My family and I feel totally blessed to have found this local gem. Our son is completely obsessed with his art classes here and looks forward to coming each week... SO much in fact, that the one time we had to reschedule, he cried. Gaby is sweet, patient, encouraging, and exceptionally warm. She does so much to inspire creativity and exploration. I can't recommend this place enough. read more

Art Abloom is one of the most fun spaces to nurture my creative spirit. OK, so I'm a grown up! And Art Abloom has a lot of classes for kids. And yet it was by connecting to my kid part that I felt nurtured by Gabi and her beautiful assistants (often her children). What a treat to paint, throw pots, be inspired. Gabi is multi-talented and has a gift of nurturing the creative geniuses in us all. I highly recommend taking a class or stopping by...maybe even have your 75th birthday party at Art Abloom. Thanks Gabi, I think I'll be coming back soon. xo, Marcia read more

My daughter just had her 8th birthday party here - we had a group of 11 kids total. Each kid had three art projects to complete in a relaxed atmosphere with 2 wonderful and friendly helpers who ran the process from start to finish and provided advice to kids when needed. We had snacks + drinks set up on table in back. Wonderful place! All kids had fun creating their art and got to take it home! read more

How can I summarize my feelings about Art Abloom in just a few sentences?? I am deeply grateful for Gabey and what she offers. My son is 5 and has been going in weekly since he was 4. Whatever idea the child has, she will help them execute. We all know how frustrated kids get when doing crafts with their own parents. Send them to Art Abloom! Gabey is truly a professional when it comes to children. She is encouraging and inspiring without patronizing. She magically pushes them towards independence, even if they hit that point of "I can't do this", she gets them moving forward. Building confidence! I also think what her students feel and appreciate is that she he has created a place for total creative freedom. At home it's a lot of "no" you can't use the glue gun, no you can't use glitter, no no no. Some examples of projects he's come home with: a garage for his hot wheels, a mosaic mirror, a portrait of his favorite Pokemon, a homemade leather wallet with little faux credit cards, a necklace for mom. He even used the ceramic wheel and made himself a little "maple syrup dipping bowl" which he's proud to use at home! The options are endless in her studio! Kids love it. read more

After an unfortunate fire destroyed the studio on Sir Francis Drake, the studio moved to an even better space at 1527 San Anselmo Ave. This has got to be the most encouraging atmosphere ever for creating art. Gaby Drake has an amazing talent for dealing with children of all ages. She is able to bring out creativity through facilitation and not instruction. The experience feels more like an individual art exploration and not a class where art is expected to be learned in a specific way. Gaby provides an impressive assortment of materials and knowledge which constantly opens up the world of art to her students. New ideas are always welcome and individual style is celebrated. I wish that i had experienced this way of self explored art when i was a child. My daughter cannot get enough time at Art Abloom where she is always excited, confident and proud of her finished product! read more

We can't say enough good things about Gaby's studio art classes. They are not really "classes" but studio time where Gaby guides (not directs) as much or as little as you wish on as many or few projects as you want to try in a two hour period. Gaby has a special gift with young children - helping them to see that their ideas are important and worth expressing. This is no "formula" art class. Rather, a class where the joy truly is in the journey and children are treated as the creative beings that they are. Other classes may be less expensive but, you know the saying, you get what you pay for and with Gaby, you get even more than you pay for!!!! Love it! read more

Ok personally I dropped out of art school because I felt like they were squashing my creativity by giving me assignments and telling me what to do..at art abloom kids and adults have free range to make create and love every second of the creative process without the worry or stress of trying to impress a teacher or anyone other than yourself. There is no curriculum just a mass of different mediums at your child's fingertips..want to make a teddy bear ? great, sclupt? awesome, sand? sweet, throw on the wheel? yeea! paint, draw, build, glue bead, you name it! I highly recommend this place to anyone of all ages, this place is art with heArt read more

Yes indeed. Gaby is the most wonderful find and new friend. Her artistic skills and life inspire me. Listening to her talk about art and life is a joy. She is a fabulous artist and teacher who loves what she does. I am taking her adult class for ceramics, but she encouraged me to come back and take a class with the kids too. So cool that all ages can learn and play together. Going to Art Abloom is one of the highlights of my week. From the first moment I walked in and was so warmly welcomed by Gaby and her daughters, I felt part of the Art Abloom community. I highly recommend Art Abloom for all ages (my friend's children go there and love it) for drawing, ceramics, sculpture, painting, and all other artistic creative pursuits. read more

Growing up, I had an amazing great aunt whom I spent a lot of time with. She was an industrial arts teacher in the 50's (which was unheard of, being female), and wrote a book on projects for children. As you can imagine, she was the best great aunt ever! She would set me up with all kinds of art projects, get me started, then let me focus and take it as far as I wanted. I was in blissful creative heaven with her. Nothing but unconditional love and support. And she loved children more than anything. Gaby reminds me of her. My son went to Gaby's studio for several weeks a few summers ago (yes, just now getting around to the review, but I haven't forgotten!). I don't know if he's ever liked any class so much - and he's a picky kid! Gaby never ceases to amaze me with the projects she has available for the kids. These are things I don't think we'd typically see in a school setting. Fitting together colored pieces of glass, then grouting it. Making patterns and sewing (son spent a few hours making a little stuffed cat with googly eyes and sequins). Sand art. 3-D cardboard houses w/the glue gun. The possibilities are never-ending. Sadly we've moved away now or we'd still be going here. read more

Let me just sum it up this way: My 9 year old very sports obsessed son and his equally sports-involved best friend proclaimed that the time the spend at Art Abloom every week is "the most awesomest thing." read more

My girls (8 & 10) LOVE this place. They love that they can be creative and do whatever project they want ....there is not right or wrong here....just as art should be. read more

Art Abloom was the very best camp that I signed my boys up for this summer. They were able to participate together, ages 4 and 7, and create the most amazing pieces with wood, plaster, beads, and their favorite, pipe cleaners. Gaby was so warm and enthusiastic about everything that my little guys have worn me down asking to sign up for some fall after school classes. Even if your child is not a art junkie they will love finding their favorite medium and creating a masterpeice to bring home. This is a great place for kids to blossom. read more

I can't say enough great things about Art Abloom! They really go above and beyond to support my son's passion for art. Worth every penny!

I meant to write up a review of Art Abloom like 5 years ago when my son took a class here. I wish I had because Gaby really was so amazing, my words now will not do her justice. Gaby reminded me of my great aunt, who was almost like a mom to be growing up. She was an art teacher as well, but a very creative one, always having new ideas and getting me interested right away. I was amazed with the artwork Gaby would inspire my son to create. And the way she spoke about him, like he was a creative genius, I always appreciated. My son was not one to gravitate to the art tables at his preschool, so this was an incredible experience for us. Thank you Gaby, from the bottom of my heart! read more

Both I and my son loved art with Gaby. She is a wonderful, enthusiastic "guide" who makes everyone feel welcome and supported. Gaby guides versus prescribes art techniques and ideas, which feels like how art should be taught and experienced. She allows you to be free to create, if that's what you want, but whenever you need help or an idea, she is there with great energy and interest. Thanks, Gaby! read more

I'd give 10 stars if possible. Gaby and her helper, Adam, are gems. They let a child be where they are, don't over-direct them, and let their creative process flow. They truly follow the child, inspire their self-confidence, and it's always packed with fun. Thanks, Gaby!! read more

Art a bloom in San Anselmo, be creative, with the instruction from Gaby the owner great place to relax and make friends and reinvent yourself. I'm surprised at myself and the few objects I have already made. You will find to your surprise at how creative you can be, with the kind and gentle instruction of Gaby. She's great and patient with young and old. Lee read more