Our daughter has been going to the after-school art program at Artist Center for many months now and she loves it. Monica is a great teacher who really knows her stuff. She has over 25 years of experience and has even worked with studios like Disney and Warner Brothers. Our daughter has picked up so many new drawing techniques and her skills have really improved. It's right on Castro Valley Blvd so it's super easy to get to. Definitely recommend for any kids who want to get better at drawing! read more

Me and my future wife had an amazing time at the paint and sip! Monica was interactive, she made the entire process fun and was patient with us while helping us perfect these paintings! This was a 10/10 experience and we will be back again! read more

Artist Center - Paint & Sip Near Me - Castro Valley, California

This was my first paint and sip event and it was so much fun! Monica was so friendly and provided detailed instructions on the painting. It was a night full of laughter and fun. Will definitely go back again with my friends. read more

Artist Center - Paint & Sip Near Me - Castro Valley, California

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My husband and I enjoyed our painting session on Valentine's day. We appreciate the location, paint set up, projection of the art subject-on large screen, ipad on each table, and instructor's thorough explanation. Although the instructor accounted for each participant my husband and I were able to select a comfortable seating location because we arrived on time. read more

We had a wonderful time doing a family paint session with Monica. Her passion for art and teaching is evident. She is helpful, encouraging, and so very knowledgeable. She provided helpful tips and we were so pleased with our painting. This is so much more than the usual Paint nite type event.. She even made sure our painting was treated with an acrylic vanish to preserve it. read more

My best friend and I decided to celebrate our birthdays with a sip n paint night at Artist Center. My husband and daughter joined us and we had an amazing time with Monica and the other "artists". Monica created amazing templates of our beloved pets and helped us all do them justice in fabulous paintings (plus we got to enjoy the delicious wine we brought). We loved it! read more

Artist Center - Paint & Sip Near Me - Castro Valley, California

Monica was super fun and talented! It was so cool working in her art studio, and getting inspired by all of her work. The paint night was super fun, we brought our own drinks and she went step-by-step on how to paint the portrait we were working on definitely recommend for a date night, or for a fun girls night. It was really nice to get to know other people and to interact and mingle while we were painting, Monica provides all of the art supplies, including paint, brushes, napkins, etc. read more

I had so much fun with Monica Monica showed us how to make a payment from a to Z she is great. I love everything she does. I would recommend Monica for a paint night for kids for everyone. She is so much fun. I really appreciate her. she is the best artist I ever been with. Thank you so much, Monica. read more

Artist Center - Holiday Bird - Paint & Sip Near Me - Castro Valley, California

If you have an artsy fartsy side. This could be so much fun and a great break from regular routine! Monica is super friendly and fun and a great teacher. Definitely give this a try! read more

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My daughter has inherited her maternal grandmother's passion and talent for art. Almost ever since she's been old enough to hold a crayon, we've been impressed with her creativity and attention to detail. Teachers would always comment on it as well. I've enrolled her in some local city art classes, but they were oriented toward children and really didn't teach the fundamentals. We were at a coffee shop and she picked up a flyer for the Artist Center and started reading it. She was drawn in by a beautiful painting of Audrey Hepburn. She asked if she could go. At first I was skeptical because the instructor had the kids pick out an existing picture, copy it and paint it. But what I found is that she was teaching the fundamentals of color and light. As my daughter moved forward, she started learning about shapes, shading, perspective. At age 10, she is learning the things I learned in my high school art class... and beyond. With two hour studio classes every week, and suggested home work, she really gets the time and guidance to work on her pieces. I'm very impressed with Miss Monica. She works well with kids, teens and adults. She gives her students the credit they are due for their talent, but opens them up to learning more and more about the wonderful world of art. read more

Artist Center - The flyers that drew us in. - Paint & Sip Near Me - Castro Valley, California

The Artist Center was such a fun experience. Monica made the whole environment relaxing, comfortable, and easy to follow. Monica used a stencil and transfer paper to get the image onto the canvas which I super appreciated, especially as someone who is not very artistic. It was a fun way to spend an evening and I will definitely go back for other events! read more

Best art class ever!!! The paint and sip is such a fun activity. The classes are somewhat small (my group had 8 people) but everyone was so friendly and it was a nice environment. We all talked throughout the class and painted beautiful pictures. The art teacher was so nice, patient, and had great stories. I highly recommend (: read more

Came here for a paint and sip with my partner. Location was a little tricky but the night was very fun! Host was charismatic and patient.

My boyfriend surprised me with a paint night for my birthday. I had such an amazing time! Monica was great, welcoming, and helpful. I can't wait to go back and paint some more! read more

Artist Center - Paint & Sip Near Me - Castro Valley, California

I apologize in advance for posting this in multiple places but frankly, this review is long overdue and I know Monica deserves it. I started taking art lessons from Monica when I was 10 years old in her garage. I continued my weekly lessons throughout high school. In those 8 years, I have watched Monica grow out of the garage and expand to a couple of different studios throughout Castro Valley. I have always enjoyed art and Monica helped me develop the artistic skill for it. Talent may be innate, but hard work and practice are what will differentiate you. Because of her years of experience in the industry, she offered lessons in everything from animation to Renaissance paintings, so I never felt like I had to stick to one subject. It allowed me to explore my creative side and gave me a hobby outside of school. It was a safe space for me to forget about all my external stressors for a little bit each week. I loved taking pictures of my art at the end of each lesson and seeing the changes that slowly became a final product. Now that I am 22 and away at pharmacy school, I still attend paint nights on the weekend when I don't have upcoming exams. Sometimes I go to paint because I am stressed about upcoming exams. I have tried doing art by myself at home, but it is not the same. I guess you could say I am a bit more experienced, so I don't need a teacher to watch over me constantly, but sometimes I get stuck, not knowing where to take my work. As people say, there is always room for improvement. What that happens, Monica is there to steer me in the right direction and push me out of my comfort zone to take it to the next level. That is a considerable feat considering I am 99% introverted. Art has challenges of its own that can be very rewarding when overcome. Monica adapts her teaching style depending on the student level and now that I am older, I can appreciate that. If only my professors could do that. I could pick a picture of a cartoon to recreate and she could somehow turn it into a lesson. Overall I am grateful to have Monica as my art teacher and will never forget the impact she has had on my life. read more

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We stopped onsite class for a while . And now Monica is providing online class and works great for my daughter.

The perfect venue for adults AND kids! The Paint Night is a great time for adults to sip wine while painting a masterpiece and the art camps are fun and educational for the kids! Monica is great and I highly recommend it! read more

We love the Artist Center in Castro Valley! Ms. Monica always has fantastic projects for the kids to pick from, fun holiday themes, and works to their ages and ability. We have been going to her for two years, and my 9 and 12 year olds are learning fundamentals of sketching and painting, which develops their cognitive skills and awareness to basic forms and shadows. They have exposure to paint, pastels, watercolor, sketching, and so much more. Homeschool classes in the mornings have been perfect for us! Go to the Artist Center for Art! read more

I found a brochure for The Artist Center that said classes for all ages. I was curious and excited but since I'm in my 50s I thought I must be too old. Monica said I would fit right in. I arrived and saw that there were a lot of kids and some teenagers. I wasn't sure but decided to stay for the class. I think this is my fourth semester. I have so enjoyed the classes. Monica is supportive but totally honest. She knows when to push and that's great. I can't say enough good things about this experience except to say TRY IT. Monica is the best teacher I have ever had read more

Love this class for my 10 year granddaughter. Her skill has improved right along with her patience.

My two daughters have been learning art through the Artist Center for a couple of years now and Monica is an excellent teacher and inspires my girls to try new challenges every time they come to class. Monica is an extremely talented artist and teaches with knowledge, patience and humor. I can drop of my girls grumpy , but when I come to pick them up after class they are always happy! I think it's such a great way for them to unwind after a stressful day at school!! I only have great things to say about this school! read more

My daughter loves her art class at the Artist Center! Monica is great with all the kids and encourages them as well as gives them great feedback that makes them go the next level. Not only has my daughters art improved but her self esteem as well. She is proud of her art and has a great time. read more