I did a pinch pottery workshop with Hue. It was 3 weeks, one session for two hours each week…read more The class was nice a small (handful of people or so), the format relaxed and Hue was so helpful, sweet and encouraging. I had such a great experience - this was my first time doing any type of pottery. The first class we just got the basics and played around and made a few small pieces. The second class we were able to add color to the clay itself, and then also in tandem, begin a "final project" aka bigger piece. During the third and final class, we learned about glazing and got to glaze our pieces! A week later, we were able to swing by the studio to grab our pieces at our convenience. I was able to make 5 pieces - some people probably made more like 8-10. I signed up for a full length class (two months) next session since I loved it so much! Can't wait to be back! And shoutout again to Hue who is awesome!! Would love to have her again as an instructor.

I love the Berkeley Art Studio! I took two classes here last year; one in Painting Fundamentals…read morewith Oil and another in Figure Painting with Oil (both with Scott Leddy). The first class is a great introduction to painting with oil, and the second was a continuation with live models. Having had been away from art for years, these classes were able to bring the connection back. They definitely made my one evening a week. Scott is a great instructor; he has a relaxed style of teaching that I definitely enjoyed. I also liked sharing a class with other art enthusiasts with different skills and styles. It was so fun to walk around the class and see how everyone would interpret the same model! The classroom was spacious, equipped with the tools we needed, and had amazing views of campus. Classes can be a little bit pricey if you're not a student at UC Berkeley (like me). Remember, you need to buy all of the materials. But, they're definitely worth it. If you're a student, you should definitely take advantage of them. I miss these classes!

I don't consider myself a natural artist, but after taking Introduction to Silkscreen with Emily…read morehere I feel like a spark of potential was finally lit. I thoroughly enjoyed the flexible after-work hours where I could relax and concentrate on just a few set tasks that go into making a screen and prints. The small class size felt both intimate and collaborative. I also loved how the teacher provided great materials to experiment with and Kala had all the necessary equipment. I'd love to come back and take more silkscreen later in the year!

Kala has some great art programs. One of them is Drink and Draw, a post-work evening activity that…read moreinvolves drinkin' an' drawin'. It's a rare opportunity for working folks who love art (but never get to do it) to be artistic and creative. We also hoped it would be an opportunity to meet people, relax, unwind, drink some wine, and hang out... but we discovered one fine weekday eve that it was lots of Draw but very little Drink. There are some serious art students in Berkeley! The art instructor was knowledgeable, talented and inspiring, and brought some great materials for us to use - handmade paper, high-quality ink, brushes. We did have to supply some of our own stuff, like scratch paper, pencils, erasers. She taught us new techniques and was very hands-on. A few completed projects even looked frame-worthy. Kala offers great programs if you want to do art in the evening. However, if you actually want to hang out with friends, catch up, and Drink with your Draw, you may want to go to a bar. Just sayin'...!

Wonderful experience! Sheri is so experienced both as a woodcarver and as a teacher! Tread more

I started taking the introductory class a few weeks ago at Sheri's woodcarving studio, and I…read morecouldn't be happier. Sheri has created an enchanting space to learn about woodcarving and to feel part of a mini community. The drop-in structure of the courses is fantastic. The times I have been there, there have been about 3-5 other students of all ages and abilities working on their various projects. Sheri is great about walking around to provide individualized instruction and guidance, and it is also so fun to see what everyone else is working on. The shop is very well organized. Each student gets assigned a work area and a bag with their own set of high-quality tools to use in the shop. I am really enjoying working on the introductory project because you get to practice all sorts of techniques. I will definitely be continuing after I finish the first course!

We had a Clay Date to celebrate our 18th wedding anniversary. Having never done anything like this…read morebefore (literally my only experience was watching Ghost), I had no idea what to expect. In short, it was awesome! Caty was an informative instructor who gave each of us the support and care that we needed to be successful. I'm so proud of what we created. We'll use all of the pieces for years and remember the special experience even longer.

I took a beginning wheel throwing drop in class. The instructor is amazing; they gave a…read moredemonstration to start that helped provide some initial knowledge. They keep the classes small so they can give you as much help as you need. At the same time, they asked what you wanted to work on (skills or final product) and you can take freedom in that. I tend to be pretty intimidated by art classes, and this was the best experience of a drop in art class I've ever had. They also gave you a lot of clay to work with so you could restart plenty of times if you needed to, and even shave part of the top off and still have a decent sized piece.

Gina and all the teachers have created a welcoming, supportive space where members and students…read morefeel valued and connected. One thing I really appreciate is how much Gina listens to member feedback and actively looks for ways to make the studio even better, whether that's bringing in guest artists for workshops, hosting movie nights, organizing sales and letting members participate (for free!), or planning fun workshops like the gold luster, cute critters, or nerikomi workshop. There are always thoughtful touches that make Kollektiv feel special, from celebrating birthdays and milestones to creating opportunities for members to learn, share ideas, and get inspired. It's a beautiful studio filled with kind people, creativity, and a genuine sense of community. I'm so grateful to be a member.

Classes: Kind and supportive teachers! This is where I first learned throwing and, yes there were…read moremany struggles learning a new skill, but Gina helped me feel at home and comfortable to ask questions and make mistakes. Highly recommend taking a class here! Membership: As a member, I enjoy accessing the studio during more hours and access to a wide range of beautiful clay bodies and member only workshops. It's also one of my favorite third spaces! Here I've found new friendships and a space to grow creatively. Members here love to share tips, tricks, glaze combos, tools, glazes and more making for a collaborative space focused on relationships. Highly recommend this studio whether it's a class or membership!

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.

This is my Happy Place. Every instructor and staff member I've come to know over the past 3 years…read morehas been so helpful and friendly, and the community here is wonderful. The studio is big enough to offer things like visiting artist workshops, a spray booth for glaze, raku, soda firing, and more - and the huge range of work is always inspiring!

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!

Jo was cool, but the teacher that day, chris, she works at another location but I attended the…read moreBIPOC Queer open studio and I almost walked out. I'm used to be marginalized and excluded just didn't think it was gonna happen at this place.

Love clay clubhouse, I always feel welcome here, the music is great, and the vibes are right. I…read morewish they had membership capacity because I would love to join. It's also tough getting into classes because how in demand they are but I can see why. Always get the day pass but it's a great time either way.