Art/Work/Place has been an amazing experience for our family. Our 8-year-old has been in Mrs. Billy's class for over a year, and we knew it was something special when he came home and gave us a drawing lesson! Our son is naturally quiet and shy, but Mrs. Billy has helped him build confidence by encouraging him to express his own ideas and interests in his artwork and we can't thank her enough for how that has helped him come out of his shell in the classroom and beyond! Mrs. Billy also takes the time after class to update us and offer insights and constructive feedback on his creative growth. Based on our experience, I'd advise parents to take negative reviews with a grain of salt. All the teachers and staff here are genuinely so nice and unlike programs that focus mainly on copying pictures, Art/Work/Place balances technical skill building with creativity, imagination, and play. As someone who works as a designer in the gaming industry and has an art background, I can honestly say they're teaching kids the right way to learn art. Our son is already excited to be back in the fall! read more

Art Work Place - Art Classes Near Me - South Pasadena, California

I have to say I'm disappointed in Ms Billy. Initially she seemed like a great teacher - as my son had positive feedback and seemed to enjoy the class. Gradually my son would come home sad and upset. At first, I brushed off his complaints as maybe he just had a random rough day. Today, I picked up my son and Ms. Billy complained about his projects and all kinds of stuff right in front of my son. My son came to the car crying feeling terrible about his artwork. I asked him several questions about what happened as I didn't want to make any rash judgements about the teacher. He explained that he felt that Ms. Billie was being mean to him and that he was really struggling with clay (it's a new skill for him). I asked if she helps him with his clay a little extra since he's obviously struggling more than the rest of the more experienced students (I'd think she'd spend a little extra time with him). He said no - she was drinking tea and when she came back he had made a snail project where its tongue broke off and couldn't put it back on. He said he destroyed it and my son said she made another mean comment to him: "ohh so you're breaking stuff, instead of making stuff". He was struggling to put on the tongue, which you didn't help him with. Ms. Billy told me it was Gary the snail which didn't go with the CA theme they're working on. Ok. My question is: how is one of your struggling students able to make an entire snail project without you noticing until he's that far along with it? Then, the tongue falls ogf of it, you make a comment to him about it being wrong, he destroys it, you make another comment to him about him about breaking things instead of making things. Ok. If she's going to drink tea instead of helping struggling students then she shouldn't be surprised about them struggling. He said she was helping the other students - not him so much. He also said he got up to grab a toothpick, and she said to him "you're disrupting the entire class" and he was embarrassed that all the kids stared at him. He wasn't being defiant but she keeps treating him as if he is. My son said he was really surprised at how mean Ms. Billy was treating him - he genuinely didn't know he was doing anything wrong, She did sound agitated when she was complaining to me about my son. I know my son - he's not a bad kid and he's super kind. I'm not just saying that because he's my son. He truly is. I'm the type of person that takes criticism well and I'm happy to help correct behavior when necessary. In this case, I really feel that Ms. Billy is not spending enough time with struggling students - in my sons case not understanding instructions according to her. I didn't appreciate her putting my son down in front of both my husband and I. Ms. Billy made it sound as if my son was being defiant - I can assure you my son is not defiant - he genuinely is just having a hard time with the project! He's asking for help from his teacher in his own 8 year old way. He just turned 8 by the way. Mrs. Elizabeth in the front is amazing on the other hand! Very helpful and kind lady. read more

My son is 8 years old and comes here once a week to Ms Billy's class and always looks forward to it. It's a place where he receives careful supervision and instruction but it's also a place where he feels free to create and his style and quirks are appreciated. At the recommendation of his teacher at his elementary school, my son recently submitted a portfolio and completed a supervised exam to be considered for entry into a respected conservatory for students who show promise in the visual arts- this conservatory hosts this admission process once a year, so it's a big deal and there are a TON of kids and it's very competitive. The exam portion includes completing a still life and a free draw, both supervised. My son passed and is now under consideration. It's true he has some God-given talent and drive, but we could not have given our son the guidance that Art/Work/Place provided, and he had been attending this studio for about six/seven months by the time he submitted his portfolio. We actually didn't even tell Art/Work/Place or Ms Billy that our son was going to be doing this or submitting any kind of portfolio, so whatever they taught him they were teaching to other students and without prejudice. He went from drawing quirky and funny pictures at home to composing quite beautiful and sophisticated still life pieces, and I have been so impressed by how much more motivated my son is to really create on his own. Bottom line, my son loves this studio, it's one of his safe spaces, and Ms Billy has been so encouraging and so kind and enthusiastic, and she was so proud to hear about our son's accomplishment. Right now we just want to see how far he will go here. We really appreciate all they do. read more

My children love the classes and camps at Art/Work/Place- it's always a good sign when I try to pick them up after a full day of camp but they wish they could stay and keep playing! The teachers here are incredible and create such a warm environment and sense of safety where children create and learn to their full capacities. I appreciate Ruby Hannan, Anayantzin Sanchez, and Billie Frolov who have all guided our kids in various classes & camps including Claymation, Make Your Own Stuffie, Mini Makers, and Youth Lessons. We've also been to some cool events here for children, our favorite being when they invited the animators from the new Ninja Turtles movie/Mitchell's Vs. the Machines to come talk to the students and show them people can become animators when they grow up! Truly an inspiring place where children come to explore and create their own art. So thankful to have found this studio! *also editing my review to add that I specialize in a field of child development & communication; I respectfully disagree with the parents below who claim this place is merely a bunch of babysitters or that their children didn't learn anything during their time here. I've been so impressed the way the educators here scaffold the summer camp in a way that the older kids are making Claymation videos or sewing stuffies alongside the younger ones. No one is so frustrated that they can't participate and at the same time these kids are challenged!! My children had increases in their artistic abilities, social skills, vocabulary, fine motor skills, ability to use technology to create art, and I would go so far as to say even their overall self esteem, as the final art show is truly a special time for families to come together and celebrate what these children have created with the guidance of some awesome instructors. Sorry, but I could go on! The only time I've ever seen the tv on at Art/Work/Place was during the gorgeous, hilarious, magical Claymation Camp viewing party a year ago and the time the Ninja Turtles animators used it to show us some clips from a movie they made. Again, context matters.... Let your kids give them a try and decide for yourself :) read more

See all

Our son really enjoyed coming to his art class every weekend. There was always a story behind each art piece he created, or history of the artist. He's able to both learn something new about art as well as expand his own creativity based on his interests. The teacher , ms. Ruby, has been so patient with him. He gets very excited, she is very professional and works well with his energy level. Look forward to resuming our class after the summer read more

My daughter has attended summer camp at art/work/place for the last few years and always has an amazing experience. The projects she's worked on have been so creative and she enjoys collaborating with the other students and making friends. I like that they have unique themes each week so she can pick the weeks that interest her the most! In February we had her 8th birthday party here. They created a theme around her love of books and her and her friends had a lot of fun with the project. I brought the food, but they did all the other planning and provided goody bags. I highly recommend them if your are looking for a special birthday party experience for your art loving child! read more

It took.you 3 years to come up with this reply. Even with COVID, you should have been able to scrape up a refund. Using your receptionist to distract from the failed art lessons is a red herring, I never interacted with her. Yelp reviews do not determine the success or failure of your business, rather, how you treat your custimers. Whether you agree with them or not. read more

Art Work Place - This is what months of enrollment $$ got me. - Art Classes Near Me - South Pasadena, California

Just attended a party here for my 4yo and it was phenomenal. The age range for the party was 4-16yo and they did a great job catering to the different age groups. My child was beaming at the end of the session, showing of his painting. They have a LOVELY shaded patio for parents to wait. Those 2 hours went by too quickly. read more

I moved to South Pasadena over the summer and once they were settled into school, I wanted to find a place for my two daughters (6th and 8th grade) to take art classes. A teacher at their school recommended art/work/place and we couldn't be happier! Margaret goes above and beyond when it comes to creating an amazing curriculum, staging student art exhibits (and publishing beautiful hardcover books to accompany them), and giving the kids goodie bags each holiday. The girls are looking forward to their first art show this spring! Here are some acrylic paintings and a pen and ink drawing that the girls did last month :) read more

See all

I've been sending my 7 year-old daughter to class here once a week for over a year now, and I can say with absolute confidence that this is the zenith of LA's art educational offerings for young people. Art Work Place is more than a gathering place for budding creatives. It is a laboratory for discovering and cultivating a young person's voice. A place to learn new skills in a supportive environment and then refine those skills in an intelligent and directed manner. Magic happens here and I see it in my daughter's smile every time I pick her up to go home. The staff checks all the boxes: experienced, friendly, patient, and excited to see your child when they arrive. Their website is top notch. All the information you need to track your schedule and adjust your attendance is available in one, organized, intuitive space. You are issued credits for every class that you miss. And you can apply those credits quickly and easily towards a new class of your choice. I can't emphasize our commitment to this program enough. There's a level of enthusiasm around their classrooms that you won't find anywhere else. The teachers love their students and look for opportunities to involve them in the local art community. In fact, the school was able to secure showroom space at two separate venues for the South Pasadena art festival in April. AND IT WAS SO COOL! My daughter was so psyched to see her painting on the wall in a legit gallery space during a massive art festival. She talked about it for days afterwards. We brought the whole family to the opening in downtown South Pasadena and I've never seen that kid so happy and so proud of herself. There's a lot of different art programs for children in this city. But Art Work Place sits several notches above the competition. It is an absolute treasure. Check it out for sure! read more

I love this art studio! The owner is lovely and all the teachers are really kind and supportive. My two daughters have done art class here and art camp and both are very enjoyable. I highly recommend Art Work Place. read more

Our daughter has been taking weekly art lessons here for the last 3 years, first in Mini Makers and now in Youth Lesson One. All of the instructors are outstanding. They do a great job balancing student creativity with teaching artistic techniques. The administration and communication is always clear and prompt (yay, Miss Katherine!). The facility is beautiful and students - even the youngest ones - use high quality art materials to make their creations. They have a special event coming up on September 29 where anyone can sign up for a trial lesson in exchange for making a $10 donation to a local non profit (more details on their website). read more

Art/Work/Place might be the best art studio in LA. My son enjoys here, he and his teacher Miss Amanda have created many interesting and amazing paintings. We come here every week although we live far away, totally worth it. I also hope they will have clay classes in the near future. read more

Art Work Place - Art Classes Near Me - South Pasadena, California

Good babysitting place - 30$/ 90 min - In a prime South Pasadena location. Your kid will love it, not only they have free cheap lolly pops, but also they have TV (they claim it as educational). If you really looking for Art class - check out Armory School in Pasadena. read more

art/work/place is fantastic. I recently starting taking the adult class with Margaret and discovered I love painting--who knew?? As a kid I was always off put in art classes and I just wish Margaret had been one of my teachers. She's incredibly knowledgeable and enthusiastic about art and fine art but without being condescending. You know, like that museum goer who gives you the side eye when you mention that the painting in front of you looks like a giant walrus dancing on a pillow in the Sahara Desert. Or that teacher from that art elective you decided to try out in college. Woof. Most importantly (to me anyway) the class is supportive and nothing is forced upon a student. While the curriculum does provide lessons and structure, you are allowed to take the tools you learn in class and wander into whatever you are feeling. So if you ever feel like wandering and getting crazy with some paper and color, I highly recommend art/work/place. read more

My daughter has been taking art lessons with Margaret since this beautiful little spot opened. Margaret and Jenna are both intelligent, gentle, and encouraging, and Margaret has designed a curriculum that is both tremendous fun and unusually educational, teaching kids about art history as well as fine art technique. An unusual spot that takes kids seriously, is great value, and is a wonderful addition to our South Pas community. read more

Art Work Place - Picasso study by 10 year old. - Art Classes Near Me - South Pasadena, California

We love Art Work Place! It is the highlight of my girls' week. They have each grown so much as artists. Now the hard part is deciding what to frame. Thanks for the instruction and the smiles. read more

I love them! More importantly, my 4 year old daughter LOVES this place. She loves her instructor and they have so much fun. The studio is big and airy. Lots of light and windows. So much room for creativity. I am not a helicopter mom, so I don't hover and I am not 100% sure what goes on back there in the studio but all I hear is giggles and happiness. My daughter comes out with beautiul artwork, full of smiles, hugs for everyone and a skip in her step. Highly recommend! read more

I would sit downstairs while my kids would take music lessons and I would see a whole bunch of children go to art class and I would wonder what was the big deal. Well I finally gave in.... Margaret and Jenna's approach to teaching art is so much fun. My boys have gone from drawing stick figures to drawing "otters" and landscapes. Their interest in art and techniques have been awakened thanks to them. read more

Upstairs in an otherwise unassuming private residence like house, this yellow craftsman style establishment serves as another kind of nursing home: the one where musical and artistic talents are nurtured to potential. Ascending the steps from the side gate entry of this corner space adjacent to Carrows, one will be greeted by the smiling eyes of Margaret, a stylish, energetic brunette with more talents than teeth. Positive energy vibrates from the walls where works of the students, mostly of grade school age, dangle on strings similar to laundry lines as their colorful pieces serve as a testament not just to individual abilities, but to those of their instructors. Skinny and somewhat scattered is the ever able Jenna who, despite her youth, has been gifted with the ability to teach children and those adults for whom she serves as the artist stereotype. Should there be a secret to Art Work Place then it was just alluded to in the prior sentence: it isn't just for kids. As an enrolled adult, my experience has been that Margaret and Jenna are more than simply successful artists by conventional definition in their own favorite medium, but artists in the way they can bring out the best effort in others. Patient but firm, softly suggestive without being dictatorial, instruction void of condescension, these two have assisted me to now exist in a creative space of my life that never otherwise would have been accessed. Without the cascade of canvases serving as evidence of my personal progression, these words would have the hollowness of an advertisement and, should you decide to distrust me, then you may see for yourself by scheduling a free lesson. Expert and novice alike will descend the carpeted staircase after the complementary introduction knowing more than when they entered and in the unlikely event they opt not to enroll after that single interaction, their soul will still probably feel better than having spent time with a therapist. Only one regret will walk out with you upon your departure: why didn't you find this place sooner? read more

I was drawn to this place and immediately fell in love with it when I first took my daughter here. I've been trying to find an art studio in the area and decided this is the one the minute I walked in. This place has such a welcoming atmosphere and feels fun and peaceful at the same time. It simply makes you want to sit down and creat something. It turns out the instructor is superb too. My daughter is only three and a half and studies with Katherine. She is so down to earth and patient. And you can tell she genuinely cares for your child and tries her best to guide them and inspire their interest and passion for art. My daughter was first nervous and a little whiny after I dropped her off for the intro class, but Katherine communicated with me and worked things out. Now my daughter just finished her second class and was so proud of her work - her first painting that she independently completed from start to finish. And I was surprised too that my daughter, who was barely willing to hold a pen, now enjoys painting so much. It is so rewarding to see her immersed in her own creative world and her eyes lit up with excitement and confidence! read more