Wow!! Why didn't I discover this place sooner? It is GREAT for kids!!…read more Not too many places offer camps during August, or drop in/drop off activities five days per week for kids. Studio 4 art offers both. We signed our daughter up for one of the weekly camps and she loved every day of it! It was "clay week", so every day they've been doing activities with clay - the wheel, braiding clay into basket forms, and making all kinds of things. The studio will fire them in the kiln and you can then take them home the next week. Outside of the camps during school breaks, you can do the drop in/drop off option and the kids can pick the activity they'd like to do. It's about the same cost as paying a sitter/nanny, so it seems a great option for a few hours when needed between 10a.m. and 5:30 p,m, M - F. Apparently they also do kids birthday parties on the weekends and some Fridays. What a great, artistic option for kids!

We had a wonderful birthday party for our kids and their friends at the San Rafael DoArt space. The…read morepet adoption project was perfect, and the teacher adapted it when storm related traffic led to late arrivals. The back area was perfect for having an after project treat. We recommend this highly!

Highly rated for a great bonding event. Tia, our family had…read moresuch a memorable time at your recent paint party! With all levels of artistry talent - totally green to experienced, young and old - each of us gained some good tips and came out feeling accomplished. I could have sat for a few more hours, because it was relaxing to be in a creative space with good friends discovering what talent hides inside each of us. Your detailed instruction and teaching experience kept the brushes moving which helped us finish our masterpieces. Now they hang in my room as an art wall which I smile at whenever I pass it. Something different to do with friends, or a place to make new friends. I highly rate your classes and events, Tia! Hope to join you again soon.

Tia is an incredibly gifted artist and teacher. Her classes are frequently full and many of her…read morestudents have come back repeatedly in order to continue to learn and refine their painting skills. She nurtures and encourages participants to freely explore and express their individuality, while providing concrete lessons in painting technique and a variety of projects.

They offer a variety of creative workshops that are fun and easy to join for all skill levels. The…read morespace is welcoming, inclusive and encourages creativity. There is always something happening and it is a great place to meet and connect with others. The Exchange truly brings the community together in an inspiring way.

Our group recently rented the space and hosted a community meeting. Not only were the owners and…read morethe space warm and inviting, they provided us with coffee and tea on a cold day. The open plan space helped us be able to create an event where we could have a constructive dialog. So happy this space is available for rent in Vallejo.

We rode the SMART train into town for fun one day. We didn't have a plan other than to walk around…read more We happened upon Art Works after visiting Riley Street. Both my kiddos are very artistic and were absolutely thrilled to tour this studio/gallery space. The front desk attendant was very welcoming, and we all really enjoyed being surrounded with so much creativity. There was something to see at almost every turn, and even a few interactive pieces. It really was a treat to see my kids soak it all in and to be in their element for a change. It will be our go-to destination on all future jaunts to San Rafael.

On my first visit I found a community of artists ready to invite me into their studios and share…read moretheir meaningful works of art. Barbara, one of the artists there, even gave me a tour of the space, galleries and filled me in on the history and mission of the building and community. As a non-profit organization they work to keep the costs low for renting studio space and allow artists to rent gallery space for exhibitions. And I'm very much looking forward to the next art walk which occurs every 2nd Friday of the month. If you're looking to find an artistic community in Marin County, or just enjoy speaking with passionate artists, then you've found the right spot.

Diana Belenky is the Bee's Knees. There, I said it…read more If there's one thing Diana knows how to do, it's to teach. I have had a great many teachers who know how to draw and paint--even the legendary Henry Yan--but very few who know how to teach it. With a great sense of humor, a veritable wealth of information, and a heaping dose of patience, Diana excels at sharing her knowledge and demonstrating its application effectively. If ever you were uncertain of how to, say, capture a specific kind of fold in your gesture drawing, then you need not look further than Diana for just how to do it.

Diana is a DREAM of a teacher. I am an adult beginner and new to drawing and painting, and wanted…read moreto get the foundations down. Diana is SO knowledgeable and organized. She took me from drawing in flat, 2-D to a beautiful 3-D drawing in pencil, in only 3-4 lessons. She is so thoughtful, organized and flexible - she sequenced and adjusted her curriculum to my needs and adjusted to my style of learning seamlessly. In addition, she interweaves art history into her lessons so you understand what she is teaching in context. And she is so nurturing and encouraging! I've gone through a few teachers and she is one of the very best. I recommend Diana for anyone looking to improve their skills.

I had the pleasure of stopping by Fiber Circle Studio last weekend with my mom. She highly…read morerecommended checking them out, and I'm so glad we did. Some other yarn shops can feel very gatekeeper-ish in my experience, but I didn't get that vibe at all here. As soon as I stepped in, I was greeted warmly by a table full of people and an employee leading a class or group. I didn't require any assistance, but the employee made a point to come over and briefly check-in in an unobtrusive way, which was much appreciated. The space is bright and airy, and the merchandising is on point. They have a surprisingly good variety of yarn, considering the space isn't gigantic (I'm used to Dharma over in San Rafael). Things are clearly labeled and priced, and patterns are available for knitting and crochet, ranked by difficulty, along with a list of where you can find them online. My mom ended up buying some lovely yarn that was made in the USA. Overall, the vibes were great-- it seemed like they were having some kind of class in the back, and it sounded like people were having fun. I perused their website and was impressed by the variety of workshops they offer. They also offer scholarships to workshops, which I don't think I've seen any other yarn store do. Love it when businesses give back to the community that way!

I had a dye class to attend and needed 100% wool yarn that I could dye. The lady working was super…read morehelpful and tried looking up the yarn that I picked. She gave me recommendations and I ended up going with this beautiful yarn that started out white. This is the color it was after I did a solar dye with acid dyes during the class. The store is amazing and has so much to offer. It is clean and organized and easy to find things on your own. I really appreciate the finished products that are sprinkled around the store to give inspiration.

I recently visited the art studio as I was attending the Obtanium Cup Contraption contest with some…read moreof my favorite peeps. The event I speak of was too much fun. Madcap madness! The art studio was an unexpected delight! I had no idea it was there! I must have spent over an hour in the smallish studio. We chatted with an artist or 2 and just really enjoyed all of the art! People are so creative and full of passion and art is a great way to share with the world. Perspective is everything. They have a website you should check out if you would like to visit. I most definitely recommend doing that and then checking out Mare Island. Make a day of it!

From the owner: come visit us after January's California Freeze-for JeanCherie's opening on February 16- the Art…read moreThaw!

A great place to learn and expand your art skills. Friendly instructors and plenty of attention for…read morestudents of all ages. You can experiment and learn new techniques to your heart's content. I tried creating glass beads with a blow torch and ended up making some very nice Christmas presents.

From the owner: Are you ready to unlock your creativity and embark on an artistic journey with us?…read moreExperience visual art classes, at low or no cost, in a supportive environment that encourages and expands creative expression. Workshops for people of all ages and skill sets. We offer- glassblowing, painting, collating, sewing, printing, and much more! A vibrant & inclusive space available to rent for classes, workshops, and lectures. A Mobile art truck to bring art activities to all areas of the valley. Available for private events, team building, corporate retreats & more! Visit our quaint gallery featuring artwork by local artists of all mediums and ages.

Elizabeth Flanagan's classes are fun, exciting and chill all at the same time! If you are a…read morebeginner or already know a few things or want to learn more or are already well upon the artists path, Elizabeth classes are for you! Everyone in these classes are welcoming, generous, fun loving people / artists Elizabeth provides an easy-going manner as she teaches she also provides tea for everyone and plays a wide range of fabulous music during class. It's fun! It's chill! Elizabeth and still is a sense of community while we paint and there can be quiet time or conversation, always laughter, learning and a sense of safety and well-being permeates this environment. I am so glad I took the leap and begin classes with Elizabeth. FYI The fall classes begin the week of September 17

Joined Elizabeth's watercolor classes a year ago as a beginner and have been hooked since. Not…read moreonly does she engage the novice student with the basics, but she keeps it interesting for more experienced painters with study of practices from contemporary artists around the world. She makes her classroom environment very comfortable with fun conversation, good music, and good exchange of thoughts about each other's current artwork.