Today I started the pottery class. The teacher was very patient and encouraging. I literally had never touched clay before and there is a learning curve. So it is a good challenge to work those creative muscles. At the same time, it's a great escape and fun to learn! Great spot, great instructors, recommend! read more

I am finishing my second session of pottery on the wheel for adults and I have had a great time! The environment is friendly and welcoming and my instructor, Colleen has been very supportive. This is definitely a studio for people to use as a hobby that don't need super quick turn-around (something they are clear about from the beginning). read more

All of the teachers are great. I have taken pottery with Samantha and Colleen and have learned great tips for wheel throwing. I have also taken water colors with K.C. and it was challenging but she was very supportive and helpful. read more

Super rude staff, walked in today to see what the activities were. Very uninviting for a place where kids are supposed to feel secure. The lady doing the clay acted like we were disturbing Picasso or something. Do not recommend, go to I Heart Art on Vivian instead, they are SO kind. read more

I am in the middle of my second Adult pottery wheel class with Samantha and it is the highlight of my week. Sam is an amazing potter and instructor. She is so pleasant, enthusiastic, and encouraging. After the first day I thought I would never learn how to throw on the wheel but with Sam's guidance, I was throwing beautiful cups, plates and bowls in no time. I was so excited with my progress that I signed up for her class a second time just so I could continue to learn under her guidance. There is no Adult wheel class over the summer because of camps but I will be signing up for a third time in the fall. The class sizes are small so if you are interested you need to sign up asap because they do sell out each time. I feel fortunate to have found such a great instructor and a convenient studio close to home. read more

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I've been taking adult drawing at the Art Room for several months. I've learned so much, all thanks to K.C., our instructor. She is a very positive and enthusiastic teacher, who really knows her stuff. She tailors the lessons to the needs of each student and give honest, constructive feedback, which helps us each improve. I plan to take more drawing classes from her as well as at least one painting class. Thank you to the Art Room for this wonderful learning opportunity! read more

Lets see... My daughter did a summer camp session for one week. On the first day, we forgot to bring a snack, and the owner was very rude to my 9 year old asking her repeatedly "where is your Snacky Snack! You need a snacky snack! Where is it!? You need the snacky snack!" She must've asked my daughter about the damn "snacky snack" like 8+ times, she was so obnoxious that my daughter asked me "does she think i have a mental disability?" - Nice impression on a first day for a 9 year old. Second day, the owner GLARED at my kid the entire time during snacky snack, to which she approached my daughter and commented "what a healthy snacky snack you have today". I don't know whether the woman truly talks to children that way or WTF is wrong with her. & it continued for the reminder of the week /LeSigh... The teachers were okay, my kid was bored most of the time & at one point the owner didn't like my daughters art work so she proceeded to "fix it", art from a 9 y/o needs to be fixed?!? Seriously? It was a painting of a frigging sundae! It could've been the portrait of the president for all i care, you just shouldn't be "correcting" anything! But she felt so strongly about it, that added white paint & smeared it on the pink ice cream. (Photo posted) totally ridiculous! Will NEVER come back. read more

The ArtRoom - White smear on the pink, since the owner felt the gigantic urge to "fix" my daughters painting.../ridiculous!!! - Art Classes Near Me - Lafayette, California

The Art Room offers art classes to children, teens and adults. There are two floors, with a kiln downstairs and an outdoor sculpture garden. I taught part-time as an instructor here last year, and I was very impressed by the quality of the teachers I observed. Some of the teachers are lifelong, established artists, and others are fresh out of art school. The classes are small, and each child gets a lot of one-on-one attention. Gi Gi, the owner, believes that students should be encouraged to both pick up new skills, and develop a lifelong love of art -- so, although specific techniques are taught in each class, the students are encouraged to express their creativity, and the teachers are very supportive and nurturing. I was equally impressed by the quality of the work the students produced. Some of the teens have been taking classes since they were young, and are quite accomplished. The Art Room is located in the heart of downtown Lafayette, right across from the popular restaurant, Chow's. The building also houses the Lafayette Gallery, a cooperative of local artists. (The two businesses are separate entities, although they share a building) I would encourage folks in the area to tour the building and spend some time in the sculpture garden, especially on a sunny day. read more

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We have had such an amazing experience at the Art Room for years. My son has been going here since he was very young - I think its been almost four or five years. The owner is very sweet and helpful. The teachers are great with kids. I highly recommend the classes and camps. Top notch for kids that love art! read more

Their website has shown classes open for reg with COVID precautions - my daughter was so excited! I registered, and never heard back despite multiple calls and emails. Totally appreciate closures during these times, but please communicate with your hopeful potential clients! My girl was so sad. :( read more

This is a very special place in Lafayette. My daughter has been taking photography there and has really enjoyed the classes. One of my daughters even had a fun birthday party there. It has a creative and relaxing vibe right in the heart of Lafayette. read more

I'm in college now and I've been going to classes at the art room since I was in fifth grade - I absolutely love it! It's a great learning experience for those who are interested in honing their painting, sculpting, drawing and creative skills but it also has really good classes for those who just want to have fun. Gigi is so sweet and the smaller classes make for a really special experience. I've had friends do birthday parties there too which have been really successful. I can't say enough good things about the classes and teachers and I highly recommend The Art Room! read more

We had my son's 5th birthday party here recently and had a wonderful time! Addison was great with the young age group, engaging and organized. They accommodated our Star Wars theme with a BB8 project. The space was perfect and created a cozy and fun environment. I highly recommend the Art Room for a party or class, great people work there and Carrie the owner loves what she does. read more

I have been taking an adult watercolor class at the Art Room from Camille Young for about 8 years now. I love the Art Room, and don't agree at all with the comments made by Jan S. Camille teaches to all levels, and is always very open to any suggestions as to what the students would like to learn, as well as any input as to the structure of the class. She's an outstanding teacher, and gives each student a lot of individual attention. It's a very supportive environment, and one in which we can each work at our own pace and continue to learn and challenge ourselves. Gigi runs an amazing business, and I also can't say enough good things about her. I've always found her to be extremely fair. If you have to miss a class, she always offers the opportunity to join another class to make it up. I don't think she can be expected to try and prorate classes when students can't attend occasionally. That would require a huge amount of her time, which I feel is better used as she continues to improve the Art Room and all it has to offer. She's also very community minded and is very generous in many ways. My three kids have also taken many classes over the years at the Art Room, and it was a really wonderful experience for each of them. They're older now, but all really learned a lot and appreciate art as a result of their experiences at the Art Room. Gigi has created a wonderful environment at the Art Room. It's a very unique and special place in Lafayette, and if you have any interest at all in trying an art class, I highly recommend it! read more

I've taken my 5-year old twins to The Art Room for over a year now and we love the place! Gigi, the owner, is very friendly and super helpful. She's also flexible. If you had an idea for a class and a few friends who wanted to take it, too, I'm sure she'd find a way to set it up for you. The teachers we've encountered have all been great. They're very good at helping kids build skills and showing them how to create some things in their art, but backing off and letting the kids create their own masterpieces. They seem to have found a nice balance between being process and product oriented. When we took classes at the local community center, the teacher often took over the kids art work, making it no longer their own product. We have framed several of the art work my kids have created. My kids have learned several art concepts, their work at home now all features a "horizon line," and techniques. They've also learned how to use several different media, such as oil pastels, watercolors, acrylics, collage, clay, charcoal, etc. They've also been introduced to famous painters. Most importantly, my kids have fun and love going to The Art Room! They feel proud of the work they've created. I'm looking forward to my youngest turning 4 so he can start classes. And, to be honest, I'm looking forward to taking some classes myself when he starts school. read more

The watercolor art teacher was very good. She had interesting exercises more on the beginner side. The problem is GiGi the owner, who is a very good business person. The classes are so varied that beginners are frustrated being with more intermediates and beginner-intermediates are so bored with newbies. Yet that's how is class is laid out. God forbid you ever get sick - THERE ARE NO REFUNDS - EVER!! GiGi is out to make a buck - and that she does! read more

Great resource to introduce young children to the structure of a classroom. We signed our daughter for and intro class and she loves it! Great attitude of the teachers and location can't be beat! read more

Have been for two great birthday parties and Gigi does a great job with the kids. Nice space outside to enjoy cake/gifts. The only drawback would be the art gallery right next door has their larger garden items in the back area shared with The Art Room and they don't want kids running around. Gets to be a little tricky to keep kids, after cake, from not going nuts. But overall, a very nice experience and the kids get to be creative~ read more

My 9 year old daughter has been taking classes at The Art Room for the past four years. I would say she has taken approximately 8 to 10 classes, including drawing, painting, textile arts, mixed arts, clay and photography. I can honestly say she has liked every teacher and enjoyed every class, and she has learned so much!I recently told a friend that The Art Room is just a feel good and happy place to be, which I think speaks volumes. As a parent, I couldn't ask for a more warm, enriching and creative environment for my daughter to bloom as an artist. read more

hated this place. Took my 11 year old daughter for a summer drawing class. The lady that runs this place is very annoying, skatterbrained and a real you know what. My daughter seemed to like the teachers, but it was promised that they would try to do portraits on the days that she planned to attend and they never did. It was expensive and not worth it, due to their lack of follow through with doing portraits and having to deal with the dreadful boss lady. Will never go back. read more

My three children have taken art classes all over Walnut Creek and Lamorinda and we really love The Art Room. The teachers are all very dedicated to working with the children. The quality of the programs is excellent and the art that my kids have done is amazing! Educational, fun, and very high quality. We also enjoy the diversity of classes so the kids never get bored. read more

The Art Room is one of those places that you walk into and feel immediately comfortable in and at home. My 3 kids, now ages 13, 10 and 7, have been taking classes at the Art Room for a few years and it has always been a safe, caring and inspirational environment since the ownership of Carrie Klein. Carrie is the current owner of the Art Room and has made major improvements from the previous owner. The most recent change is that The Art Room has moved down the street from it's old location. You can't miss it - bright turquoise with black trim and a great outdoor space for creating and displaying art. The class schedule offers something for kids of every age and interest, and the caliber of teachers is hard to beat. I can personally recommend Carrie Klein, who really engages with the kids and is such a positive influence. Also, Jennifer Wolpert, who I currently take an adult painting class with. She has a great eye for guiding even those who have had many years of creating art. One of my sons just took a graffiti class with Cody Blocker and can't wait for the next session. My 7-yr old loved Jeslyn as well and she teaches a huge range of classes. The Art Room is also a wonderful place to hold a birthday party. My daughter, at age 12, wanted a collaborative piece of art for her room, painted by her friends. Carrie made that possible and my daughter loves her special and one-of-a-kind painting that hangs over her bed. The Art Room is located in a upbeat part of Lafayette - coffee shop, restaurants and retail all nearby so a parent can easily pass the time, or get some work done, while their kids create at an amazing studio. http://www.theart-room.com read more

I highly recommend the Art Room for adults and children alike. The Art Room offers a wide variety of classes, from drawing, painting, photography, clay and ceramics. All the teachers are highly qualified professional artists, or graduates of art school. My 14 year old daughter has been taking drawings classes at the Art Room for the past six months, and her skill level has improved dramatically. I'm impressed with how quickly she mastered these skills. She loves her art teacher, Cody Blocker, who has taught her multiple techniques in drawing with pencil, charcoal, and pastels. Her teacher even brought in a live model for one session, which is impressive. read more

Although the Art Room provides quite a few classes for kids, I took one of their adult ceramic open studio classes. The owner's husband, Bobby, was our instructor and is not only a talented and knowledgeable ceramicist, he is really cool and pretty funny. I learned to use a pottery wheel, how to use an extruder, how to make molds and several other tricks and techniques for hand-build items (see all the vocabulary I picked up??). Carrie (the owner) would usually check in each class and brought a good energy to the class. The owner, her husband, and the other people in the class made this such a fun experience for me that I'm signing up again this fall and have found out that one of my classmates is going to do the same. All of the materials were provided by the Art Room and Bobby even brought in his own ceramic tools for us to use. read more

My daughter took a class there. It was amazing! She loved it so much, she wanted to go back. Then she took a class with the owner. The class was okay, but she didn't learn anything. She thought she was going to learn to draw, but instead the teacher just told them to draw and then make collages with them. This is something they do at school. Also, the teacher was quite rude to her in a way that if she wasn't working, she was in trouble. The owner constantly asked for my daughter's pictures that she took, and it was quite rude. In fact, she didn't ask for them, she said, " I'm going to print these photos out" The owner was on her computer most of the classes not teaching. not helping. My daughter decided to ask her a question. She said you can figure it out and keep going.We are definietly not going back. read more

My kids took a couple of classes here and LOVED them! The teachers are all super sweet and they got a lot of individual attention. I like art myself, but it took me a year to find out they also had adult classes?! I guess the maturity level/kitchiness of the website struck me as a little kid's thing, but nope, there are adult classes too! read more