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'...!

It was my first time to join the open drawing studio last Sunday. Since moving to this area, I had…read morebeen searching for a venue like this. So happy to have found this wonderful place. The model is wonderful (she even brought coffee and a cake she made). So is the space. Thoroughly enjoyed going back to life drawing again among friendly like-minded people.

A wonderful place to paint and draw. Always great models and Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays are a…read moregreat opportunity to tackle a three hour portrait painting or figure pose. Excellent workshops are offered sometimes, and a recent added ongoing Wednesday night class with Felicia Forte.

I took a beginning serger class here and learned so much in only two hours! I feel a lot more…read moreconfident about choosing a serger and threading it when my project callls for finally getting one. Eli was great and it was a great intro to their lovely studio as well. Maybe I'll schedule machine time there instead of buying a serger? Still to be determined! Thanks Eli!

Eli and her team are AMAZING! They are wonderful instructors and teachers who really know their…read morestuff and yet are accessible, patient, and understand how to teach complete beginners. I know Eli is also very intentional about who she collaborates and works with, which explains the high caliber of guest instructors who lead workshops and classes. I cannot imagine Elmwood without Studio Sessions! Such a special small business. Please support your small businesses! which also means understanding why their policies are what they are--last-minute no-shows and cancellations are extremely detrimental for experience-based businesses. Anyway, I'm excited to take more classes in the future!

Love this place! We've been going for years and have a very full collection of works our kids have…read morepainted. We're slowly building a collection of vases and dishes that my spouse and I have decorated too! Painting our pieces outside is such a peaceful experience. One of our favorite parts of coming here is seeing Nina - she's always so friendly and energetic.

My wife and 10-year-old niece had fun painting pottery at Brushstrokes Studio in Berkeley. This is…read morea neat little place/concept. My sister told me they used to come here, then stopped for a period of time but have recently returned for multiple visits because my niece's friends got them back into it. This is a cool spot because you can drop in without a reservation and paint pottery. The studio fee was $18 per person (includes all the paint and supplies you need) plus the cost of the pottery item you choose. My wife chose a Small Nesting Tray ($23) and my niece chose a Rectangular Pen Cup ($18). After 10.25% sales tax, the visit cost $81.20 total. You have to come back at least a week later to pick up your finished pieces. We sat outside on the back patio. This is a humble studio. The complimentary water ran out so I walked to a nearby cafe to get some. There was also complimentary Kirkland Signature green tea. The restroom, located outside, is tiny. Nice staff. The vibe is inclusive and family-friendly.

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!

This place is a delight! They have supplies for stained glass artwork, classes on stain glass, they…read morecan do custom stained glass, designs, basically everything you need related to stain glass. Out front they always have a little table that has an activity involving stained glass. It's fun to bring kids and let them do a stained glass art piece. For about 20 bucks you can have them put it in the kiln and come back the next day and pick up your kids artwork. What a great activity to do on fourth Street.

Recently took a class w friends w instructor Julie Orchard - mere words cannot capture her…read moreawesomeness.. She'sthat rare combo of extremely experienced & able to communicate everything clearly & calmly, while making you feel like you can totally do exactly the same thing she did... & then she made good on it! Srsly, everyone in the class was thrilled e their results. Honestly I was shocked at what we all were able to achieve in just a few short but super sweet hours. If you're a serious nose to the grindstone student you'll appreciate Julie's expertise & clarity. If you're a total beginner looking to just have fun Julie will help you do just that - AND make a super beautiful piece. Win/win! HIGHLY recommend Julie

My 8 years old has been taking Saturday morning classes with Mr Doug. She really enjoys every class…read moreand always brings back masterpieces! Mr Doug is a truly amazing with children. He is passionate about teaching young artists. Mr Doug is also a nice person to chat with, always patient with everyone.

My 12-year-old has been taking art classes with Doug for several years now. There was the lost…read moreCOVID stretch, of course. To give you a sense of how much my kid loves this art class, I'll say this: There were precisely two things she missed the most during COVID, and that was going to Disneyland and Doug's Sunday morning art classes. Doug is really knowledgeable--I did art reviews at the Rhode Island School of Design for a while, so I have a sense of elements that make up art. Doug knows this really well, and this allows him to help people develop their art. Because he can break down what makes art, he can demystify the process for his students. Doug's intelligence really shines through when he helps his students focus on technique. Doug is also incredibly terrific with kids. He's not some dictator or sergeant. He gives gentle advice (again, advice that is *really* smart), and he knows how to push, how to inspire, and how to let a kid's imagination run. He's patient and calm, and he smiles and laughs. This is a person who really does love art, and he wants to share that love with others. Dropping my kid off at Doug's place, I see kids who are younger, teens, and adults. He has a capacity to speak to each of these age groups. It's impressive, and we're really appreciative that our kid gets to attend his classes.

My friend treated me to the Tampico Fiber Brooms & Brushes making class. It has been way too long…read moresince I've taken an arts and crafts class. It was so fun. The space is beautiful, spacious, and inviting. There is plenty of room at the big table to work and not feel crowded. The supplies are plentiful. The instructor was easy going and very knowledgeable... lots of fun too. I can't believe that I went home with three little brushes. Definitely hope to come back soon!

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.

I am always looking for a camp that understands all kinds of kids as my daughter has lots of worry…read moreand loves art. I found that with Dancing Paintbrush Studio the weekly lessons are fulfilling for my daughter and lunch time out at the park gives kids a nice break from focused arting!!! We have been coming back to this camp for years and find it resonates each summer. This is a kind and generous program that gives kids the opportunity to make art in community. A lovely program!

When my kids were little they loved Dancing Paintbrush - they both thrived in the small group…read moresetting and the personal attention they received from Beth and her team. The projects they worked on were fun and they had the chance to explore various art media. Beth helped them through the pandemic with online zoom art lessons and they've had the chance for 1:1 lessons with Beth as well. As they became teens, Beth mentored my son as an assistant for the program; he has learned valuable professional skills working with her.

Rude lady today. I won't spend my money here ever. Inquired about a 16 inch chain and she was…read moresnotty

I absolutely love this place! They have a gorgeous selection of fine jewelry designers, plus lots…read moreof more affordable pieces from their own brass and silver lines. Really cool mix of edgy, organic, and stunning quality across the board. My partner and I have gotten permanent jewelry from them three times. One year & two years later our bracelets have held up so well, no breaks. Sienna, who does their permanent jewelry, is lovely and super attentive to detail. When we went in for our newest bracelets, they kindly cleaned our other ones, as the stones had gotten a little grubby in the past year. They have a wide ranging selection of chain styles and tons of beautiful charms to add on. We were also able to request a particular stone/setting in advance. All of the sales staff are friendly, welcoming, and knowledgeable! We have shopped at their original Oakland location during busy hours when they have gracefully been juggling multiple customers and still made the point to check in with us. Their Berkeley space is super open with lots of room for browsing. We tried on a number of rings and they were so helpful in explaining different settings, stone cuts, etc. I wilk be shopping here for years to come!