Support Local Artists

2. Attend in-person events and GIFTY 2021!

As spaces have begun to re-open, attend in-person events if you are able and comfortable. After our all-virtual event last year, we are thrilled to be hosting our annual GIFTY Craft Show & Open House in person this holiday season. Join us from December 3-5 for three days of the best shopping in the Bay Area. Find all your holiday gifts made by a variety of local artists, craftspeople, and Crucible faculty. With metalworkers, ceramicists, jewelers, artisan bath suppliers, chandlers, and so much more, you are sure to find something for everyone on your list.

3. Donate to your favorite arts organizations

Support organizations that make your community happier, more creative, and more empowered.

Here are a few ways you can support your favorite arts organizations:

• Donate What You Can (and consider making it monthly): Recurring donations are the most sustainable way for arts organizations and nonprofits to stay afloat. Check your favorite local arts organization’s website for ways to donate online. If you’d like to donate to The Crucible, click here!
• Become a Member: Many arts organizations offer membership opportunities, which often come with awesome perks. At The Crucible, members get access to two weeks of early registration and 10% off class tuition.
• Get A Gift Certificate: Buying a gift certificate helps support arts organizations.

4. Promote on social media

Share your favorite artists’ online and in-person classes, or help promote their products. A testimonial can go a long way for any small business owner, so drop a personal endorsement on social media to help support their creative endeavors. Many artists and local businesses are heavily impacted by online reviews—show your support by giving them 5-stars on Yelp, Facebook, or Google Business. A detailed, kind message of why you love their business can be transformative for an up-and-coming artisan.

5. Order a custom commission

Order a commission from artists. Whether it is a table from your favorite woodworker or a set of forged hooks from your favorite blacksmith, a commission will have you feeling at home in no time. It also doesn’t have to happen right now. Many commissions include a 50% deposit when placing your order, with the remaining 50% due upon delivery. It is a great way to offer financial support with flexibility.

Here are a few Crucible artists offering custom work:

• Design your own hand-forged table made by blacksmith Celeste Flores.
• Order a set of custom wheel-thrown bowls from ceramicist Cathy Niland.
• Create custom glass memories with artist Mojgan Saberi.

How The Crucible is supporting local artists

Part of supporting our working artists right now is connecting them with you. We are working to bring the magic of The Crucible artistic community online with opportunities to buy art directly from our artists and from December 3-5, you can shop local, handcrafted wares at this year’s GIFTY!

“The Crucible is an important part of supporting the American Handcrafted movement, but also has programs that support BIPOC artists and much-needed increased representation in jewelry and craft,” Creek Van Houten of Compass Rose Design, a Giving Back At GIFTY Vendor shared.