Author Archives: anna

Stephen Bruce featured by SF Chronicle

“Dominica” by abstract artist Stephen Bruce was inspired by the Caribbean island’s “green of the Atlantic and the blue of the sky.”

Red Umbrellas is chance to meet artists
Stephanie Wright Hession
April 4, 2013

On an afternoon in mid-March at Nob Hill’s Huntington Park, overlooked by the grand facade of Grace Cathedral, surrounded by neatly manicured lawns, and near the Fountain of the Tortoises, a group of fine artists exhibited their work on crisp, ebony displays beneath a cluster of crimson hued umbrellas.

Art & Industry Open Studios Showcase

Please join us May 11-18 for an interactive, behind-the-scenes look at the community of artists and innovators that make up American Steel Studios.

Not just open studios
On Saturday and Sunday May 11-12, our studios will be open to the public. But that’s not all. We’re also planning a full day of tours, demonstrations, performances and artist talks on Saturday May 11 plus so much more.

The exhibit
Our member show will fill 6,000 square feet of inside gallery space spilling outside into our courtyard and will feature the work of our incredibly talented and diverse community.

Planning is underway and more information is coming! Follow our progress and get the latest information by joining our Facebook event. To stay up-to-date on all of the latest happenings at American Steel Studios, sign up for our newsletter here.

Press and media
For advance Art + Industry information and images, or to arrange for a tour or interview with one of our participants, email Matt Fisher.

Ethiopian Cooking Class April 21st

Ethiopian Spice: Cooking Class

date : April 21, 2013
time : 2-5pm
locale : 1296 18th Street, West Oakland, CA
more info : www.brundo.com

Featuring great gift sets: Ethiopian Coffee Sets, Incense sets, Tea kits, Cookware, Serving Bowls, Candle Sets, Chanukah Candles Holders, Table-ware, Vases, Spices, Exotic Blends, Organic Herbs and much more….

Classes are followed by a sit-down meal with honey wine.

You will have an opportunity to purchase all the necessary spices to recreate the meal; we are also excited to offer the new book, Ethiopian Pepper & Spice!!

This event is sold out! But don’t worry! They have added a class for April 27th! Contact Brundo for more details.

Brundo is now offering bimonthly classes. The first class of the month is vegan, the second includes a meat dish.

They also host a weekly coffee ceremony Saturday’s from 2-3 at their Telegraph location

to RSVP: lea@brundo.com

Pantry Labs

One of the greatest things that could happen to a 24 hr facility with as many hard working, creative, and HUNGRY artists and innovators as we have just walked through our door. Pantry Labs is a new company dedicated to bringing fresh and healthy food and drinks to the people 24hrs a day, 7 days a week in the form of their fresh food kiosks. Recently signing with Natural Choice (5427 Telegraph Ave) as their food provider, they are furthering their dedication to keeping things local.

Their proprietary technology was developed to supply offices and warehouses like ours to scale. Pantry is an RFID enables and touch pad controlled refrigerated kiosk that operates around the clock. This technology allows them to monitor real time inventories and refresh items in a timely fashion. This technology also creates an amazing user experience that involves simply the swipe of a credit card – no self-checkout, no pressing buttons – just open the glass door and take what you’re craving. American Steel is proud to be the first placement for Pantry that involves this great new technology!

Our Own Pantry Lab can be found in Bay 6!

Founded by Art Tkachenko, Alex Yancher, and Tony Chen, this team has changed the game for food options in the Bay Area.

Art Tkachenko: Art came up with the idea for Pantry, during a late night food run for his teammates. However nothing was open, so this food run didn’t end with a satisfying meal, but rather an idea that blossomed into Pantry – a kiosk that offers real food 24-7. Art is currently responsible for all facets of the technology that allows for a superb user experience with the Pantry kiosk and a super-efficient inventory management system.

Alex Yancher: Alex joined Art in his mission to provide fresh and healthy meals and snacks because of his passion for healthy eating and bringing transformational businesses into existence. Alex is currently responsible for all operations related to establishing the supply chain, customer acquisition and business development.

Tony Chen: Tony is a foodie and finds cooking high on his hobbies list. He believes hard-working professionals should have access to delicious and healthy food whenever they want. Tony is responsible for software and hardware, but most importantly, a great user experience.

Open Shop with the Department of Spontaneous Combustion Tuesday 7-10pm

Join the Department of Spontaneous Combustion!

At the Department of Spontaneous Combustion, artists play with propane, welders, robots, the ill-advised, and the incongruent. Idle thoughts have a way of turning into oversized, flaming, blinking, moving art!

The DSC includes a full metalworking shop , electronics lab, and a pool lounge. They are always looking for new members who want to unleash beauty, terror, and awe upon the world.

They are currently reaching out for new members and people interested in utilizing the shop on a drop-in basis! They offer a variety of storage space rentals and a place for workshop hosting. A good place to get started is the OPEN SHOP every Tuesday evening, 7-10pm. It’s a good time to get your hands dirty, acquire new skills, and network within the community.

Where: American Steel Studios Bay 4

Day: Every Tuesday

Time: 7-10pm

More info: departmentof@spontaneousfire.com

Offering a variety of storage space rentals and a place for workshop hosting, this is the perfect opportunity time to get your hands dirty, acquire new skills, and network within the community.

receive updates at www.facebook.com/spontaneousfire.

An Eye for Style Fashion Academy Reunion Fashion Show June 15th

An Eye For Style Fashion Academy was born in West Oakland in January of 2003. Positioning young people in the Fashion and Design industry with the necessary entrepreneurial skills to succeed in the field, they cultivate the natural skills inside young people who love fashion. Come celebrate the alumni of the program at their Reunion Fashion Show featuring special guest designers and performances by Real Money and Darling Bonnie.

The Department of Spontaneous Combustion is Looking for New Members!

Ethiopian Vegan Cooking Class with Brundo April 13

Ethiopian Spice: Vegan Cooking Class

date : April 13, 2013
locale : 1296 18th Street, West Oakland, CA
more info : www.brundo.com

Classes are followed by a sit-down meal with honey wine.

You will have an opportunity to purchase all the necessary spices to recreate the meal; we are also excited to offer the new book, Ethiopian Pepper & Spice!!

Brundo is now offering bimonthly classes. The first class of the month is vegan, the second includes a meat dish.

They also host a weekly coffee ceremony Saturday’s from 2-3 at their Telegraph location

to RSVP: lea@brundo.com

The Crucible’s 8th Annual Fire & Light Soirée and Art Auction

Industrial artists, acrobatic performers and The Crucible team are busy preparing for the 8th Annual Fire & Light Soirée and Art Auction. The industrial art studio will once again transform into a stunning setting of art, fine food, wine, performance and fiery effects. Under the direction of Jo Kreiter, this year’s performance will feature an acrobatic spectacle by Flyaway Productions in collaboration with composer Mark Growden.

The Crucible will be honoring Dennis Bartels, Executive Director of the Exploratorium, for his enthusiastic support of the art community. Dennis has been an advocate for the cultivation of creative thinking and informal learning environments amongst young people and adults believing that these types of classrooms have the most lasting impact on young minds. Dennis works with artists, scientists, collaborators and Exploratorium staff to design exhibits which mirror his own vision of encouraging learning by doing through hands-on experiences for people of all ages.

All guests will enjoy an amazing performance in our fire and light filled industrial art studio, a delectable three-course dinner by Grace Street Catering with fine wines, and a live auction of beautiful fire-crafted art. We want to thank at American Steel Studios artists Carrie Iverson and Jeremy Scidmore, and all the other amazing community members who have come together and donating pieces to the Art Auction.

All proceeds from this event directly support The Crucible’s educational programs.

Learn More about The Crucible

Find out More about Fire and Light and purchase your tickets to this years event!

Pretty Lady

One of our favorite restaurants… meet Pretty Lady

On the corner of Peralta and 18th street sits a diner residents of Oakland have come to love. Upon entering it’s doors you will be seated at a wrap around breakfast bar, greeted by the lovely Sung with a fist bump, and offered a hot cup of coffee. The menu offers both breakfast and lunch options including omelettes, pancakes, french toast topped with powdered sugar, hamburgers, sandwiches, and soup. This hidden gem is frequented and loved by the American Steel Community. It has become a cozy way to enjoy a meal away from home, yet feel right at home!

Great food, great prices! Also offering take-out: order by phone or walk-in

pretty lady
hours : Monday – Saturday 7a.m – 2pm
locale : 1733 Peralta St Oakland, CA 94607
phone : 510.832.1213

Photo credit: Foodio54.com