Industrial Arts For Grown Ups

In Oakland, California, in a huge old industrial building, is the COOLEST school you'll ever see.
It's called The Crucible. Think high school industrial arts classes on steroids. Think blacksmithing, glass blowing, metal forging and welding, fire, grime and sweat.
If these things sound appealing then you have to dive in and take some classes.
Last year I took a Blacksmithing For Women class and it was the hardest two days I've ever spent and I loved every hot and dirty minute of it!
The Crucible offers all kinds of classes for men, women and teens. Woodworking, neon, glass flameworking, blacksmithing, foundry (wax working, metal casting, etc), ornamental ironwork, jewelry making, motorcycle maintenance...the list goes on and on.
As if this wasn't enough, they also offer - get this - fire eating fundamentals, stilt walking and contact juggling!
The Crucible is a must-see if you are in the area and a must-do if you love this kind of hands-on art creation!
Their annual Fire Arts Festival happens July 9-12, 2008. This is a one-of-a-kind art festival featuring the largest collection of fire and light sculpture on the West Coast.
Check out their website www.thecrucible.org