As time passes it feels more and more of Chinatown is slowly starting to die out. The once bustling streets filled with vendors selling all types of knick-knacks and groceries have gone from every street to now just a few blocks. Restaurants which used to be filled with families every weekend now slowly find themselves closing earlier and earlier. The strong community that once was is slowly starting to age out and be pushed out. Luckily, there are new businesses finding roots in this part of Los Angeles and Element Art Center is a great example of how arts and crafts can bring life back to a community. After making a reservation for one of their classes and being let into the building you can look around and see how much of this space is made for building, crafting, and designing. With classes spanning from ceramics to stained glass it is a safe space to let your creativity run wild or be instructed. The instructors are young and teach in a way that welcomes questions without judgment. They encourage your creativity but also provide gentle direction along the way. With supplies provided if you are a novice learning a craft it is an artistic adventure without the cliff falls of expenses weighing you down. If you take their classes that last a few weeks or a month it also gives you access to come and go to create at your own pace. Element Art Center is a wonderful time whether you're doing a solo trip or being social with others. This is the kind of business that bring traffic to a neighborhood and help sustain it. Hopefully, more spaces for art will pop down the line in Chinatown but for now, it's fantastic we have Element Art Center to hold it down. read more

Element Art Center - Designing a stained glass - Art Classes Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I took the wood spoon carving class. There were about ten of us in the class, and that ensured a lot of great variety, as everyone is encouraged to draft up and carve spoons in whatever style they can imagine. (I admittedly went with a fairly traditional spoon design as I have never really carved before, but some of the folks here gave their spoons handles that were zig-zagged or had wild faves in them.) The instructor was very helpful, attentive, and fun, engaging us all in conversation as we whittled/carved. All the tools provided were of great quality, and they offer a ton of other classes that also seemed really interesting, with one of the people in the class talking up having taken stain glass earlier. I went solo, as did several other folks at my table, so it was a good mix of individuals, couples, and groups all coming together for spoons! It was really fun and I'll likely be back, either to make another spoon or to check out another class. read more

Element Art Center - Post-sanding and after the first coat of finishing oil - Art Classes Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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booked online with my friend on a Saturday night in early october -- it was $50 per person for a 2 hour session! PARKING was probably the toughest part, being in Chinatown LA though, i'm not surprised. there's street parking available if you're lucky, but also a few paid parking lots & structures behind as well. highly recommend this studio for a few reasons: 1. the instructor was great! she was detailed, knowledgeable, and skilled which was very helpful. 2. two hours is such a perfect amount of time for a class like this. it was my first time wheel throwing so the abundance of time was good. 3. the price at $50/person is so reasonable. you get 2 hours, the class instructor, step by step instructions, a ball of clay, and access to equipment like the wheel & other tools used for crafting. after the class, you choose a glaze for your item and the studio will fire the item in the kiln for you. then you pick up the item 3-4 weeks later, when they contact you that your piece is done. overall, super positive experience and i hope to come back for another session ~ i felt really safe and attended to in terms of getting help when i needed it. perfect first time ceramics-making experience :-) read more

Element Art Center - exterior! front door - Art Classes Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I really recommend coming here for art/craft classes! The teachers were really patient and taught very well! I attended a slab mug making class. It was $50/person for two hours. Go on their website and book a class! The area is located in Chinatown with parking along the streets. There's also a parking lot behind the plaza, but you have to pay. You can design your mugs or just pick a single glaze. It was really fun and the setting was very calming! Definitely would come again! read more

Element Art Center - Art Classes Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Got my mom a stained glass class for Christmas and what an enjoyable experience. They provide all of the materials and the teacher walks you through it, but leaves the door open to your creativity. The atmosphere is laid back, and the vibe is so chill. Would definitely return for more art classes. read more

Element Art Center - Handmade stained glass class - Art Classes Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Came here for the pet stained glass class. The instructor was really nice and helpful. She went over the instructions for us then went by to each person to help out and speed up the process. My dog is all white so my glass didn't have color variation. But I saw that other people had really cool color tiles for their pets. I'd definitely recommend this class. The only issue I had was finding parking. I ended up paying for a lot near by and walked over a couple of blocks. read more

Element Art Center - Art Classes Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I've taken two different classes here and even got to meet both owners--and let me tell you, every experience has been amazing! I'm usually a little hesitant to try something new, but both instructors made the classes fun, approachable, and easy to follow. They were patient with everyone, answered all our questions, and created such a welcoming atmosphere. Honestly, one of the best parts is that you end up leaving with not only something you made yourself, but also at least one new friend. The first class I took was wheel throwing, and it gave me a whole new appreciation for pottery. Every step was explained clearly, and I had such a great time learning the process. The second was the beach pit firing class--a two-day experience (two separate weekends). On the first day, you create your vessel, and on the second weekend, the group heads out to Dockweiler Beach to fire the pieces. It was such a unique and unforgettable experience! Classes are super affordable, the staff is incredibly friendly, and I honestly can't wait to sign up for more. If you've been thinking about trying pottery, this is the place to do it! read more

Love the variety of classes they offer my fav is the charcuterie board, pit fire ceramics and pet stained glass! They offer studio space and memberships too! Definitely recommend taking a class! read more

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I was given a class as a birthday gift! Got to assemble a lovely stained glass replica of my pup! Justin was incredible, the studio was lovely, and it was an overall incredible time. Will come again!! read more

Took a 4hr stained glass class here with my honey this last weekend and we absolutely loved our experience here!! Our instructor Becca was incredible at throughly explaining all the steps to create this art work as well as making sure no one felt left out and kept everyone included! This art center offers many other art activities as well, my honey and I are definitely planning on coming back soon. Thank you again for such an amazing and enjoyable experience!! read more

Element Art Center - Art Classes Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I had an amazing time at the stained glass class today! I was a total beginner and in 3-4 hours I learned a lot and left with a cute thing I made myself! They are friendly and organized. Big fan of this art studio! read more

Element Art Center - Art Classes Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I booked the abstract stained glass class for myself and my dad while he is visiting for the holidays and we had a wonderful time this past Saturday! Justin was our instructor and he was awesome and a really great teacher. My dad has a lot of experience working with stained glass while I have zero but we both found the class to be worthwhile. The studio is cool and a lot of the other artists working in the back complimented our class's work as we went back and forth with our pieces which I thought was nice, it seems like the place has a good vibe. I'm considering taking one of the four week extended glass courses in the new year! Also just to add - we parked in a lot right behind the studio for $10 for the day which worked great. read more

I've taken two classes here so far and hope to take more! I've taken a ceramics class making a matcha bowl and plate, as well as a pet themed stained glass class. Both classes were my first time working with those mediums, and both were phenomenal experiences. The instructors explained the processes clearly and were very kind and helpful. (I'm especially impressed with how they were able to capture my dog's likeness for the stained glass class.) If you like to try new things I would recommend checking out Element Art Center. read more

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I had so much fun here today and can't wait to be back! My friend and I came for the matcha bowl-making workshop! Justin, who did the demo, was so funny and helpful! He's super charismatic and made things fun! For the price I paid for one class, I got to make two things and we also got a goodie bag with lots of swag. Super affordable! I'll definitely be back! I'd love to do the stained glass workshop :-) read more

I went to their Charcuterie and wine night and it was so much fun!!! Will definitely be booking more classes. Place was very clean and staff is amazing! read more

Loved taking the pit fire class! Justin was the instructor and was super helpful and supportive through the process. The first half we made our pots and everyone was so creative. The second half we went to a beach and colored our pots with minerals and seaweed! It was a great experience because our class got to bond and hang out with snacks that Justin brought. I am looking forward to taking a class here again and bringing more friends! read more

Taking classes with Justin has been such a great experience. He's not only a wonderful and fun teacher, but also incredibly knowledgeable about ceramics and always willing to share his expertise. His studio is beautifully maintained, and you can tell how much care he and his team put into creating a space that feels both professional and welcoming. I've loved how he fosters such a creative environment and makes the process approachable while still challenging you to grow. Truly one of the best places to learn and enjoy ceramics! read more

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Second time working on ceramics/pottery. First time at Element Art Center. Attended the charcuterie board class. Teacher was friendly (Justin I believe was his name) but would not return due to overall unprofessionalism. Teacher was discussing younger generation/teens behavior/attitude negatively, kept mentioning he was hung over, did not cover process and/or recommendations on how to handle the clay (clay shrinking, thickness, base handling/shaping, etc.), went over cutting the clay pretty quickly, and was not supportive when asked for guidance. He did not ask on levels of working with clay (prior experience at a different location). Received my clay work with a small crack, ceramic charcuterie board wasn't glazed evenly (2streaks), and tiny blue paint on a cream glaze (finger print ?), was disappointed on the handling of my hard work. Although this was not the reason I signed up for the class- the Class on their IG was being advertised to BYOB and personalized charcuterie snack to be provided on the day I went in, it was not. He did not seem interested in promoting memberships or discuss other options/classes offered at the art center. Justin seemed over it, considering he was hung over made sense I enjoyed the group setting and supporting a small business. However, Justin who is a co-owner, may need some guidance on professional decorum considering their mission statement fell short. I suppose expectations need to be lowered but not worth the $50. read more

Element Art Center - Blue mark, 2 streaks and a tiny crack :( - Art Classes Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This place is fantastic! My sister and I took the succulent stained glass class and had a great time. Justin is a gem! Excellent teacher with such a good vibe. I'll be back for more classes for sure. read more

Element Art Center - Art Classes Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This is my new favorite place!! I was looking for a new hobby and the options for being artsy and learning new skills here, feels endless! I've enjoyed the pottery classes so much and getting to create my own dishes by hand is so rewarding. Plus the staff are so kind, they taught me everything I needed to know and were really patient with me. Highly recommend for anyone looking for an activity or new hobby :) read more

We love Justin! We took a stain glass and ceramics class there. Justin is a really good teacher, he takes the time to explain everything really well. Never felt rushed to finish any of my pieces. We always arrive early and get food near by before class. read more

wife and I did the pottery class with Justin. such a great experience. Justin is super friendly, explains things really well and has such a great sense of humor. highly recommend... check out their website, so many classes available at a reasonable price. lots of food walking distance, to make an evening of it. read more

BEST TIME EVER My girlfriend and I drove up from San Diego for the 4 hour abstract stained glass class and had the best time ever. Aside from the fact that there are very few stained glass places in San Diego, element art studio was an absolute steal at $75 per person. Justin who taught that class was absolutely amazing as a teacher and hilarious!! My piece looked like a toddler made it but we would go back any day. I'm also so sad I don't live closer because they have a monthly membership FOR ONLY 150! And it includes stained glass, pottery, a wood shop and I think some other stuff?? And if you aren't aware, that's a niceee deal. Drove home crying that I couldn't spend 72 hours straight at that studio. (But I could if I got the membership since it's open for use 24/7 ;)) honestly I hope everyone goes and supports this business and these artists because it is so rare to find a space like this. read more

We took the abstract stained glass class with Justin as our instructor and had the best time! We made the cutest pieces, learned a lot, and got our craft on. Highly recommend the Element Art Center and their classes. read more

Fun, well-taught class. Did the pet portrait stained glass and loved the experience. No notes

Love this place! I signed up for a 4-hour intro to stained glass workshop and it was great. Relaxed vibe, small group, attentive and knowledgeable instructors, nice atmosphere, all good. I definitely need more classes (practice makes perfect) but I left with my first-ever stained glass anything. Look at me go. So fun! read more

Element Art Center - Art Classes Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This is my 2nd class at Element. If you are thinking of taking a class, this is the place. Relaxed, creative and fun. Both times the instructors have been wonderful, knowledgeable and helpful. It's a relaxed atmosphere to bring out your creative side. read more

Great art studio for stained glass workshops, paint & sips, drawing classes and more. They have a really nice variety of cool art workshops to dive into, with new classes popping up every month or so. They also have rentable spaces for local artists in the back! read more

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The abstract stained glass workshop was super fun and great for all levels of experience. The instructor, Justin, was super helpful. Would definitely recommend taking a class here. read more