The Crucible is a nonprofit industrial arts studio in Oakland, California. Established in Berkeley in 1999, the institute was moved to its present location in 2003.
The mission of The Crucible is to foster a collaboration of Arts, Industry and Community. Through training in the fine and industrial arts, The Crucible promotes creative expression, reuse of materials, and innovative design while serving as an accessible arts venue for the general public. The Crucible offers more than 500 classes to over 4,000 students annually in bronze casting, mold making, woodworking, neon, welding, jewelry making, glass working, blacksmithing, kinetic sculpture, and fire performance.
Dedicated to the creative use of fire and light, The Crucible mounts innovative and stunning public events and fund raisers that unite artists from diverse disciplines. Executive Director, Michael Sturtz, has created two fire operas, a fire ballet, and a burning version of Homer's Oddyssey, in addition to the annual Fire Arts Festival held in July.
As a non-profit organization, The Crucible relies on annual membership donations, grants and individual donations, in addition to tuition to keep the fires burning. A vibrant volunteer community has been the foundation of success, and The Crucible welcomes people with skills and time to donate. [1][2]
