Productions JFein Designs Tangleweeds Party Animals Aurelio Mucci Red Icebreaker NewPort Circle Designs NOMAglass RocknSocks Alex Brizicky Ceramics Praise the Gourd Tchoupuce-IsabelleClayArt  SteamPunk Garage Alison Morse Oh Cuddles! A Woven Thought Rose3 Creative Featherwieght Finery House of Honore Wave Tree Glass Pretty Fun Designs Night Side Studios Frankenstuffies latisha baker artworks Recover Your Thoughts Karlxhauser West Oakland Middle School- Phoenix Rising Carla Hall Metal Design Bici.Arte Things We Like & Transmogrify Silver & Bone King Bags Fatal Jewelry Emily Wiser Jewelry Wisdom The Girl & Rhino Dickinson Glass Red Ginkgo Brand Fine Jewelry