Before I started this review, my son said "How many stars should we give art camp?" and when I asked how many he wanted to give, he emphatically said "5 Stars!" LOL the child has spoken! 5 stars it is! There are so many camps to chose from in the East Bay but what we have been loving about Aran's Art Camp is the intimate group size: there's no more than 10 kids per art camp and we've lucked out with an even smaller group during our time here. The camp is taught by a mix of Aran herself and her staff and they've been nothing but wonderful. My kiddo comes home from art camp every day bursting at the seams about everything he's worked on and learned (giving me safety tips about glass fusing and teaching me what a pinch pot is!) and he looks forward to going back each day. Each week is a different theme so if you wanted to sign up for multiple sessions, your child will definitely be working on something different each time. While the hours are 10-2, they offer before and after care for an additional fee which basically turns this into an all day camp if you were to maximize on the 9-3 aspect of it. There's a lot of half day camps out there so if you use their before and after camp, you get a good chunk of the day covered! Lastly, they go to the park every day after lunch to let them move around and get some sunshine and Fridays is pizza day! My kid said he would love to come back to art camp again next summer. read more

Such a cute art studio with a variety of artsy activities! They have a variety of colors of paint along with a lot of different things to paint. It's pretty quiet in here compared to other places which I love! Parking is super easy since it's in a plaza, the people that work at this studio are super friendly and nice, and they offer so many other activities - I saw a kids painting night happening before, they have glass fusing, etc. They also have an area in the back where it looks like they do most of the classes so the pottery painting is almost always available!! read more

What a wonderful art studio in a way for kids to get a little messy and express their art I absolutely love this place and a great way to spend a couple hours with your kids or your nieces. Highly recommend stopping by and showing your creativity. read more

Aran's Art Studio - Art Classes Near Me - Castro Valley, California

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We came here because our daughter loves art and she wanted to make something for her birthday. They have different mediums you can work (pottery painting and glass fusing) with but my daughter wanted to paint and fire a piece of pottery so we did that. They are open 7 days/week and you can either drop in by yourself or they do group events and classes too, which is cool. They had a whole wall of pottery items to choose from and a bunch of paints as well. The owner helped us get set up and was very friendly and encouraging to my daughter. She had a great time doing her pottery piece and we were able to pick up the finished piece several days later and it turned out great! read more

Its great creating art here. Getting to create and be at peace is priceless. Its where i keep coming back as its fun read more

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I have recently spent a fair amount of time at Aran's Art Studio in the Castro Valley Village. I had last been in that shop about 25 years ago, with my restless kids, so they could paint some plates to be "theirs" for dinner. I wandered in a couple of weeks ago hoping to shake off an excess of my own restlessness. I found glass fusion art. And hours of quiet contemplation of various shades of blue, the possibilities of transparent and solid colors, the trickiness and unpredictability of the shape and sizes of glass that you snip with shears. And, surprisingly for a lifelong introvert, some undemanding but interesting conversations with strangers as we sorted through broken glass. There are other art options at Aran's -- the ceramic painting I mentioned (both dishware and decorative pieces), enamel pours, painting on canvas, and probably a couple of other options I can't remember at the moment. But for now, I want the risk and light-fed beauty of glass. Glass is so sturdy, so fragile, it demands you look, it disappears, it colors what you see and feel. It's a wannabe writer's metaphor for life. read more

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Such a fun and creative class. Extremely accommodating for a team outing. We loved our piece of art a week later when we picked it up.

What a fun experience! We came here last Saturday for a painting class. We had a large party smd the team was super accommodating! Aran is lovely, she was so friendly and patient with our decision making. Jessica is amazing, she helped our class make beautiful pieces and patient as a Saint. (There was wine. A LOT of wine) Can't wait to come back with the kids next month! read more

Great prices and kind staff. Would definitely go again! It was good fun for the family

It has been a little bit since I stopped by Aran's art studio but I have painted some fun ceramics with family members. It's so cool to see everyone get excited about what they will create when they are here. I even love people watching when walking past....not in a creeper way, more like it reminds me of a Hallmark holiday movie when that place is bustling with creativity. They seem to have paint parties which I am excited to try. It's always fun to bring something new and artsy home to liven up the space and this is a great place to pick something out and d make it your own. read more

Came here the other day with my friend since we been wanting to do ceramic painting for a while. I decided on Aran's Art Studio since it's close to us and pick up would be easier. We arrived around 12, the studio was empty expect for an older lady (not sure if owner or employee) that was at the desk in the back. She allowed us to browse and choose our ceramic piece we wanted to paint and would guide us through the paint selection. Once we chose our pieces, she told us to leave the pieces on the table and to follow her to the paint and supplies section. She began to explain the paints and the overall process, I would respond to her instructions with "okay" and "sounds good". However, she cut me off and told me to "quit saying okay since she not done explaining". Excuse me? I honestly felt very uncomfortable since I was actively listening to her explain and she basically told me to shut up. Once she walked away, I was so close to telling my friend we should leave however we have been looking forward to painting and visiting this place. We both felt very uncomfortable and the energy just felt off, like we were bothering her. Whatever, we continued painting our pieces. The lady ended up leaving, and two younger ladies took over which lightened the mood since they were both super kind. Still haven't gotten our pieces back so we're waiting patiently to get a text that they're ready. Still unsure if we would return to this place for another round of ceramic painting. The lady's attitude was pretty off putting and we just felt like scolded kids. Disappointed since I saw so many positive reviews and wanted to give this place a shot. read more

The staff is so kind and helpful! Fun, peaceful environment. We fused glass for the first time and it was so fun read more

Aran's Art Studio - Art Classes Near Me - Castro Valley, California

Amazing and helpful staff. The atmosphere of the shop is very inviting and full of creativity! I have been here multiple times for many different occasions and it has never disappointed. Lots of different crafts to choose from and the possibilities are only limited to what you can think of, as cheesy as it sounds. read more

I recently took my niece and nephew here on separate occasions for glass fusing and their final ornaments turned out amazing! Really nice activity to do with loved ones! We had so much fun and it wouldn't have been the same experience without Meredith! Meredith was extremely helpful, positive and fun to work with! Aran's art studio is lucky to have her! read more

been here a few times with my friend/s to pottery paint and we love it every time :) everyone there is always very helpful and we are always happy with our pieces ! read more

This place is amazing!!! If I lived closer I would be here more often! Kristi welcome us and walked us through what to do. It's a very casual environment! We went during the weekday for our anniversary. I can't wait to be back and bring my kids! There are so many fun options! So much space to be creative! Can't wait to pickup our fired product! read more

Aran's Art Studio - The piece we made prior to firing. - Art Classes Near Me - Castro Valley, California

Came by this past weekend and had a blast with friends painting pottery pieces. The process was simple and it was very relaxing. A great activity to do with your friends or bringing your kids. After you're done you bring your painted items to the checkout. They'll put them in the kiln and they'll be ready within 7-10 days. Basically they'll text you when pick-up is ready. We were there for a couple hours which was plenty of time. I'd go again because I love things like this. read more

What a fantastic place! I just discovered Arian's recently, and absolutely love it. The staff is friendly and helpful, prices are reasonable, and they offer both structured classes and DIY painting and glass fusing. I've taken one class so far, and the instructor was knowledgeable and helpful. I would definitely recommend them, and plan to return often. read more

Aran's art Studio is wonderful and we've been coming here for over a decade. My kids really love creating masterpieces. Thestaff members are all kind and very creative. Clover is a sweetheart!!! read more

I worked with Kristi for a month to plan a nice and fun afternoon for my daughter's 9th birthday and it came out perfect. They were very accommodating and gave us 2 hours. The girls painted the first hour and then cleaned up and we sang happy birthday and passed around cupcakes, juice boxes, and fruit cups. Then we took pictures and cleaned up. They don't usually allow more than 2-3 adults inside but let us have a couple extra parents stay and help. We will definitely return and hope to have more parties in the near future with them! read more

Aran's Art Studio - Birthday party for 12 girls - Art Classes Near Me - Castro Valley, California

This review is based on a finished product! My daughter is 2 , she was so excited to do this, she had a blast, everything was great they have a huge variety of paint and things to paint, we chose a fish and a fox:) after we have to leave it for them to gloss it I guess, we came to pick it up, and fish was broken, no one said anything they just gave it to us.. my daughter was upset she was really forward to keep it in her room.. read more

Aran's Art Studio - Broken :( - Art Classes Near Me - Castro Valley, California

My daughter and her friends, 6 people total, on a Saturday afternoon. we walked in and the person who was here was really friendly. She explained everything to the girls who didn't know how this was done and they spent a lovely afternoon painting, pottery. This is a great place for a birthday or just to hang out with a friend for a couple hours and do some fun art read more

We took a group of kids to paint today and everyone had a great time decorating their mugs, boxes, and bowls. The space accommodates groups well and they are well stocked for many different kinds of art projects. They also do not rush you out of the studio so the kids could finish their pieces. We would have stayed longer but we became very uncomfortable after an employee informed us that they had a policy of "not letting parents help their children with their art". I say OK but I am trying to figure out what the issue was. Was this about the money? I would gladly have paid something to not be spoken to in a rude tone or made to feel like a bad parent for modeling a technique (took about one minute) before handing the brush over to my daughter. The worst part was that we were with friends who had given us gift certificates to enjoy creating together (our daughters are best friends) and this whole situation really spoiled the outing. Because of the interaction I had, the younger kids in our group were afraid to ask for help and that should never happen. Everyone should enjoy making art with whatever and whoever they want. That is the beauty of art. If you think people are trying to get out of buying pottery then apply a sitting charge or raise the price on the pottery itself. Personally, I think encouraging "your inner artist" should also mean encouraging collaboration and supporting teaching practices that promote personal interest in art. I am a second grade teacher and I do all that I can to support the arts and our local businesses but I am not sure I will return. read more

My family and I love this place. They have classes for kids and adults. And it's not very expensive. We come here at least once a month. read more

Aran's Art Studio - My daughter did this ice cream bowl. She just loves the speckled paint they have. - Art Classes Near Me - Castro Valley, California

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Came across this super cute art studio with a friend. Had so much it was our first time playing with glass art. Very relaxing almost like meditation. Highly recommend. read more

Aran's Art Studio - Glass Art - Art Classes Near Me - Castro Valley, California

It's my first time here and I LOVE IT!! Everyone is so friendly here and very helpful! I happened to come here during the "Adult Night" and it was very chill. Aran is very sweet and she really make you feel like home. I am not an artist but I really want to make something as a Christmas' gifts for my family and my friend told me about it so I gave it a try. I really like it. The atmosphere is very warm and Aran is very helpful. She showed me around and told me I can get anything I want. I am planning to go back and paint some more for Christmas gifts again this year. I am very excited and strongly recommend this place to everyone. they have all kinds of events going on, sign up for their newsletters, its really fun and relaxing place to be in. read more

Online classes were not right for our 6-year old, but would be perfect for an 8-12 year old. I wish they were more direct with how to use these new materials. -- IMO, the best way to learn effective creativity is to know the 'rules' of any medium, and learning how and when to break those rules later. The instructor was nice, but offered little guidance. She answered any questions, but was difficult to work with since she was hesitant to offer unsoliceted advice. The materials were high quality, and the end results were well finished by the staff. Bonus star for calling and reminding us to pick up art well after art camp was complete, and having flexible pickup hours. read more

Paid for a class to find out that she was teaching us something she just watched on YouTube that same day. The whole class was chaos and the way she speaks to paying customers is appalling. I definitely do not recommend spending your money or time here. It was very disappointing and maybe she used to be great but it seems that those days are long gone. read more

I have thrown a little paint party here before when i was younger. We all got a tile and painted whatever we wanted on it and i got a birthday plate as well. I decided to go back recently so I went and did another tile but for my living room to match the color scheme. I was so in love with how cute the tile looked that i went back the next day to do one for my bedroom color scheme. read more

Aran's Art Studio - Art Classes Near Me - Castro Valley, California

Such a great space and opportunity to come and let your inner artist out! Aran is a gracious, knowledgeable and talented hostess. She can get you started and let you run wild, while helping gently to make your vision of your piece come alive. I spent a great birthday afternoon here, exploring a new art medium, in glass-fusing. There were so many choices, limitless opportunities and so simple. You can plan ahead and book a party or just walk in. A fabulous gem right in Castro Valley. read more

We had such a great experience painting with Clover! They were kind, attentive, and very knowledgeable on what to do. Great service! What a fun activity to do with some old friends during the holiday season! read more

Aran is very rude and when I went to pick up my items she was not wearing her mask. Some of the other costumers (I assume they were) weren't wearing their mask either. We are in a pandemic. Wear your mask. read more

I took the Itsy bitsy in a couple days last week to get someof her drawings immortalized for her mom and family members. She isn't quite 4 yet. We went as soon as the opened and they were great about getting up started and then just leaving us to the creative process. No one cared that we had 20 paintbrushes and multiple pallettes. We painted two days in a row and a week later we got called to pick up our stuff. they told us upfront it took about a week to fire everything. She giftd her peeps last night and they were THRIILED! We will most definitely be back! I cannot wait until she is older and we can try the glass projets. There was an art camp in progress one day for older kids(pre middle school) and they were having a great time. read more

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Amazing service and attention to detail. My kids love painting memories and giving hand crafted gifts so this is a perfect place to do those things. read more

I love Aran's Art Studio! It's awesome for kids and adults alike! Yes, it CAN get a bit pricey, but in this case, you really DO get what you pay for! Quality service and products! You can paint ceramics, pictures or do glass works...take your pick - with or without instruction! They offer classes....and LOTS of fun pieces to pick from!! Excellent for Birthday Parties, Classes or even a Mom's Night Out (with wine)!! It's a big enough place for it ALL! Thank you Aran, friends & staff for always being so accommodating and flexible! read more

So nice to have a place for my kids to do ceramic artwork. The lady that was working was welcoming and helpful and just let me and my kids do our thing. Took about three days the artwork to be ready for pick up. The kids want to go back, we definitely will. read more

Aran's Art Studio - Art Classes Near Me - Castro Valley, California

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This was a really fun experience for myself and two kids ages 10 & 8. We had a great time painting our cups. We will have to return to do other art projects. Even considered hosting my children's birthday parties here. read more

Aran's Art Studio - Art Classes Near Me - Castro Valley, California

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Not only is this the best place I know to take my grandchildren (one at a time!) for a happy, easy activity, but it is my go to place for a playdate with friends ... and today I discovered I can leave my glass piece there and go back in to finish it at any time!! Woohoo!! Sure beats hanging out at Starbucks with a book when I need to get away!! The staff are amazing - friendly and very helpful. They make you feel competent. Very reasonably priced and truly way cheaper than therapy! read more

I absolutely love this place! The staff is so knowledgeable and everyone is always si cheerful! I painted myself a mug, and there color selection is astounding!! You couldn't dream of more! Recently a younger lady named meridith helped me with some art and she was so warm and welcoming I really felt like family. I will definitely be coming back!! read more

My previous review is almost six years old, so I guess I'll refresh it. Aran's is one of those places I forget about more often than I should. I should remember to bring the kids here during Thanksgiving break to make some special ornaments for ourselves and family and friends. I should remember to come here with the kids when the school has random days off. I should come here more often with girl friends to get away from the aforementioned kids for a few blissful hours of chit chat and creativity. This time, for Mother's Day, I *did* remember to come here. A couple of months ago, my mom had offhandedly mentioned that she thought this was great, but would not want anyone to pay $50 for it. http://www.thewirelesscatalog.com/cgi-bin/hazel.cgi?action=DETAIL&ITEM=VL2772&websource=rssfeed&source_code=R02RS1 It really does sum up her culinary style. So I got this brilliant idea for me and the kids to make something similar for her at Aran's. With our own flair of course. We'll do it tomorrow, a spring break day. It should be ready in plenty of time for Mother's Day. And next week I may just come back with a girlfriend. read more