Three years later and both my boys go here. Saturdays she has classes now until 9:30 to three,…read moreSundays 9:30 to noon and other days by appointment. My kids tell me she is good because she is critical when she needs to be to help them with their work.

Hands down this is my kids' favorite camp of the summer. We literally plan our summer around these…read morecamps. Our walls are filled with the beautiful art that my kids made at summer camp. They have developed such a love of art and joy of creation through Lucy's supportive and wonderful learning environment. What I love most is that Lucy teaches kids about different artists, and then encourages the kids to find their own voice and think creatively and critically about the work they are doing. Her studio is a magical place. I can't recommend this camp highly enough.

Former student, now thirty-year-old adult. I took many classes and camps with Lucy over the years…read moreand loved all of them. It was such a fun environment and I learned so much about art while also having a great time. I loved the variety of mediums and styles we used during classes. And now I work in an art field, which was my dream as a kid. Can't recommend these classes and camps enough!

Now, I have to let you know that I worked at NIAD back in the day and met my husband there. He…read morestill works there and my leaving and time there was brutal! But, boy have times changed! I love coming here for the art, the comraderie of the staff and the clients are full of love, hugs and joy! I have bought art there, I have bought jewelry there, and we went to NYC to be present with one of their artists who had a piece in the Whitney Bienniel! I was hired to be the personal secretary to Dr. Katz who founded Creative Growth in Oakland, Creativity Explored in San Francisco, and Creativity Unlimited in San Jose (I believe they closed a while back). I was at the first conference of Art and Disabilities held at the center with representatives from the four centers and others. Some came as far away as Canada and Minnesota. At that time, Creative Growth was the star of the group and we all aspired to have their success. Well, NIAD has found it. The idea for the center started after the mental health facilities in CA were closed by Ronald Reagan. But before the closure, Florence, his wife and artist, would drive up with art supplies so that the people could create art. A lot of the clients were relocted to the bay area and he opened the center for them to create art. Eli was passionate about the clients and felt that they had a right to create and he created a center where that's possible. I'm sure that he is beaming over everything that NIAD has become - an inclusive, welcoming place where artists get a chance for creative expression and can earn money from what they make. Good job for keeping it up guys!

I came to NIAD in November 2023 believing I had finally found my place…read more I am an artist and a small business owner. I have spent over 10 years trying to build my own creative business, and within my first month at NIAD I sold a hand-knitted piece I had made there. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I belonged somewhere. I could make art, sell my work, and be myself. For about a year, everything felt right. That changed in November 2024 when a new client joined the program. Almost immediately I sensed something was off about this person. My gut told me he was going to be trouble, even though I couldn't name exactly why yet. Over the following months a pattern emerged: he would instigate conflict, encourage others to exclude me, and single me out -- sometimes right in front of staff. At a fundraiser event I watched him high-five every single person in the room and deliberately skip me. I began to question my own reality. Was I imagining it? Was something wrong with me? The first serious incident happened around March 2025. A staff member named Amber was already emotionally distressed due to the recent death of a former artist at the program. I made an offhand joke -- the kind I make regularly, it's just part of my personality -- and it landed badly given her grief. The situation escalated. The client I had been having problems with was sitting right beside her and actively fanned the flames, instigating the conflict. Amber told me she hated me and that I was a bad person. I was humiliated and I responded with words I regret. I take responsibility for my part. But when it was over, I felt blamed for the entire incident. I was out of the program for several days. What troubled me most was not the conflict itself -- it was the complete failure of leadership to address what had been happening. Director Ember Avalos and program head never meaningfully intervened in the months of ongoing exclusion and instigation I experienced. There was no acknowledgment that another client had been deliberately targeting me. No real support. When I raised my concerns formally, complaints were filed with multiple agencies including RCEB, DSS Community Care Licensing, and Disability Rights California. Every investigation came back with no violations found. I have childhood trauma and a history of feeling like I don't belong. A program specifically serving people with disabilities should understand that sustained social exclusion -- left unaddressed by staff and leadership -- causes real harm. I tried to make it work for over a year. I left worse off than when I arrived. This place is not only unsafe, but it caused a lot of trauma and failed to protect artists. There is bullying, emotional abuse, and financial abuse going on in this facility. I would not recommend.

My 6-years-old son likes the drawing classes at Art Corner Academy. I took him there in late April…read morethis year when I saw him not knowing what to do with his drawing project at school. The instructor Susan is excellent. She is well-knowledged and talented in illustrations, picture books, and wall paintings. She is very patient and knows how to teach. As a beginner, Susan asks my son to do one drawing project including coloring in each class which lasts about one hour. He likes the achievement when he finishes. He has gained great confidence in drawing after several classes. He now loves drawing!

From the owner: Summer Camp start at July first to 19th. Color sculptures,Paintings,Computer Graphic Design are…read morevaluable. We Accept children age 6 up to high school student.

I'm not going to get into my general experience, which was overall quite good but challenging-…read moreInstead I want to say something very specific. I received the letter I wrote to myself in my eight grade advisory (10 years ago) and I was moved to tears instantly. Thank you for blessing me with that gift

This is the middle/upper school campus, with a slightly smaller playground, but more centrally…read morelocated than the kiddie campus. Tennis courts are right across the street, and the community center (hooray for the pool and martial arts classes!) are about 2 blocks away.

When my kids were little they loved Dancing Paintbrush - they both thrived in the small group…read moresetting and the personal attention they received from Beth and her team. The projects they worked on were fun and they had the chance to explore various art media. Beth helped them through the pandemic with online zoom art lessons and they've had the chance for 1:1 lessons with Beth as well. As they became teens, Beth mentored my son as an assistant for the program; he has learned valuable professional skills working with her.

I am always looking for a camp that understands all kinds of kids as my daughter has lots of worry…read moreand loves art. I found that with Dancing Paintbrush Studio the weekly lessons are fulfilling for my daughter and lunch time out at the park gives kids a nice break from focused arting!!! We have been coming back to this camp for years and find it resonates each summer. This is a kind and generous program that gives kids the opportunity to make art in community. A lovely program!

I registered for a 10 am workshop, but arrived shortly after the art center opened so I had time to…read moreleisurely view the works on display in the main gallery and in other smaller galleries. I am always impressed by the caliber of the work on display, regardless of whether it's the work of professionals or young children who have taken classes at the center or work from area schools in coordination with their art teachers. Workshop participants created a paper plate "succulent" to take home. Although the workshop required pre-registration, it was free. Many parents worked along side their young children,?while teenagers clustered together. The presenter's own sculptures reminded me of Dr Seuss drawings come to life. It was evident that a fun time was had by all.

Came here for the spring exhibitions opening reception and had a great time. Was a bit surprised…read morethat masking was still required indoors but they provided masks at the front. The exhibits were nicely organized and flowed well. The Richmond Art Center seems well-maintained overall and they did an excellent job with the opening reception, including the yummy food and drinks in the courtyard. I just wish they had more seating during events. While making my way around, I saw artwork from local students as well and the classrooms in the back which was cool. If you're an East Bay local, I highly recommend stopping by the Richmond Art Center at some point or checking out their class offerings.

A wonderful place to paint and draw. Always great models and Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays are a…read moregreat opportunity to tackle a three hour portrait painting or figure pose. Excellent workshops are offered sometimes, and a recent added ongoing Wednesday night class with Felicia Forte.

I have learned so much at colorspace over the years! Figure painting & drawing sessions are offered…read morealmost every day of the week and great practice for developing fluency with your chosen media and representation from life. They are welcoming and supportive of all art levels, styles and media - odorless mineral spirits only, of course. I have taken several wonderful workshops over the years- and hope to catch more in the future with the world class figure painters that come through. The space always has great light, plenty of easels, stools and workhorses, and lots of inspiring setups and models coming through, The owner is one of the most kind-hearted people around, and always professional and organized. I am so grateful for this community art space!

Came here after the rave reviews and I can see why! The staff is so incredibly kind, there's plenty…read moreof paints and designs to choose from. The seating is plentiful and it's just overall such a good location highly recommend! I mentioned to the lovely girl at the front it was our first time there and she took her time explaining the stations, the different items to paint, the paints and seating in great detail. I wasn't afraid to ask further questions and never felt rushed. Price was really good too for the quality of the products. They do have plenty of seating and even saw them help set up a party upstairs. Out pottery wasn't ready in the one week that was promised, but when I called to inquire about it they let us know they had to refire a plate my sister made to ensure it was food safe so I really appreciate the attention to detail!

I had so much fun at Brushstrokes Studio!…read more The second you walk in, you're greeted by the very friendly staff. There is an array of pieces to choose from, as well as a great selection of underglazes, stencils, and painting tools. They do the glazing for you! You just drop in, paint, and pick your piece up a week later. It's a great experience that I highly recommend!

I can't say enough good things about The Potters' Studio. Teachers are fantastic, staff is…read moreresponsive and helpful, and the space is large and has everything one could ask for.

I have taken classes there for 5 years, and the instructors are wonderful. Students can use the…read morestudio outside of class time. The value for your $$ is very high. This studio has an amazing offering of classes (6 week and 12 week) and workshops (2-3 days) , and the opportunity to learn all of pottery process, like making glazes and firing the kilns.