Summer Studios is amazing if you have any interest in drawing, painting, or ceramics. I was a total beginner at wheel throwing, but their resident expert, Yasuko, is the exact kind of teacher I was looking for. She patiently teaches you the proper technique for handling clay on the wheel head. Her classes are only available for those 12+, but the studio offers classes for kids as well. I also took drawing classes here from the owner, David, and he has a very impressive background in fine arts. He has teaches at a college as well (blanking out on the name unfortunately), so it was very reassuring having a professional guide me in the right direction. He has a discerning eye and can help you no matter your skill level. He's a very supportive instructor, and I would highly recommend taking his drawing class or sculpting class. read more

Studio owner is very friendly. Bought a wooden figure in Mexico unpacked our bags and saw there was a broken piece on it. I brought my figure in and got it repaired. Very fast and through work. He even guaranteed his services on my repair. Very cool studio for all kinds of crafting playforms available here. Awesome! read more

Summer Studios - Art Schools Near Me - Lomita, California

I have done two ceramics wheel classes with Yasuko for my team. We had SO much FUN! Yasuko is a great teacher - very patient, encouraging and helpful with people at all levels of skill. It is amazing to learn about throwing, actually create a bowl, plate, vase. You get to pick the glaze and Yasuko trims and glazes each item and then you get to pick it up when it's ready. I will definitely go back. Very enjoyable!! read more

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You'll learn a ton and will be impressed with the results of your efforts....really! https://www.facebook.com/summerstudiosartsacademy read more

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I have taught drawing at summer studios over the past two years. It is a professional art school that allows the transfer of information from professional artist to people seeking development in the art disciplines. I have expectations for students to take this seriously. My background as a Disney illustrator, Animator and fine arts painter is what I have to offer our students. When the students develop in this process and grow talent in drawing, many doors will be open to there future. They could become Disney artist and animators, have knowledge to teach drawing, or find their unique expression in the arts. Many of my students have been with my class for the last year and a half since we re opened after the pandemic. read more

Just finishing my first class working with the wheel and it was challenging but equally stimulating and very fun. Loved my instructor Yasuko so patient and incredibly helpful, and dedicated to helping you achieve your goals. I did the one-on-one course which is perfect for me since it's more flexible then the static course schedules. Great to know places like this exist. read more

Summer Studios - Not exactly perfect but pretty happy with my first round - Art Schools Near Me - Lomita, California

Dave and his team put on a birthday party for my daughter and her 8 year old friends (about 12 kids total), including a few 6 year olds. The kids got a chance to work clay (sculpting and painting color). Everyone, including the instructors, was great with kids. It was fun watching the kids create, decorate, and customize their own clay containers. Best of all, the kids love it. Dave is very flexible with plans. You can bring in cake and pizza and coffee for the parents. You can bring in some decorations. There is plenty of space to serve cake and pizza and put presents. This is a real art studio with real instructors. Very authentic and fun for everyone. PS They have instructors for all ages with backgrounds in lots of different disciplines. read more

I usually don't write reviews but today David from summer studios gave us a wonderful experience. For Father's Day he went out of his way even though it was my son's class and turned to a special Father's Day that we we're able to participate and learn from him. Would love to personally recommend this place for arts and crafts for kids and all ages you won't regret it. Looking forward for my son to continue to learn from them!!!! read more

Extremely kinda and talented people I love Adriana's teaching so much! Definitely recommend

Love this studio! It has everything from ceramics to oil painting, to animation. There is also studio space available for those who want to do projects on their own time. Definitely check it out and stop by the office to see the two Cockatoos, MoMo and Cheeks! read more

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This studio is such a nice addition to southbay area. I stopped in today to see if i want to take classes from there. I could not "not" fall in love with the studio because there were two parrots at the entrance and mosquito fishes and then a cat! :) I really like the good vibe and open space style for all kinds of art classes so that people inspire each other. The owner, David took his time to take me a good tour and explained about classes and how he named the studio "Summer". I feel very blessed that i got to know this studio today and will enroll some of their classes soon. If you love Arts, you should come and see the studio. You will fall in love with it immediately. :) read more

David provided the most wonderful private class for our anniversary. He is patient, descriptive and helped us understand the intricate process that pottery requires. It felt great to use our hands and create something in a very comfortable, laid back and low stakes environment. Thanks for a memorable experience and we look forward to returning for another class sometime! read more

I have wanted to take a ceramics course for years, but due to my busy travel schedule with work I never had the chance. I am really grateful that I have the time now to take classes here at Summer Studios. Yasuko is my teacher and she is really wonderful. I am not stressed to finish projects or rushed to learn quickly, she really takes time to help with your individual projects and is very patient about teaching techniques. I took the initial 6 week course but I will be continuing another 6 weeks because its been so fantastic! The studio is very relaxing and I love Socket the studio pooch who greets you with a big giant hug every time you come to class. I love this studio because its casual and relaxed and the owner David is a very nice and caring. I'm so happy this studio is here! read more

I came here with my girlfriend to take a One-on-One Ceramics course. Our instructor, Yasuko, greeted us at the door. The class was fantastic! Yasuko begins by giving you a detailed, but efficient demo of what you will be doing on the wheel. She gives you an option for an adjusted wheel those of you who have back problems, which was really considerate! The demo was really helpful, because once you begin throwing the clay you need to know some basic idea of what you need to do to make a cup or bowl! Regardless, I did forget a few times since it was my first time, but luckily Yasuko really guided us through it! She would help us adjust our handwork, positioning of ourselves, and give us tips along the way! We each were able to make two really nice cups, and I could not be more thrilled with them. Afterwards you pick the glaze you want to use, and I'm just waiting for whenever they'll be done! I cannot wait to see the final work! I will add a pic of those once they're done! After we finished up, my girlfriend and I walked around the studio for a bit to examine the studio. It was really cool to see some of the students work, ranging from so many different ages and backgrounds! David, the owner of the studio, greeted us as we walked around and was really friendly! He told about us about his old skateboarding days in Dogtown. Everyone was really funny and great conversationalists! I am seriously considering taking the 6 week course! Thanks again to Yasuko and David for the really fun and informative class! :) read more

Summer Studios - The cups we got to make in our one-on-one course. I am super stoked on how well they turned out! - Art Schools Near Me - Lomita, California

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Best place to go in Lomita. Great classes. Great people. This studio is a rare find in Southern California. Parking is easy. Space has high ceilings and is relaxing to create. Staff is exceptional. They sell student creations that are unbelievably beautiful and well priced - great place for gifts. Everyone of all ages is here and learning and having fun. They have a library of art books complete with a library cat! Is a living, breathing place where I always feel welcomed. The classes include everyone with beginning skills to advanced. Highly recommended. read more

Summer Studios - View of the part of the studio - Art Schools Near Me - Lomita, California

5 minutes ago This is our second visit to this studio.  My daughter brought her Dad to the mono printing class as a Father's Day gift.  He had such a great time!!  The instructor David was very patient and had a great attitude the entire time.  The environment is fun and carefree and you go home with an awesome works of art.  The instructors are kind and helpful, and always share positive words about your artwork.  We also took a cartoon class and the instructor was extremely professional and had worked on the Simpson's show for 15 years.  I can't recommend this place enough. read more

This is a wonderful studio. When I first saw it from the outside I knew I would like it. The studio is relaxed and encourages creativity. Everyone seems very accepting of one another and friendly. The studio pets make it even more fun to be there. I enjoy my time there creating and meeting others who like doing the same thing. The owner and staff are nice and helpful. I go there for studio time but the people I've met who have taken classes, all highly recommend the instructors. From what I can see of the students' art pieces,the instructors do a really good job teaching. If you're looking for a creative haven or to learn an art discipline, I recommend Summer Studios. read more

I love Summer Studios so much! So happy that they are open again with careful attention to health and safety. Work spaces are divided and distanced, and masks required. Pottery, ceramics, sculpture, drawing, painting, mixed media... you can do all kinds of creative arts here with the support and guidance of wonderful artists. Yasuko is a fabulous pottery teacher! With her careful and detailed instructions I learned wheel throwing in just two six week sessions, after which I became a studio member and continued to work on my own. As of this writing, with Covid-19, studio time is by appointment. The owner, David, is a great artist and teacher who works with many students but often takes the time to give me additional support and guidance. He keeps an amazing library on site that is available for students and studio members. Can't say enough good things about this place! It has a very special vibe... your creativity is sure to flourish at Summer Studios! read more

David was soooo informative on what clays to use to a DIY set up! Definitely going to bring anyone curious about pottery here !

I came to summer studios looking for a place to re-learn ceramics on the wheel. Yasuko is the pottery instructor and she is very knowledgeable and patient with students. Whether you're looking for lessons or just a studio to work in, this place is very open and inviting. Only possible downside to this place are the animals. The cat is pretty chill but sometimes the birds compete for loudest noise, which can kill the calm environment. Overall this place is great and I can recommend it to anyone looking to learn/improve a skill or just make something cool. read more

I was looking for a ceramics studio in torrance, and I came across Summer Studios. This place has metal welding, printmaking, drawing, painting, and even ceramics studio. Where else has all that in one place?? The teachers are so helpful and so willing to help you grow as an artist. read more

A group of 5 of us decided to take a class together. We choose ceramics as it was something that all of us agreed it would be fun to take. Yasuko was our instructor. In just a short 6 weeks session we were able to learn and understand the fundamentals of throwing clay. Summer Studios follows safety guidelines, we all must wear a mask and the wheels are placed in a manner that we can still follow social distancing. We learned how to prep the clay before throwing, how to trim our projects, cleaning after the first fire, and how to glaze. They have lots of glazes to pick from and the sample walls shows how the glaze looks after it is fired. Yasuko is an excellent instructor. She has an amazing way of breaking things down so that they are understandable. She's patient and supportive, but really knows how to motivate her students. She's great at building confidence and keeping lessons fun. She also told me that I rely too much on her (which I did) and need to just let my creativity flow. We left the 6 week course with many beautiful pieces. The 5 of us will be signing up for another 6 weeks course this summer. I highly recommend taking ceramics at Summer Studios and of course taking it with Yasuko. You will learn a new art and will have beautiful pieces when you are done, Yasuko is the best!!!! Aileen M read more

I'm very lucky I Summer Studios 3 years ago. I came here for a 6 week course and have never left. Everyone is nice and open minded. The studio owner, David Parsons is encouraging, engaging and very talented in various forms of art. I take oil painting classes with Blu Rivard who has been inspirational and has taught me so much! Blu has an incredible degree of detail in his own paintings and challenges his students to do the same. I enjoy Summer Studios very much. Come explore your artistic side. read more

I went in to visit for my first time and I liked everything on the inside. The people and environment seemed great. I was very interested in the jewelry class so I left my phone number. No one called me back after a week. I called again next week and left my phone number again hoping to hear back. They did not contact me back at all. I am very disappointed by the lack of care and service... Nobody helped me here... SUPER disappointed... read more

Love this studio! Very friendly teachers and animals there. I'm taking a pottery class right now and will take a watercolor class next time.

Summer studios is a great place to do ceramic work. The teachers -- David Parsons (and owner) and Yasuko -- are fabulous. They're both great artists and teachers. I took an excellent six-week sculpture class from David and continue to rent space at the studios to do my own ceramic work. Both David and Yasuko are extremely knowledgeable about ceramics techniques, glazes, other surface treatments, and firing. They're very careful with my work through bisque and glaze firings, and helpful with advice whenever I seek it. Next up, drawing classes with David. Working at Summer Studios is working well for me! Highly recommend it! read more

I love this place! No experience or lots of experience, it doesn't matter. You won't be left behind or held back. Under the instruction of David Parsons, I have had hands on learning with charcoal, graphite, watercolor pencils, ink, watercolor paints, tempera paints, pastels, and collage! Now I can choose the medium that I liked most, and work with it to get better at my own pace and with David's guidance. He has created a studio that goes beyond anyone's expectations. If you've ever wanted to explore any of these mediums, this is the place to sign up! Classes vary in size, are informal, and lots of fun. You should check it out - other types of classes, animals on site, plenty of parking, monthly art jam with awesome live music and snacks, art for sale, big library - a great place for artists to hang out. read more

As a mosaic artist who recently had to relocate to the South Bay, I was delighted when the office manager dropped me a line asking if I'd like to submit some art for their holiday sale. "Twist my arm!" I replied. The place is a breath of fresh air, very welcoming. The staff are friendly, kind and professional. The animals are a nice touch. And I even sold a few pieces! The whole experience from start to finish was really great. It makes me feel a whole lot better about living here to know that there is a local center - a heart - where art can take root and blossom. So important for the health of a community. read more

I was looking for a place to learn oil painting and am so glad I found Summer Studios! Blu Rivard, the teacher, is a very talented artist and I feel very grateful to have him as an instructor. He's very patient and an excellent teacher and each class is a lot of fun. I look forward to it every week. David, the owner, is also really nice and talented and the whole vibe in the studio is very relaxed and inviting. I highly recommend it no matter what your skill level is (they also teach ceramics and other forms of art). read more

I always wanted to check this studio out so when my son needed some paint brushes and paints, I knew exactly where to go. We were very impressed with everything they offer and the artwork that is displayed is absolutely beautiful. The owner was so welcoming and helpful and so willing to answer any question we had. He spent so much time with us and for that we are thankful. I'm hoping to be able to sign my kids up for some of their classes very soon! read more

What a great Art studio! You will receive terrific 1:1 instruction from the best! I took a water color class with David, the director, and learned a tremendous amount. The instructors there are extremely knowledgeable and skilled in their craft and will help you grow as an artist, where ever you are in your practice. I will definitely be returning for another class soon! :) read more

This studio is awesome ! the staff here is extremely knowledgable about any art or craft. they are friendly and welcoming. It was easy to begin painting. They are flexible with schedule so you won't lose your money if you miss a class. Easy enrollment process was great. The studio has a monthly art show open to the public! lots of fun! read more

My family treated me to the Summer Studios for Father's Day. David Parsons is a great instructor who showed us mono-printing. This is a fun medium using water soluble paints on an acrylic plate and then printing the plate on paper through a press. I had never done anything like it. David made it really fun and we got to experiment with lots of different techniques. There are a lot of different classes at the studios and I am definitely coming back to try all the media that they offer. read more

Awesome place. The staff there is really great!! I stopped in today and David was very kind and welcoming. There were so many works of art and they are very devoted to teaching art to kids and adults. I recommend it wholeheartedly. read more

Awesome! The teachers are very kind and friendly, and you can do many things there, such as drawing, clay, paintings and animations. My daughter loves it! read more

Summer Studios is an amazing place!!!!! I have been attending this art studio for about a year, taking ceramics classes from both David (the owner) and Yasuko. Both are fabulous instructors! There are other art classes available which I hope to take soon. They host a monthly "Art Jam" with student and non-student work displayed (some for sale :-)) which is really fun and open for anyone to attend. It is a warm and friendly place to get creative. Everyone is so welcoming, friendly and helpful. You should definitely check Summer Studios out!!!! read more

My thirteen year old son is in Jeanette's cartooning class. She is such a patient and talented instructor. He is learning so much from her. I am so happy that I found this studio through Yelp. read more

Amazing studio for art and creativity. My 9yr old goes here and loves the staff. It's her happy place. Thanks Summer Studios!!!

I came in looking for an odd size canvas and found exactly what I was looking for with the help of David (staff, instructor). David was very helpful and knowledgable, he offered classes and suggested workshops to help on my current project. I Was very happy with my experience and both my 7 year old daughter and I look forward to visiting soon and picking up some materials for our next projects. 'Great little artsy Gem I have found today. Check out the calendar. read more

Been taking painting classes for three months and have gained a comfort level with the various painting methods and techniques. David is very good in explaining the techniques, visual effects and purpose of art mediums. He takes baby steps to build confidence to create my own pieces of art work. Each time I go in, time goes by quickly. Love the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere of the art studio. I would highly recommend this art studio for beginners as well as those wanting to get back into art. I haven't picked up a paint brush in over 35 years and after three months here, the joy of painting has brought back the passion to create art. read more