Escapes: Industrial haute couture in Oakland

Fiery fashion in the East Bay

There won’t be much cotton or satin at the Crucible’s annual Hot Couture fashion show. The nonprofit industrial arts school in Oakland offers classes in blacksmithing, ceramics, fire performance, electronics, neon, welding and so forth. It’s about the fine and industrial arts – and that’s what its haute-couture fashion show displays.

This year’s theme is the four elements: air, earth, fire and water. Ten teams of artists and designers will showcase dozens of their imaginative, wearable and often flaming art pieces. Hot Couture takes place at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Crucible, 1260 Seventh St., Oakland. Tickets cost $45 in advance and $60 at the door. Learn more at thecrucible.org.

Snowshoe tour

What: Join a Tahoe Donner group for a scenic snowshoe hike above Donner Lake. Even better, there will be a nearly full moon. Dress in warm layers and bring a headlamp or flashlight. Reserve at least 48 hours in advance.

When: 4:30-6:30 p.m. Saturday

Where: Trout Creek Recreation Center, 12790 Northwoods Blvd., Truckee

Cost: Free

Information: www.tahoedonner.com/snowplay

Chinese landscapes

What: Contemporary artists continue to be drawn to the landscape, arguably the most prominent painting style in China, as a way to explore the cultural as well as societal change. This exhibit, “Within and Without: Transformations in Chinese Landscapes,” features 15 works a variety of media interpreting both past and present China.

When: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays through Mondays through Jan. 12

Where: Cantor Arts Center, 328 Lomita Drive, Stanford

Cost: Free

Information: www.museum.stanford.edu

Animal tracking

What: Search muddy trails in the Tilden Nature Area for animal tracks, and select one to make a plaster cast. No registration required.

When: 9 a.m.-noon Jan. 4

Where: Tilden Nature Area in Tilden Regional Park, 2501 Grizzly Peak Blvd., Berkeley

Cost: Free

Information: (510) 544-2233; apm.activecommunities.com/ebparks

Foodies musical

What: Now in its third year, “Foodies! The Musical” claims to be the city’s longest-running original production. Laugh at all things foodie – eating habits, trends, restaurants, quirks – during comedic songs and sketches.

When: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through April 25

Where: The Shelton Theater, 533 Sutter St., San Francisco

Cost: $35 adults, $32 seniors and students

Information: www.foodiesthemusical.com

Marsh walk

What: Across the highway from Pescadero State Beach’s mile of sandy coves, tide pools and staggering cliffs find the Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve. There, spot birds, deer, foxes and more wildlife during a two-hour, docent-led nature walk. Dress in layers and bring a hat.

When: 10 a.m. Jan. 4

Where: Pescadero State Beach parking lot, Highway 1, Pescadero

Cost: Free

Information: wwww.parks.ca.gov

Bee Staff

This story was originally published December 27, 2014 at 4:00 PM with the headline "Escapes: Industrial haute couture in Oakland."