Jo was cool, but the teacher that day, chris, she works at another location but I attended the…read moreBIPOC Queer open studio and I almost walked out. I'm used to be marginalized and excluded just didn't think it was gonna happen at this place.

Love clay clubhouse, I always feel welcome here, the music is great, and the vibes are right. I…read morewish they had membership capacity because I would love to join. It's also tough getting into classes because how in demand they are but I can see why. Always get the day pass but it's a great time either way.

My friend celebrated her birthday with a class with many friends. We all had a great time creating…read moreall different fused glass projects. Several of us want to go back to do more fused glass and or mosaic and stained glass projects. Ja Ing is a very kind and encouraging instructor!

I took the 4-hour stepping stone mosaic class with my 10-year old niece and we both had a lot of…read morefun. First time, taking any class at the Alameda Art Lab but not a newbie to mosaics or the arts. I used to be quite artsy and crafty back in the day and now, it seems like a luxury to find time to do something creative and take a break from adulting! All supplies of cutters, nippers, stepping stone and glass provided with a quick introduction to using the tools with some guidance and instruction to start your art piece. JaYing, the friendly and patient owner/instructor will walk around to assist if needed, check your progress and guide you to ensure you get your item complete. Item is left for grouting and student called when ready. A great class to bond with a friend(s) or family and make a day to get in creative mode and have fun. Personally, it allowed me to take time to enjoy something I really love as I find art very therapeutic along with spending time with my niece. The time flies by... :) The Alameda Art Lab offers a variety of classes from stained glass, mosaics, glass fusing and jewelry making and other fun things. Items are available for purchase for yourself or as a gift. Highly recommend trying out a class!

I've been going to Merritt Ceramics since 2019. I have worked in multiple shared-space ceramic…read morestudios over the years, and Merritt is hands-down the cleanest and most well-organized one I have found. ​The staff is incredibly kind, caring, and knowledgeable. I've taken everything at the studio from multi-week wheel throwing courses and one-on-one tutoring to special workshops with world-renowned artists, and I have been impressed with all of them. I am now a 'Daisy' member, which allows me to drop in and work anytime the studio is open. I have learned that I really enjoy sculpting animals. I love working here surrounded by other people who are just as deep into clay as I am. The space is well-equipped with supplies and tools, and the kiln turnaround time is fast. Come join us!

Great creative community, well established studio, very inclusive. Instructors are solid!read more

We had a Clay Date to celebrate our 18th wedding anniversary. Having never done anything like this…read morebefore (literally my only experience was watching Ghost), I had no idea what to expect. In short, it was awesome! Caty was an informative instructor who gave each of us the support and care that we needed to be successful. I'm so proud of what we created. We'll use all of the pieces for years and remember the special experience even longer.

My partner and I went for a beginner wheel class this weekend and it was a delight! Caty is such a…read moregreat teacher, and the environment they've created was low pressure while being structured.

Nick is a fantastic pianist and educator. He has helped me tremendously with my classical and jazz…read morerepertoire. He is consistent with assignments and holds me accountable each week. I've noticed a lot of growth in my piano skills in a very short time. Very grateful for Nick and his talent!

Nick is endlessly patient and kind with my 3 boys. He's been teaching my oldest for 7 years and my…read moremiddle child for 4 years. He's always been realistic in his expectations and my boys adore him and always want to do their best for him. I would and do recommend him often!

When the invite initially arrived I was not thrilled thinking it was an indoor jump house (from the…read morename). I am an elementary school teacher so this is my weekend nightmare. I was SO wrong! This is a rare Bay Area gem for kids and families, every city should have one. All the attendees were impressed with the genius of the space, organization, cleanliness, and huge outdoor area. There are multiple indoor and outdoor "zones." The building is a duplex- home, when you enter there is a craft room with multiple round tables with crafts set up, in the center is a book/play area with tons of toys and cute furniture, a side room with a free personalized photobooth (email not printed) which is where the food was set up, and two bathrooms. Outside there was another bathroom. Down the ramp was a patch of fake grass where the party set up a piñata. Next to that, toddler equipment on wood chips. In the center, a huge table for kiddos to eat. Then the back corner has a large play structure and a fun bike ride where multiple kids could ride at the same time. This said, it's important for folks to consider that the two adults provided from Twirl are not enough to supervise an entire party. So keep this in mind as you are planning your party. This wasn't an issue at all for our group as the parents were all very hands on. The party I attended was from 10:30-12:30. I was so impressed with Duponte and Bella's ability to jump in- give the kiddos tattoos, help with the cake, clean up, and transition to the afternoon party. This is the PERFECT place to host your toddler- 2nd grade birthday party!

We hosted my son's 3rd birthday party at the Whimsy location and it was magical, even the planning…read moreprocess was effortless! The staff were so kind, accommodating and caring. I've been at birthday parties where you have to ask the staff the help but not here. Both Duponte and Emma were looking for opportunities to engage. Emma played with the kids and attempted to keep the group entertained with crafts. They both helped set up; Duponte even lifted heavy coolers filled with drinks out of my car (and then reloaded when the party was over). Both staff hung up banners and helped with random set up tasks that I asked to be completed before guests arrived. The morning of our party it had rained at it looked like the weather was cleaning up so both Emma and Duponte wiped down the outdoor play equipment so the kids could spend some time outside. Everyone here loves kids, and it shows. We also received lots of compliments from friends and family truly impressed with the space and the activities available. It was the best place possible to host a birthday party. Thanks to everyone at Twirl for making my son's day so special and my day so easy. We can't wait to come back!

This group of people are happy to teach interested people the skills they have about lapidary arts…read moreand jewelry metal working. The shop is well appointed with all the equipment needed, you supply the hand tools. Safe operation of equipment is stressed, and personal accountability is stressed when using it. There are small extra shop fees for some uses. Ample parking in a safe neighborhood.

We had an incredible experience with Jason Stropko at his glassblowing class in Alameda! There were…read morefive of us, and at $600 for a four-hour session and a hands-on craft experience that felt truly special. Jason is a fantastic instructor -- patient, knowledgeable, and genuinely enthusiastic about sharing his craft. We each got to make a vase, a whiskey glass, and an ornament, and if you worked efficiently, there was even time to make a second piece. What made the experience even more memorable was the little touches Jason added -- he brought water, oranges, and chocolates to keep everyone fueled and happy throughout the session. It's the kind of thoughtfulness that shows he genuinely cares about his students having a great time. Jason has his own studio in San Francisco where he sells wall sconces, amazing high end pieces and teaches out of the Alameda location,m. Whether you're looking for a unique date night, a group outing, or just something completely different to try, this class delivers on every front. Highly recommend!

I've always wanted to try making some cups/glass blowing…read more Prax is incredibly talented and so patient. He's such a good teacher and explained it so simply during the lesson. We both had a blast learning about glass blowing and hearing about the intricacies of it. What an absolute art! Super recommend Prax and his studio if you ever wanted to try it! All his instructions from parking to how to hold the rods were easy to follow and efficient. Thank you!!