I have known Hilary Maslon for many years as an artist and art teacher in NYC with an MFA and she…read moreis very creative. Her class will educate the basic artistic principles of developing skills and confidence when your child tunes in. She will focus on their creative thoughts while being confined at home during these times of stress and their need to express their surrounding environments. She allows a fantasy world to be developed in each child's exploration of his/her artistic skills. This will give a child an activity to express their creative thoughts into a conceptional three dimensional usages by utilizing household items i.e. bottles, soda cans, soda caps, toilet paper rolls, corrugated cardboard, or fabrics. Her instructions will guide children from drawing skills to creation of three-dimensional animals to fantastical buildings as viewed in this MoMA exhibit of 2018. https://youtu.be/qiP83u5Zd9o I'm sure her classes would be inspiring, because she is so inspired.

I took Hilary Maslon's Abstract Class because I wanted to expand my art into a different range. It…read morewas such a fun class and I learned so much about Abstract Art. Hilary is very knowledgeable and happy to share much information and make the class a joyful experience. I have been an artist for many years and have taken art classes all through my school years including collage classes. I highly recommend Hilary as an art teacher of Abstract Art. I would definitely sign up for more of Hilary's classes when available in my area.

Diana Belenky is the Bee's Knees. There, I said it…read more If there's one thing Diana knows how to do, it's to teach. I have had a great many teachers who know how to draw and paint--even the legendary Henry Yan--but very few who know how to teach it. With a great sense of humor, a veritable wealth of information, and a heaping dose of patience, Diana excels at sharing her knowledge and demonstrating its application effectively. If ever you were uncertain of how to, say, capture a specific kind of fold in your gesture drawing, then you need not look further than Diana for just how to do it.

Diana is a DREAM of a teacher. I am an adult beginner and new to drawing and painting, and wanted…read moreto get the foundations down. Diana is SO knowledgeable and organized. She took me from drawing in flat, 2-D to a beautiful 3-D drawing in pencil, in only 3-4 lessons. She is so thoughtful, organized and flexible - she sequenced and adjusted her curriculum to my needs and adjusted to my style of learning seamlessly. In addition, she interweaves art history into her lessons so you understand what she is teaching in context. And she is so nurturing and encouraging! I've gone through a few teachers and she is one of the very best. I recommend Diana for anyone looking to improve their skills.

Wow!! Why didn't I discover this place sooner? It is GREAT for kids!!…read more Not too many places offer camps during August, or drop in/drop off activities five days per week for kids. Studio 4 art offers both. We signed our daughter up for one of the weekly camps and she loved every day of it! It was "clay week", so every day they've been doing activities with clay - the wheel, braiding clay into basket forms, and making all kinds of things. The studio will fire them in the kiln and you can then take them home the next week. Outside of the camps during school breaks, you can do the drop in/drop off option and the kids can pick the activity they'd like to do. It's about the same cost as paying a sitter/nanny, so it seems a great option for a few hours when needed between 10a.m. and 5:30 p,m, M - F. Apparently they also do kids birthday parties on the weekends and some Fridays. What a great, artistic option for kids!

We had a wonderful birthday party for our kids and their friends at the San Rafael DoArt space. The…read morepet adoption project was perfect, and the teacher adapted it when storm related traffic led to late arrivals. The back area was perfect for having an after project treat. We recommend this highly!

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.

Our group recently rented the space and hosted a community meeting. Not only were the owners and…read morethe space warm and inviting, they provided us with coffee and tea on a cold day. The open plan space helped us be able to create an event where we could have a constructive dialog. So happy this space is available for rent in Vallejo.

Elizabeth Flanagan's classes are fun, exciting and chill all at the same time! If you are a…read morebeginner or already know a few things or want to learn more or are already well upon the artists path, Elizabeth classes are for you! Everyone in these classes are welcoming, generous, fun loving people / artists Elizabeth provides an easy-going manner as she teaches she also provides tea for everyone and plays a wide range of fabulous music during class. It's fun! It's chill! Elizabeth and still is a sense of community while we paint and there can be quiet time or conversation, always laughter, learning and a sense of safety and well-being permeates this environment. I am so glad I took the leap and begin classes with Elizabeth. FYI The fall classes begin the week of September 17

Joined Elizabeth's watercolor classes a year ago as a beginner and have been hooked since. Not…read moreonly does she engage the novice student with the basics, but she keeps it interesting for more experienced painters with study of practices from contemporary artists around the world. She makes her classroom environment very comfortable with fun conversation, good music, and good exchange of thoughts about each other's current artwork.

I recently visited the art studio as I was attending the Obtanium Cup Contraption contest with some…read moreof my favorite peeps. The event I speak of was too much fun. Madcap madness! The art studio was an unexpected delight! I had no idea it was there! I must have spent over an hour in the smallish studio. We chatted with an artist or 2 and just really enjoyed all of the art! People are so creative and full of passion and art is a great way to share with the world. Perspective is everything. They have a website you should check out if you would like to visit. I most definitely recommend doing that and then checking out Mare Island. Make a day of it!

From the owner: come visit us after January's California Freeze-for JeanCherie's opening on February 16- the Art…read moreThaw!

So amazing and in tune to kid's needs. She has saved so many children's perspectives of life…read more I continue to refer her!

My daughter loves everything Ms. Nikki does! She has been going to her weekly art classes this…read morewhole school year. Then Ms. Nikki did a jewelry making workshop at her birthday party and she couldn't have been happier. I'm so happy we were able to book Ms. Nikki for the party!

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 have learned so much at colorspace over the years! Figure painting & drawing sessions are offered…read morealmost every day of the week and great practice for developing fluency with your chosen media and representation from life. They are welcoming and supportive of all art levels, styles and media - odorless mineral spirits only, of course. I have taken several wonderful workshops over the years- and hope to catch more in the future with the world class figure painters that come through. The space always has great light, plenty of easels, stools and workhorses, and lots of inspiring setups and models coming through, The owner is one of the most kind-hearted people around, and always professional and organized. I am so grateful for this community art space!

We rode the SMART train into town for fun one day. We didn't have a plan other than to walk around…read more We happened upon Art Works after visiting Riley Street. Both my kiddos are very artistic and were absolutely thrilled to tour this studio/gallery space. The front desk attendant was very welcoming, and we all really enjoyed being surrounded with so much creativity. There was something to see at almost every turn, and even a few interactive pieces. It really was a treat to see my kids soak it all in and to be in their element for a change. It will be our go-to destination on all future jaunts to San Rafael.

On my first visit I found a community of artists ready to invite me into their studios and share…read moretheir meaningful works of art. Barbara, one of the artists there, even gave me a tour of the space, galleries and filled me in on the history and mission of the building and community. As a non-profit organization they work to keep the costs low for renting studio space and allow artists to rent gallery space for exhibitions. And I'm very much looking forward to the next art walk which occurs every 2nd Friday of the month. If you're looking to find an artistic community in Marin County, or just enjoy speaking with passionate artists, then you've found the right spot.