We've been part of the Rebel Art School family for about six years now, and I truly couldn't be…read morehappier to support Alex and the entire Rebel team. They just celebrated their 10-year anniversary, and I can honestly say they've created something really special. I always joke that I'm terrified of losing our spot at Rebel. The anxiety is REAL when that registration email comes through! Rebel Art School will truly make an artist out of you. When my daughter first started, she spoke mostly Spanish, so I wondered if that would be a challenge for her. I quickly learned that art doesn't require a specific language. It's its own language. My daughter is also naturally shy and tends to keep to herself. She's not usually the kid who will walk into a room and immediately try to make new friends. But Rebel gives her the freedom to be in her own space, focused on what she's creating, without ever making her feel like she needs to be an extrovert. And when she does connect with people, it happens naturally. It has been such a wonderful experience for our whole family. Now, at nine years old, my daughter has created her own little business. She makes watercolor greeting cards, sells them at different pop-ups, and even has her own sweet little corner in Rebel's retail area. Watching her creativity grow into something she's proud enough to share with the world has been one of the coolest things to witness as her mama. And honestly, one of the best parts for me is getting to fill our home with all the art and color she has created over the years. Every piece has a little memory attached to it. So if you have a little one who you think would thrive in this kind of environment, don't hesitate. This is a REAL art school, and it's such a special one. Now we just need to convince Alex to bring Rebel to Oakland someday. Wink wink. We love you all! Claudia + Colette

Our daughter thoroughly enjoyed years of creativity with Alex and the wonderful team at Rebel Art…read more Now, as a high achieving student at Cal she attributes much of her creativity and acceptance of new challenges to the supportive atmosphere of exploration she experienced there. Rebel Art rounded out a great academic and student athlete with appreciation for the artistic dimensions of life. Your young one, too, may find depth in themselves--or they might just get excited about colors and clay! Either way, worth it! Thank you to Alex and her crew.

Angela is a wonderful instructor. If you do a private party here make sure you request her. She's…read morefun, caring and helpful. You'll be in good hands with her. I can't say every b&b location is great but if you live in the east bay this is the location I'd recommend you visit. It's such a fun class and they even serve alcohol at great pricing! 10/10 would recommend.

Carrie is the best! She helped me redo the stencil for my dogs's toy box. Great venue for team…read morebonding and girls night out! Definitely would recommend and coming back!

Lafayette Studio is wonderful! Classes are small and allow lots of opportunities to ask individual…read morequestions. The space is lovely and air conditioned in the Summer. There is a great variety of classes and teachers to choose from. Parking is easy. Great company of fellow local artists. Doug and Jody are very responsive to any questions you might have and run the Studio efficiently. You can also pay a monthly fee to come and go and use the studio as you like. Great for beginners and experienced artists alike.

Great location, studio space, instructors & fun group of artists! There is also monthly studio…read moretime for rent. Check it out!!

This was such a beautiful picturesque event! A few moms got together for a paint & sip and we LOVED…read morethe entire experience. First of all, the property is absolutely beautiful and it is so much better than being cooped up indoors in some paint studio. You feel like you're on a retreat. Second of all, the instructions were very specific and we were very well guided throughout the process. I have two left hands - and art is definitely not my forte. However, even for someone like me- the painting was a success! Last of all, the food was phenomenal. I love authentic Indian food- and the food was very delicious and added a wonderful touch to the entire experience. I HIGHLY recommend coming here for a GNO, team building, or just to enjoy with friends. I am excited to bring my kids here for a party some day.

Wow! What an unforgettable experience at Paint and Picnic! I…read morewas planning my daughter's 17th birthday and originally thought of doing a picnic with a "paint with me" activity. While searching for vendors, I came across Paint and Picnic and I'm so glad I did! The website was easy to navigate, and everything was clearly laid out. I reached out to the owner, Sophia, and she responded quickly and answered all my questions. Booking was super easy, and once it was confirmed, everything was handled--setup, food, decor, and paint supplies! The venue is absolutely beautiful--relaxing, cozy, and perfect for pictures. Sophia works with a small local vendor in Berkeley for food, and each sandwich was customized to our guests' needs. I love that she supports small businesses! The paint session was fun and easy to follow, and all the girls loved it. Sophia is kind, professional, and incredibly accommodating. I didn't have to stress about a thing--just showed up and enjoyed the day. Highly recommend Paint and Picnic if you're looking for something unique, stress-free, and beautiful. You won't regret it!

Fantastic teacher of encaustic wax art. I am hooked on her classes and want to go every week. She…read moreis generous with her supplies and works along with you.

Melissa put me immediately at ease with my lack of artistic ability. She was very thorough and…read moreclear in her instruction. The atmosphere was easy and fun, and it was a great time. I learned a lot and was even proud of what I created! I can't wait to take more classes with Melissa.

This a great local resource for woodworkers. The Mt. Diablo Adult Education program offers may…read moreadult woodworking classes for beginners to advances woodworkers, along with open shop classes. The woodworking 1 class is a great introduction to all the equipment through the process of building a beautiful step stool. The day and night classes include men and women of all ages. The fees are very reasonable to get access to great equipment. The teachers are knowledgeable and very willing to help. For more info: https://mdae.mdusd.org/

I'm taking a woodworking class here, and I'm thoroughly satisfied with the level and quality of…read moreinstruction. The tools in the wood shop are great, and the instructors really know their stuff. What's more, those guys sure know how to keep a sharp edge on their equipment. Tuition is, in my opinion, up to what one would expect to pay in today's economy, especially considering that everyone is scrambling for cash to stay afloat, even the local government and its affiliated programs. The registration process on the archaic website is a touch on the byzantine side, though. It looks a lot like the very first website I ever coded when I was 16 years old. Uhh, now that I think about it, it looks like the website I designed a few years ago. But I'm no web designer, so hah! Point being, you're gonna have to dig around a little bit to find what you're looking for, but once you've found it, the actual act of registering for a class is pretty straightforward. Now, back to the woodworking instructors: Between the Bill and Dave, they've got about 70 years experience, 20 fingers, 20 toes, and 8 eyes (they both wear glasses). So I trust them to teach me the ways. I don't know if I'll ever be able to snatch the pebble from their hands, but I'm confident that they're showing me how to keep all my phalanges and body parts so that I could snatch that pebble, even if only in theory. I plan on taking many more courses here, especially in the "Working with Wood" category of classes. Now go forth and learn something new!

Today I started the pottery class. The teacher was very patient and encouraging. I literally had…read morenever touched clay before and there is a learning curve. So it is a good challenge to work those creative muscles. At the same time, it's a great escape and fun to learn! Great spot, great instructors, recommend!

I am finishing my second session of pottery on the wheel for adults and I have had a great time!…read moreThe environment is friendly and welcoming and my instructor, Colleen has been very supportive. This is definitely a studio for people to use as a hobby that don't need super quick turn-around (something they are clear about from the beginning).

I have been attending classes at Marcy's art studio for over three years. Marcy is a gifted and…read moreexperienced painter and a wonderful teacher. She provides the right amount of guidance on the use of color and techniques based on individual needs and it is a delight to hear her insightful perspectives on art and painting. Her classes are open to advanced, as well as, beginning painters. Marcy has created a positive atmosphere in her studio with extremely talented, creative painters ranging in experience and age who are generous in sharing information, are encouraging, and provide supportive and useful critique.

Painter and painting teacher Marcy Wheeler has set up shop in a new studio in Walnut Creek. She…read morecontinues to mentor art students at all levels, providing each of us with just the help we need to reach the next level. She is an amazing teacher. Most of her students paint in acrylics, but a few use oils.

If you're planning a birthday look no further!!! Seriously they do a wonderful job and it's not…read moreoverwhelming soooo much fun and no need for favors because the art is the party favors!!! We had a variety of ages and all of the kids had such a wonderful time. Thank you Abby, Kiara and the whole team this is one for the books which reminds me I left my book oh well I'll get it next week with the pots! (The pinch pot section isn't pictured because everyone was having too much fun making pinch pots)

This place awakened my toddler's inner artist. Ever since going, we have made time for art…read moreeveryday. Prior to going, he was mostly interested in banging crayons around like they were drum sticks. Since visiting, he has started coloring, painting, using street chalk and markers.

The best kept secret in Concord! I had the privilege of visiting this gem for an art project. I was…read morewarmly welcomed by the owner, Fro, and her student. You will find an array of paintings, photographs, mixed-media, watercolors, and more. Local artists are featured in a rotating gallery every month, or every other month. There is art in every section of the cottage, including the bathroom. I am inspired to show some of my work, as encouraged by Fro. If you are looking for texture and movement, you will not be disappointed. There is ample parking and plenty of natural light.

This little gem of an art studio is tucked away right outside of downtown Concord. Great classes…read moreand art work at this cozy cottage. Amazing garden in the back. The owner is absolutely so sweet. She will make you feel right at home.