I'm on my second round of classes at Mudworks. It is a great place to learn both wheel and slab…read moreconstruction from highly qualified instructors. They also have memberships and their classes come with free independent studio time each week. The entire staff is always willing to help. It's on a really nice little block with ample street parking. Mudworks sells tools and clay for those who need it. They also have a large array of tools to use while there. Fellow potters are very responsible about cleaning up after themselves so the work areas stay nicely clean. The studio recycles clay religiously so everyone is good about disposing of scraps or slip to facilitate this process. Only caveat is that classes beginning or ending near the pm rush hour will hit a lot of traffic on 80.

Love this studio! I've taken two 6 week classes and love the vibe. Good glazes, good clay options…read moreand tons of friendly people. Abby was super knowledgeable and challenged me to be better. I'm thankful for the community here. Everyone has been super friendly and encouraging.

I've taken art classes at other studios in the east bay and this one is the best. The owner Reneé…read morebreaks things down in the beginning and shows you tips and tricks. She's really friendly and encouraging and also adjust to everyone's style, if you want help she's there... if you want to be in your flow she's around if you need her. I like help so sometimes I'll feel stuck and she will give tips and tricks and I walk away feeling really good. Sharing some of the water colors I've done in a few classes - highly recommend.

My 11 y/o really loved the weekly and summer animation classes with Lije and is back for creative…read moredrawing with Amanda. The classes have exposed her to new creative techniques and styles of drawing in a fun and encouraging atmosphere. The teachers are enthusiastic, knowledgeable and supportive, and the space is a hidden gem in Berkeley.

The notion of a starving artist is an oxymoron as the practice of learning how to create art comes…read moreat quite a price. Art schools, art classes, art supplies... they add up quickly . I recently spent 2-full days learning to paint with wax (a process called "Encaustics"). Kala provided all materials and instruction then set us loose in the studio to have at it, along with continuing tips and topics sprinkled in throughout the days, as we learned enough to absorb additional information and tools. 2 days here (10 - 4 each day) flew by quicker than an hour does at my job. Witnessing each student's process and finished products was inspiring. The instructor taught at a level that seemed fully understandable but most so to those with an art background (which most students had). Having only an appreciation for art, I think I'd have benefited more from a little more structure. Still, I got a kick out of the instructor getting our attention by calling out "Artists!" and then talking about things we might do in "your own studio". Riiiight... Regardless of my inabilities, it was still very fun and inspiring. The 2-day workshop cost $272 which is a big chunk of change but worth it. For 2-full days the only thing I focused on was creating art and learning the processes. I pushed all my neuroses to the back of my mind and just let the creative part prevail. Cheaper than therapy, I say. Kala runs lots of different art classes, is easy to find and has ample street parking right out front. The registration process is easy, the work space is big and airy, and the classes are fun. I'm busy thinking how I can arrange things to get myself doing something like this monthly.

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!

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 can't say enough about Deborah Harris! I took an oil painting class from her last fall after…read morefinding her through Yelp--and, wow is all I can say! What a great experience. Deborah doesn't just teach her students technique (which is highly useful in itself), she teaches them how to draw and paint what they see. She also provides background, focus and direction for each classroom assignment. It's like night and day from any other instructor I've had in the past! Whether you are a new or seasoned artist, you will enjoy a class with Deborah, whatever your medium. And don't be intimidated by her success as an artist and teacher! She is one of the nicest, most nonjudgmental people I've ever met :). Thanks Deborah!

I loved the painting class I took last semester. There was a small group of women of all ages in my…read moreclass (just happened to be all women) that grew close over the 10 weeks of painting. I really enjoyed hearing the stories of the other women and listening to music while painting, it was a truly unique experience. Deborah is a top-notch artist who really knows her stuff. My painting has improved dramatically because of her.

My 6 year old kiddo comes home with the most impressive art pieces when she attends classes at…read moreCorner House Studio, and while I know it's not all about the final product, clearly there is some legit instruction and creative inspiration that takes place. As a mom and an artist, It's such a beautiful thing to witness your kid falling in love with creativity. I love the location, responsiveness has been top notch, and my kiddo is happy, which makes me over the moon.

Obsessed with this place!! My son is 7 and just finished his second "season" here. I'm truly blown…read moreaway with the pieces they've worked on - we've hung them up everywhere because they're so unique and interesting. They learn a lot of art concepts too so pretty cool hearing him talk about organic shapes, how to use the light, etc. Also took the first adult workshop and absolutely loved it. Recommended big time for both kids and adults to check this place out!

Came here first-time for Graphic designer Leah Rosenberg's exhibit. I'm a big fan of her so came to…read moresupport. Leah's work & concept was great! But overall a bit disappointed at the gallery. Scene: Weekday afternoon. traveling-solo. One hour drive. Unsure of what to expect (Minimal reviews on Yelp) About the Gallery: - Space: Way too small, the entire gallery can be viewed within 5 minutes - Ambiance: cozy, relaxing, down-to-earth. Friendly staff who offered help & Wifi access. Appreciate it. - Aesthetics: Meh, nothing impressive. Can be more thoughtful.. - The gallery's outdoor environment is poorly designed. Lacking signs at storefront, no instructions whatsoever. Located in the middle of a park, weeds unmowed and trash on the side. From within the park, there's a bridge to cross, slope to walk down, and some turns to make. However, it's not visitor friendly at all! No signs. Had to ask the locals to find out. - Parking: Most parking is limited to local residents w/ permits, but I managed to find free parking in the neighborhood for about 5-min walk.

Answered the phone, but disconnected me in the middle of my initial sentence. When I called back…read morethe phone just rang and rang (not going to voicemail). It is during their posted open hours. We'll just go somewhere else. I feel sad for the artists who show their work here.

I loved this class! I've always wanted to learn to watercolor but have felt intimidated and unsure…read moreof where to begin. Kate's calm and kind energy immediately put me at ease and I left my first class inspired and excited to learn more. It was fun to get creative in such a supportive space (with a fantastic group of people). And to top it off - her studio in the hills is absolutely gorgeous. I highly recommend Kate and her classes to anyone seeking a joyful and inspiring environment for creative expression.

I've taken a few classes with Kate and have really enjoyed them. I was new to watercolor when I…read morestarted, and had such a great time learning how to use the medium. Kate also taught about composition, and color. The class atmosphere is relaxed and there is room for everybody's learning needs and style. After you have your first class, when you are introduced to the basics, you'll be given subjects to paint, usually from nature, but not always. We painted jelly beans, and flowers, rocks, twigs, and vegetables. Some students brought their own projects. It was fun and I learned a lot.