A lot of up-and-coming studios in the East Bay are run by big corporations and feel out of touch…read morewith the needs of creatives--in contrast, Makers is a real community with managers who are deeply passionate about supporting the arts & helping real creatives thrive. Spacious, bright, private studios, wonderful location, and a vibrant social community! Whether you're a working professional, hobbyist or weekend warrior, all creatives are welcome here. The atmosphere is calm & focused when you need it, social & upbeat when you want it. The studios range in size from 10x10 to about 10x20, and they all open up to high-ceiling, airy warehouse with unique character. There's also a private back parking lot, which is something I didn't find at other studios in the area. They host occasional open studios too, which give the public a chance to step inside. Epic place!

I have been a part of MWS for almost four years, and it has been an amazing first studio…read moreexperience. From my initial tour with Jacques to participating in the East Bay Open Studios, the connections I have made with fellow resident artists have been invaluable. My growth as an artist during my time here has been insurmountable. I will miss my time here but will carry the relationships I have made with me. I part ways with MWS only because I have found a studio closer to my home. Thank you MWS for giving me a space and a place to grow and thrive as an artist.

Was looking for an art studio to rent in the area and these ones had the most natural light. The…read morewarehouse loft feel is pretty cool and being so close to my favourite taqueria is also a big plus lol. Shoutout to the manager (forgot their name) for showing me the space so late in the day!

From the owner: Come check out our brand new creative art studios! With many available floor plans, there is a…read morestudio to fit all needs and budgets. Each private studio has its own lock and they range from 70 to 250 square feet, offering warm natural light and HVAC. Restrooms and a communal kitchen are also located on the same level. Utilities and WiFi are included. The building is secured by a gated elevator lobby entrance and has a code activated passenger elevator and freight elevator.

I was a small business owner who rented a studio space for almost 4 years at Citadel. In 2017 I was…read moreevicted over a suppose visitor violation, but under law I was not given any official reason for contract termination which I believe should be illegal. The 'Office Managers' that issued me this eviction at the time were two women by the name of Jackie and Sally. They were both highly unprofessional and unqualified to manage the building and tenants. Since their employment, I had seen an increase in pest disturbance and security issues. In my specific unit there were bird and rat feces littered everywhere, despite both Sally and Jackie emailing the tenants saying they had hired pest control and were handling it. I believe I was evicted because during a phone call, I stated to Sally that her behavior towards me and the very few people I've allowed as guests in my unit, was unprofessional and inappropriate. I have witnessed and heard Sally verbally scream and threaten other tenants who were in compliance. I would not recommend renting a space at Citadel as long as Brown Associates is still allowing these women to be employed there.

Awesome art show! I loved seeing the pieces, the music wasn't obnoxious, and I'm looking forward to…read moreseeing and hearing more from this place! :)

Project Bandaloop is amazing! If I were good enough, and they would have me, I would drop out of…read moregraduate school right now to dance on walls and cliffs with them. Since that is not the case, I had resigned myself to frequent visits to their website UNTIL I found out that they host beginner and int/ adv workshops! Woohoo! Maybe I will be an amazingly talented beginner and they will beg me to travel the world with them and dance on the Petronas Towers, Chartres Cathedral, maybe even at Petra or the Coliseum. Please. Please. Pick me. I'll do anything. ________________________ Update: Since I have now completed both the beginner and int/adv workshops offered by Project Bandaloop, I feel this review needs an update. The workshop is a lot of fun, although pretty hard on the body. I figured that vertical dancing might have its challenges, but I had no idea how much a rock climbing harness and nerve endings could disagree. However, that did not stop me from going 4 days in a row...doubling up on pants and shirts can make a huge difference. The beginner workshop (5 hours over 2 days, $110) features a warm up, and then a rotation through the climbing wall featuring bouldering/dance, dance from single point suspension ("pods"), the trampoline walls, and the wood wall. The advanced workshop (6 hours over 2 days, $150) has an additional floor station and focuses on play and choreography more than orientation and skills. The workshops were between 15-20 people with 5-7 instructors. The instructors were great! Definitely gave the freedom to play, while also providing constructive pointers and maintaining a safe environment. The founder of Bandaloop, Amelia, was also in and out, watching the advanced performances, answering questions, etc. While she did not offer me a position in her dance troupe, I am definitely addicted, and will be going back for more. Maybe one day I can have my own trampoline wall. The one downer: the warehouse in Oakland seems pretty sketch upon first approach,. It isn't well marked, and looks kind of run down. It also can be tough getting in earlier, etc because all the doors are locked. However, the next workshop is in a new location close by in Oakland, so this may change soon.

truly amazing, innovate aerial artists! google them, and check out some of their performances, or…read morebetter yet, go see them in person!

This studio has fantastic teachers who are kind and create a really fun dance environment. I have a…read moreblast every time I take class here and walk away a little more confident with my moves on the dance floor.

Amazing classes and teachers. There is great variety in styles and levels. Have taken salsa classes…read moreand attended the wedding dance workshop so worth it learned so much quickly and the teachers explain everything very well. Highly recommend!

I like when I am here for work shooting events which so far is about the only times I've been here…read more The space has lots of natural light and the design and layout is nice and open. Looking forward to the next shoot there!

My first trip ever to a COMMUNE! Hahah California is funny…read more My office doesn't have a Christmas party, but the Halloween party is totally amazing. The last two years we've had it here. They have Dance Dance Immolation. Essentially, it's DDR, but if you fuck up, the machine SHOOTS A GIGANTIC FIREBALL AT YOU. You wear a complete fireproof suit, and sign a waiver, but I'm sure this is HIGHLY illegal. There are gigantic fire-breathing sculptures, and remote-controlled fire cars. Tessla coils provide lightning and, there are fire filled cauldrons dripping flaming goo. The guy from our work who's associated with these people recently moved to a different job, but hopefully we'll still do the Halloween party here!

NIMBY is an Oakland treasure. Think you're a supporter of the arts, alternative culture, and/or…read morethe DIY ethic? Then help keep it going by helping any way you can. Without everyone's help, these sorts of DIY spaces can't survive. I rent a space here, and it's a great place run by great people. The prices are pretty good for approx 380 sqft of space, and there are lots of interesting folks around most of the time. And NIMBY's famous parties are indeed as fantastic as people claim. My only complaint is that it's been a few months and all the various issues with the city have postponed promised improvements to my space, but that's understandable given the issues with the city taking up everyone's time.

My sister and I loved coming to Alla's art camp when we were kids (about 15-16 years ago). It was…read moremy absolute favorite summer camp, I'd go every year that I could as a child. I'm so happy to see the art studio is still open and inspiring new kids. Thank you Alla!

We are so lucky to have Alla's Art class online on Zoom during Quarantine! My daughter loves art…read moreand drawing, and having a good teacher, other kids to be in class with, and the structure and schedule of a class, has been such a relief, and she is so happy with the results! Alla lets the kids choose their own subjects, gives ideas and guidance whenever needed, has them use different mediums (charcoal, watercolor, etc.) for variety, and helps them create masterpieces to impress friends and family members :)