Created an epoxy resin art tray with my mom and my sister. Our trays incorporated stones and…read morecrystals. It was a combined class where all of the other attendees made an ocean cheese board. Our instructor, Kay, was excellent. You can tell she really has a passion for this. She was very knowledgeable and helped us each along the way. She gave each student individual attention. Very patient and guided the class well. The studio is cute! As soon as you walk in it was inviting. Lots of projects to draw inspo from. I truly enjoyed the class and will definitely be coming back to try out another class.

If you are looking for a custom project, I DO NOT RECOMMEND this company…read more I really have no idea what a workshop would be like because I couldn't get any information. I sent an email requesting information on getting a resin tray with shells made. I had an appointment with "Kesenia" set, and waited over 10 mins before someone named "Valery" joined. I had provided photos and specific info on what I wanted yet she asked about my project. Then she suggested I would need both a public and private workshop. Finally, I asked if I could meet with someone. I arranged an 11am appointment in studio with "Kay." Several days prior, I received a message from Art Magic Studio (no name) was asked if the appointment could be moved to 12pm noon the same day. After waiting several days before I receive confirmation that I would still be meeting with Kay, I confirmed noon would be acceptable. Then the day before I was to meet, I received yet another request to change, asking if I would "be able to come between 1pm to 4pm." Erm... This was for a consult. Why am I coming in for 3 hours? The message was unclear - apparently it was an open time for me to just come in any time during those three hours. And, I guess, hope that Kay was available to see me. Sorry but no. This is not how a business should be run, nor how you should meet prospective clients. The customer facing experience was the absolute worst (do your homework on the customer's request before you make contact), and do not presume my schedule can be moved around at random. I definitely do not recommend this company. Worst experience ever. (I really hate to post negative reviews but had I know what this experience would be like, requesting a custom piece, I would never have contacted this company. Save your time. Go somewhere where you will be respected as a client.)

I joined Prima Materia when I was around 10, and I can say that my 7+ years with Olya and Nikusha…read moretruly changed the way I see the world. I've grown not only as an artist, but also as a person. I took part in the portfolio program, where I was able to take all classes and have weekly meetings with Olya to learn from her 30 years of experience. First, the techniques taught at Prima Materia are unlike what I have seen anywhere else. I learned how to create art with numerous materials, including unconventional ones like toothbrushes and clay made of newspaper. Olya and Nikusha are extremely well versed in which specific brands or types of art materials to buy, which ones are economical, and which ones can/should not be used together. Furthermore, Olya's Russian art education combined with her versatile and contemporary approaches to art help her teach in a way that is almost freeing. She's really helped me strike a perfect balance between academic drawing and taking creative liberties. This is especially important to me because as a scientist and STEM-focused student, I have always been bent on perfection and planning. As a result, my art would often turn out stiff and lifeless. Through the unique techniques she taught and our meetings together, Olya taught me to let go and give into randomness, chaos, and chance surprises in art. I learned to stop caring about the end result, take risks, and make myself uncomfortable. This has helped me achieve freedom from my restrictive mindset, find enjoyment in a process that previously stressed me out, and create art that is uniquely beautiful. After being in the portfolio program for a few years, what I think is special is that Olya truly cares for her students, and is willing to go the distance to help us achieve our artistic and personal goals. She notices what students are struggling with(for me, perfectionism and being unhappy and controlling with my art), and personalizes her help and feedback, spending extra time with us to help us advance as artists. She is also very eloquent and knowledgable. I always enjoy my time talking to her about new artists and techniques I find, and I aspire to have her level of intellect. Finally, Prima Matria has a plethora of classes for anyone, no matter the skill level. From a 10 year old until now, I have always found that the classes and art projects have challenged me a perfect amount; this has allowed me to refine my skills as an artist at an exceedingly fast rate. Even in classes teaching foundational skills, we have the option to take the project to the next level. Other art teachers are often astonished by how quickly and accurately I can draw, along with how fast I can pick up new techniques, because this is something that is trained through the rotating courses at Prima Materia. Plus, i have so much fun! Art classes were always a highlight of my week! I have an extremely busy schedule with a lot of research and extracurriculars, so the figure drawing classes I took made me feel like I could finally relax. Although this is already an extremely long post, I still could say a ton more about why Prima Materia's portfolio program is so great. I think one of the best choices I've made(ever!) was to take that initial workshop at Prima Materia. Because if I had not joined years ago, learned under the expertise of Olya and Nikusha, and met all of the other artists in the warm, supportive community we have, I would have missed out on a lot of joy and definitely would not be the person I am today!

I started my art journey in 2017 with Prima Materia Art Institute as a novice, and I believe that I…read morecan now really call myself an artist!! Olya and Nikusha have created an incredibly thorough and interesting curriculum for those who just want to explore their creativity, to those who are looking for a career in art. The classes are always fresh and informative, and both teachers are excellent at igniting creativity in their students. Thanks to this wonderful school for helping me turn an interest into a passion!!!

Been looking all over for a figure drawing place to to improve my eye at work. Super stoked i…read morestumbled into Elissa's awesome sanctuary. Wonderful cozy studio i go to every Sunday evening, Elissa provides a very warm welcoming environment with friendly professional figure models. You can only get better by simply just doing the thing you wanna get good at, SDAL is a great place to provide that space for all levels.

We are so happy we found this place! My daughter wanted to draw and paint in an intimate studio,…read morewhere the owner cares. Elissa is the right person, and now, after more than two years, we share the feedback. It's a fantastic place. Elissa has coached her, encouraged, and she provides each student with instructions catered to her skill level, passion, and comfort zone. Our daughter plans to continue honing her skills for next couple of years, until the end of High school. 5 Stars!

I've always been drawn to nature and revisited landscape painting with oil paints about 7 years ago…read moreafter having not painted since grade school. I've been quite fortunate to have painted with several very talented painters who happened to be instructors, as well. The Art Academy has given me the impetus to paint not only more often, but with confidence, especially, at the painting's sometimes difficult initial stages. I dove into the class after having had it recommended by an artist friend of mine. After several years in Stuart's studio class I've learned an entirely new approach to both studio painting and my original goals for plein air techniques. I'd recommend this course for painters at every skill level. Jim M.

Highly recommend Art Academy of San Diego! Stuart is a skilled artist and personable guide to…read morecreating your art. -CynC

With a motto of "Create Joy, Grow For Life", this remarkable 2-story art center is the epitome of…read morewhat an artist is looking for. This welcoming creative hub has private art studios, a variety of art classes/workshops, artist opportunities and much much more. It's easy to find on 30th being in the heart of North Park with a community of its own cultivating up and coming artists as well as intriguing art lovers like me by their profound art shows/exhibits in which I had a pleasure of attending one of them in October. Brilliant collab AJ & Priyanka!! There's definitely lots of positive art-making vibes here to the point it got my creative juices flowing to take a class. Thank you Maureen! I highly recommend this art spot to the Yelp Community :-)

Good price, the best price in San Diego Responsible company,…read moreI got hurt on my back cannot attend the class, they even offer to refund. But I just choose to postpone my class one month. Polite staff and professional teacher

My son loves his art school and his teachers. He's improving his techniques every class.read more

My daughter loves attending her anime classes. She has such a great time learning new techniques…read moreand the art show at the end of the year really motivates them and makes the parents proud. Would highly recommend

We had a sip & paint with Mona last week for my best friend's bachelorette party and we had so much…read morefun! The setup/decor was beautiful and Mona even got my friend a 'bride' headband and some bridal decor. It was an amazing night and Mona is so sweet and funny!

I recently attended a painting class hosted by Vima Gallery, and it was such a wonderful…read moreexperience! The atmosphere was fun and relaxing. I created a piece during the class that has become one of my son's favorite objects in his nursery--he loves it Mona is an incredible instructor who made the process easy to follow, even for someone like me with little painting experience. Highly recommend for a memorable experience!

Had such a great experience recording with Mat Raker here at SDMAA! His no bs attitude really…read moresimplifies the process, along with his experience and musical expertise. Really adaptable to my skill level which is very very beginner, and affordable too. I'll definitely be back to record more.

Amazing music, lessons, recording, and teachers. Most generous people I know run this facility…read more Brilliant and dapper young man, Mat Rakers, has supported my music making by dying for everybody's musical sins. Truly an inspiration.

My husband and I took a 6-week acrylic painting class, and we had SO MUCH FUN! Meryl is such a good…read moreteacher, and we learned so much. I can't believe how easily she inspired our inner artist. After the class ended, we bought an art kit from Michaels to continue practicing, and we can't wait to take another class. Highly recommend!

I went to The Artist Outpost with a friend and I also had a very negative experience. Nowhere on my…read morepurchased ticket did it say there was no instructor and the included supplies would be old paint and crusted paint brushes... When I talked to the owner, I realized that customer service wasn't her strong quality.

I enjoy the process of creating. Don't necessarily see myself as artistic though so I figured with…read morea mosaic, it would be easier to create something I enjoyed. It was the 2 afternoon glass on glass mosaic class I took. Lauren was the instructor. She's warm, approachable, works well with beginners. Got lots of good tips from her. I have never created something that I love as much as I love this piece. I'll be coming back for more classes and continuing to make more mosaics. I feel a bit like an artist now. It's awesome!!!!!

I finally got a chance to do the indigo dyeing workshop with Lauren and brought my two friends with…read moreme! We had the best time. What an incredible way to spend an afternoon or two learning a really fun approachable new form of art, working with your hands. Lauren was a great teacher, very supportive of our crazy ideas and was a great balance of structure vs. going with the flow and allowing the students interests guide the class. Opening each piece and revealing the pattern was almost better than Christmas morning! Cannot wait to return for more alumni days.