Art Transforms Lives

Please help us raise $150,000 before the year ends so local youth can discover the expansive possibilities of their creativity.

The Lives You Transform: Phoenix and Mingus Baaqee

13-year-old twins, Phoenix and Mingus Baaque have been taking classes at The Crucible since age eight. Every summer, they find more purpose and grounding in their art practice. Both describe classes at The Crucible as a respite from the most challenging parts of life.

For so many youth and families, industrial arts classes provide innumerable benefits. Youth find social/emotional support, community-building, stress relief, and new ways of thinking—benefits Phoenix and Mingus’ mom, Charmin, sees in their daily lives.

“Children need access to art-making spaces like The Crucible because art is interwoven into everything we do. It has taught my kids to be better musicians, better scientists, better stewards of the planet. It also translates in the ways they show up in school or at home. You see them taking initiative.”

Phoenix and Mingus are just two examples of how industrial art transforms lives. Your meaningful gift before December 31 will guarantee access to powerful arts education for thousands of youth, regardless of income.

Help Transform Lives With Our $10,000 Challenge Fund

The Crucible is committed to keeping the industrial arts accessible to everyone interested, no matter their financial income. An anonymous donor hopes to inspire you to show your support by offering a $10,000 Challenge Fund.

If 250 individuals donate before December 31, we will unlock an additional $10,000. That means a gift of any size can help unlock even more support for Bay Area youth!

“I just feel good when I’m making art. I feel like I don’t have anything to worry about, like I’m in a very calm space. It’s a good coping mechanism and it gives me purpose.”

– Mingus Baaqee, Youth Summer Camp Student, age 13

“I just feel good when I’m making art. I feel like I don’t have anything to worry about, like I’m in a very calm space. It’s a good coping mechanism and it gives me purpose.”

– Mingus Baaqee, Youth Summer Camp Student, age 13

With Your Support, In 2023 We Will

Free Classes for Low-Income BIPOC youth and adults

Offer 100+ scholarships to youth and adults for industrial and fine art classes

Free access to safe, working bicycles and bike mechanic training

Provide free bike mechanics training and bike repair to over 400 youth and adults through our Earn-A-Bike Program, Open Bike Shop Hours, Femme bike Night, Bike Fix-A-Thons, and offsite events.

Provide expanded opportunities for high school students

Through our Fuego Youth Leadership Program, up to 15 Crucible students ages 14-18 will access mentorship and paid teaching assistant positions

Invest in the leaders of tomorrow

Continue to grow our new workforce development programs for youth pursuing careers as instructors, fabricators, and creative business owners.

Have Questions About Your Gift?

[email protected]
510.444.0919 x115