Being a welding teacher at an industrial arts school is just about the best job I have had. The kids are great and inspiring. I have been working with an amazing industrial arts school in West Oakland called the Crucible They concentrate on industrial arts, which encompasses many disciplines; to include welded sculpture, casting, blacksmithing, neon, glass working and jewellery.
It is a very unique and interesting place. I am currently working with the youth program, teaching arc welding, mig welding, oxy acetylene torch and plasma cutting to ages 11 – 17. It is refreshing to see how easily they come up with their sculpture ideas from the available scrap.
They cover a fantastic range of classes for adults and youth in a facility that has so much equipment taught by skilled and enthusiastic staff.
I have been involved with the wider community around the Crucible for years and now I am working there I can’t help but ask myself why I didn’t get involved sooner. Check it out, even if you are far away, just think of the fun you could have had as your 12 yr old self shown how to use a cutting torch and set loose in a scrap pile! With your parents permission and under supervision of the watchful eye of those that are passionate about teaching you. It seems like several of the kids have taken a few classes here over the years and I am talking to 14 year olds who have done arc and MIG welding and now want to move onto TIG.
Wicked rockabilly welded steel sculpture from one of the interns at the Crucible. This pic was taken before the hands and comb were added.
It is pretty amazing. There need to be more places like this in the world.
Check them out here and be inspired to widen your arts abilites: http://thecrucible.org/
