I have no words for this awful school. PLEASE DON'T EVER ATTEND A PRIVATE ART SCHOOL, it's a total…read morescam. Ignore overly positive and short reviews its probably an admin or staff from CCA trying to cover the truth experiences of students. Initially entered for animation but that department along with illustration and other craft related programs are a joke. THERE IS NO INTERNSHIP or connection to Pixar like they promised during the interview. You can't go back on it because whoever told you that info left the school for a different job. The Graphic Design dept is pathetic. A lot of people quit cuz the school wont pay plus most have given up on teaching. They do the bare minimum for students. Often rushing to leave after class these are the tenure prof it doesnt help their old disconnect from the modern world. They also admit they dont know current programs and teach critical theory based bs which is useless. Right now its all adjunct prof with little to no teaching experience this is across all programs. I heard it from friends plus its hard to monitor who is still working at CCA. They dont consistently update their website. All the positive reviews for this school are from 5-20years ago listing prof who arent here anymore. Look up Cca lawsuits they've had quiet a few and tried to dismiss it. *Currently theres a lawsuit for antisemitism on campus where they allowed students to bully a jewish professor. The programs at this school are a joke since they don't pay faculty the prof treat classes like its a chore. I've had classrooms with no ceiling so its loud, classmates sing out loud, bullying is a common thing among students /teachers. YOU'RE LEARNING ON YOUR OWN. Forget this place if you want to learn current programs they dont teach any technical programs. Its all critical race theory and their specifc agendas on politics and its relation to SF. Each class is reviewing your work with a prof everyone gets 20min total out of a 2-3hr class. I've heard tangents to not answering questions. Prof say you'll have to talk to someone else for help. They throw random problems at you and its up to you to solve it. I had a professor who retired this year offer an off topic project an interactive one and asked if anyone wants to do it for free, its great experience. We asked him if he knew a program we could render or use but he straight out said IDk...but im sure you'll figure it out. THEY LIE ABOUT CAREER HELP. Hate to admit but they had a decent center but like CCA fashion they wont tell you when theres a drastic change. The school fired the entire center moving it on handshake with a beyound pathetic dept. No one even knows what they do but they run the career center. They hired odd people as career counselors. We had a gallery curator who can barely find a job, a random industrial prof, and a rock star. Yea they did, they hired some bootleg rock star with an english background to help all majors. They were not helpful from deflecting on students to projecting their own opinions on job preferences. I wanted to apply an internship at meta and one of these idiots told me off saying why would I want to work for such an immoral company. Lady, you work for a diploma mill fcking up ppls finacial stability. Everything they mention on their site is 100% a lie they dont help you at all with internships in fact we havent had a career fair in 2years. If we do its only for architectures, graphic design, and industrial. The sad part about career fairs its mostly adobe or other design companies am to sell you products. The portfolio reviews are only 15-20min each. 80% is panel bs from people in the industry talking about their success. It feels like an MLM where they fill you with nonsense and basic free merch. Adobe even spent 30min presenting a new mobile PS app for us to pay/download there was a raffle but its completely inappropriate. The school just wants to make $$$$$ while helping other companies to exploit our desire to enter the field by pushing us to buy more stuff. Overall, theres no opportunities. YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN. Lastly the saddest part we are robbed our last $100 because we have to pay to print our own degrees. Its $200 if you want it framed this applies to graduates too.

I'm currently a junior at the school, studying illustration. Almost all I have to say about CCA is…read morehugely positive. I can only speak for my own department, but I love the professors here. Learning about becoming a better artist and professional has been a life-changing experience. They care about the students, and they're in it to give back and be mentors for others. I was lucky to have amazing teachers, amazing advisors to fall back on, and a student population that's engaged on stuff that really matters (diversity, social justice, equality). I'm an international student too, and CCA has shown more than just hospitality to me. I've also gotten the chance to meet and work with several people in the administration of the school - the Admissions Office, the Office of Student Life, and Student Affairs. I haven't met a single person that isn't excited about creating an awesome community for students and making sure that they feel like they feel cared for. If I was pressed to say what the downsides are, there are very little. The main one I can think of is the division of the two campuses - one in Oakland, and one in SF. But they're also going to consolidate everything in SF anyway, so I'm not even mad. I wish I had applied a few years later so I could get to see the new campus!

I was a student at the Asian Arts School for 8 years and I loved every moment I was in the studio…read more Teacher Lin Wei and her amazing group of dedicated teacher assistance made sure to prioritize every student's potential to grow and excel in their artistic skills. The studio is an environment where students learn from the teachers and peers to be inspired to diverge into their individual style. That is why there are often engaging activities the studio hosts such as art galleries, live portrait drawing sessions, art competitions, outside landscape drawing. When I was planning to audition for San Francisco's Ruth Asawa School of the Art (SOTA) high school, Mrs. Wei gave helpful tips in finalizing my art portfolio, which ultimately got me into the completive school. I highly recommend checking out Asian Art School!

My 5 year old (almost 6, rising 1st grader) attended a weeklong summer camp and enjoyed it since…read moreshe already likes art. I was impressed by the art that came home at the end of the week. It seemed like there weren't any kids in after care, although it's offered. Ms. Wei spent time on the phone with me walking me through the daily schedule (also posted on their website), and addressed my questions prior to registration. The kids also learned Chinese dance, Irish dance, and Chinese singing. There's a little performance at the end of the week, although I think I was told the wrong time so just clarify that when you go. Would recommend for anyone looking to improve their child's artistic ability.

This review is based on my experience with the instructional classes at the studio…read more I'm not an artist but I strive to live in touch with creativity. For a long time, I've made art but struggled with feeling like what I was doing was really creative. Michael, the owner and instructor at the studio, has transformed the way I think about the creative process through the avenue of figure drawing. His classes are the most meaningful part of my week. If you're looking for an instructional class focused on technique for drawing more accurately, this may not be the right place for you. Instead, the classes offer a new connected way of living--engaged with beauty both around you and internal to you. So much of the class is about unlearning not just how you draw but also how you value the creative process. It is the most challenging class I've ever taken and there's no amount of brute force I can apply to get it other than trusting the process and the instructor. Nonetheless, as frustrating as it is, there's nothing else I do that is more rewarding. It takes a lot of effort to strip away your aesthetic value system to get at the core of what you find beautiful, but if the result is a more meaningful existence, then that investment is priceless. Some practical aspects of the instructional sessions. Michael strives to provide only the best models to inspire you not to capture their poses but to feel something in yourself. The medium is stick charcoal and newsprint is available cheaply at the studio. The class is a lengthy commitment of 20 weeks of three-hour sessions but is highly structured and builds on successive lessons. Michael also allows you to make-up classes. Although there is a high upfront cost, for the hours of instruction and model time spread out over the weeks, it's a steal.

Excellent in all ways: location, furniture, back up supplies, equipment, atmosphere and,…read moreespecially, the models.

I had a wonderful experience with my first formal painting training at Jean Henry School of Art…read more First of all, Mike Ritch is everything I could possibly have asked for in a teacher. He is a talented artist, is excellent at conveying his ideas to all the students who ask for it, and was always able to encourage me with letting me know what I needed to do in order to achieve the best results I could possibly have. As a new student, I was not always aware of what supplies I needed to have with me. Inevitably, I forgot something that I needed in order to accomplish my work for each class. Mike was not only patient with me, but was generous to let me use what he had on hand in the studio. The ambiance is excellent. There were usually anywhere from two to four other students working at the same time. For the most part, it was a quiet environment, with everyone working on their own canvases. But there was also friendly and supportive banter occasionally. It was encouraging for me to hear kind comments from the other students, all of whom are adults.

I've been going to Jean Henry School of Art for many years now. It's a great crowd, a fun…read moreenvironment, and the owner, Mike Ritch, is a gifted artist and wonderful teacher. Infinitely patient, he makes everyone feel welcome and works with students to hone their strengths and overcome their weaknesses. Without a doubt, Mike has helped me become a better painter and artist. Classes are three hours long and there are sessions throughout the week. Sometimes the whole class works on a specific theme, like a still life or in black and white, but often students work on whatever project they want. Each class generally has a critique where students can show their art and get both positive and negative feedback. If you've thought about getting into art, expressing your creative side, or just de-stress from a sit-at-your-desk-and-stare-at-a-computer job, check this place out!

My 7 year old daughter has been attending art lessons at Artworks for over a year now, and we've…read morebeen happy with her progress. She has been learning a variety of techniques and working with various mediums like watercolor and oil pastels. Our daughter sometimes complains about the classes being too prescriptive, but we try to explain that mastering different techniques will be valuable down the road. Overall, we've been happy with the quality of the instruction. We were on a waitlist for a year before we got in, but I understand it's easier to "get in" these days!

Staff there are amazing! This art shop helps my son with his creativity. Teachers are super…read morepatience.

My 6 year old daughter has been attending Xing Xing Art since she was 5. Sean has been a wonderful,…read morekind and flexible instructor. My daughter started with color pencil sketches progressed to pastel drawings, and is currently working on watercolor paintings. She always looks forward to going to class each week. I love how there are so many class slots, and appreciate the flexible make-up policy. Sean is also very easy to work with and a patient instructor. My daughter also wanted to write a review: Xing Xing Art is amazing and fun because you learn skills in the art class and Sean (the teacher) is very nice! I think this is the best art class you can ever imagine and if you love art it will be a fun place to go. I have been here for over a year so I know. I recommend to go to this school because if you love art like me, this school will make you happy. I think Xing Xing Art earns 5/5 stars and more.

Sean is an amazing art teacher! He has a strong background in so many different mediums including…read morewater color, pastel, sketch, and oil painting. I have been at his studio for more than 8 years and he has always been a supportive and patient teacher. The classes are informative and fun having the option to choose from so many drawings to paint. He was also able to help me get into a local art high school, Ruth Asawa SOTA by preparing me for the drawings and having me practice. Would 100% recommend this art studio!

My daughter is absolutely obsessed with Young Art Studio! We've always known she had a creative…read morespark, but it wasn't until she started classes here that we really saw her artistic side blossom. She looks forward to class every single week! Julia, the owner, is not only an incredibly talented artist but also a truly gifted teacher. She's so patient and encouraging with the kids, and our daughter has learned so much under her guidance. Each class is thoughtfully structured into two parts -- drawing/painting and then clay molding -- which keeps the kids engaged and excited. The mix of ages has also been wonderful, as our daughter (one of the youngest) learns so much from watching the older students. We couldn't recommend Young Art Studio more for any child who loves to create and express themselves through art!

I came here when I was 7 years old, and now 10 years later, I can say that Young Artist Studio has…read morebeen one of the best parts of my life. This place is honestly like a second home to me. Im off to college now but I will always be back to visit. A huge part of why I love this place is so much is because of the teacher, Julia. She is the most supportive and kindest people I have ever met. She will give you the best advice on how to approach a drawing and she knows exactly how to help you grow as an artist. She celebrates every little improvement and reminds you that mistakes are just part of the process. Over the many years I have been at this studio, I have learned so many new techniques. But most importantly, I learned to believe in myself because Julia always believed in me, even when I doubted myself. One of my favorite memories is of a black and white drawing I did of a girl. I was scared to start it at first because I didn't have the confidence. I didn't think I was capable of making it look good but Julia encouraged me to just try it because she believed I could. I trusted her and I'm so glad I did because that drawing turned out amazing. It's one of my favorite pieces to this day. I'm so grateful for everything Julia has done for me. Thank you for believing in me and helping me grow. You've made such a big difference in my life. Truly the best teacher and friend I could ever ask for. I love you so much Julia.

This is my daughter's fav class. The teachers are very experienced and dedicated in teaching arts…read more My daughter came back with an impressive artwork every time. She is only 5 but she can sit there for 2 hours creating artwork. And she wants to go in every time she passes by the school.

Teacher Wang is a very professional artist/teacher. He's a great teacher. He is very focused when…read moreit comes to helping students and teaching art. He helps you once you ask for help or he just comes to check on how you are doing and helps you fix some places that look off. Both Emily and Mr. Wang are very responsible teachers and care a lot for the students. My daughter has been here for around 2 years and she loves going and she has made a lot of improvement! I recommend this program to everyone who loves art.

This is my first time leaving a Yelp review. We had a group…read moreof 14 people, and Yi's class was very fun. Yi's a great instructor and an amazing singer.

A unique experience to definitely do in SF!!!…read more A bottle of red wine, chill music, homely atmosphere, & art. Yi is the shiiiz. Not only was she easy to talk to, she taught so well, and spoke to us as peers. She made it fun and chill, and had a glass of wine with us! 1 con - we got started late. 10,000 pros - her art studio was amazeballs, her art itself was brilliant, the music set the artistic mood, and then others in the class + the ease of learning Yi made it made the WHOLE NITE PERFECTO!!! :: melt my heart now!! :::

I just completed a 4 week intuitive painting course with Claudia yesterday & it's been interesting…read more& powerful experience. I initially found the center through an instagram ad that was advertising their free open studio & decided to check it out. The intuitive painting course is not your typical course. The focus is being in community, learning to listen in & lean into your own intuition & creativity. There's no formal technique, no critiques or comments, but there is a lot of guidance & prompts to help you tap into your creative spirit. The goal is to create a painting from within & quiet the inner critic. It's about the process of letting go of "perfection" & to be create whatever comes up. It may sound a little woo-woo but the beauty of this process is that there's no right or wrong or good or bad painting - it's about your experience. If you're still unsure, I'd recommend dropping into a class to see what it's about. I definitely plan to take more classes in the new year.

I'm glad I experienced this they were so nice and the principle behind is pure…read more Not really my jam though, as an adult too much freedom and not enough structure. You're not allowed to talk or interact with other people. You are painting alone, together. But ironic that the facilitators can interrupt/critique you as they wish.