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Posted: Thursday, 23 April 2009 9:34AM
Kids Forge New Skills in the Industrial Arts
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OAKLAND (CBS 5) ― With the flick of a switch, a teenager brings an oxy-acetylene torch to life with a soft roar. He's getting used to handling the torch, but in the process, learning much more than how to weld.
"(They get) a greater sense of themselves, a greater sense of confidence," says Carla Hall. She says they're also learning "how to work with their hands and how to translate their ideas from paper, in their minds, into projects and sculpture."
Carla manages the Youth and Community Programs at The Crucible, a non-profit arts facility located in West Oakland. She and Director Kristy Alfieri are leading the way in introducing a new generation to fine and industrial arts.
"I think we share a common vision of purpose, just providing this great experience for young people when they walk though the door," explains Kristy. "I think that's what motivates us and keeps us excited after twelve-hour days!"
For almost four years, Carla and Kristy have created and coordinated programs for over 8,000 students, almost half of them on scholarships. They offer classes, workshops, and field trips. In addition to welding, there is foundry work, wood shop, glass sculpture, even bicycle building and repair.
All the programs take place under one giant roof: what used to be a paper tube factory is now a thriving industrial arts studio. With Kristy running the office, and Carla helping train the kids, this dynamic duo's youth programs run year-round.
High school student Kate says, "I think it's really cool, 'cause I get to do something really different instead of just sitting in a classroom all day."
Her fellow classmate Sam adds, " I know a lot of people use technology nowadays and less and less people are using their hands, so I like to be able to put stuff together like welding."
But this is all really about molding something more than metal.
Kristy explains, "They feel a sense of community and so I think that is really important to provide for young people."
And Carla says it gives the kids a great sense of pride: "Just real accomplishment from what they are doing."
So for inspiring a new generation of fine and industrial artists, this weeks Jefferson Award in the Bay Area goes to Carla Hall and Kristy Alfieri.
By Kate Kelly
Related Link:
* The Crucible
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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