So far just one class with my 5-year-old son, but I'm very impressed on multiple fronts. After the…read moreinitial drop-in class yesterday we purchased weekly classes with the full expectation this initial great experience will only be surpassed. Husband & wife team Matt and Chelsea (owners) and Matt's sister Stephanie are lovely. It's a really great space and Matt is preternaturally good with younger kids. I shadowed my son for a bit in the studio to observe both my son's behavior in a structured environment and the instructors' teaching style. My son is both young and inherently independent (and often distracted) so this was bound to be revealing. Matt and Chelsea's approach to teaching is closer to informed guidance and it seems to work very well with my son and the other kids I observed. They let the child initiate their creative intent and then equip them with the technical information they need in a manner that is both empowering and not overwhelming. As for my son's proclivity to essentially 'not listen,' Matt in particular was excellent at focusing my son's attention on the task at hand and contextualizing what needed to be done so that he could 'own it.' It's clear his forthcoming studio experiences will be about so much more than learning and enjoying ceramics. This isn't 'OK class today we're going to make a coil-built pot. First I want you to take your clay and...'. Not at all. In an hour and fifteen minutes, my son made two objects in distinctly different techniques: a bowl thrown on the wheel and a slab-built shark. In the course of building those two pieces he was exposed to: centering clay on the wheel; managing the clay to expand, compress, elongate and widen his bowl; keeping his eye on his work; keeping the clay moist; the effects of various pressures applied to the clay on the wheel; scoring and attaching separate pieces with slip; scribing; use of various tools; under-glazing; clean-up, and more. I imagine he'll have to revisit every one of those lessons in subsequent classes but it's a gentle teaching style that works well here. Matt and Chelsea always had an eye on each of the kids and were great about transitioning between them to give guidance in a way that seemed very natural. The space itself is wonderful and can only be described as luminous. Well, that and clean. This is not a stereotypical 'mad potter's studio,' nor is it an anal 'everything in its place mausoleum.' Instructors have a clear view of everything going on in the space at all times. There's a front seating for parents/nanny's to hang out (WiFi available) and get some work done if you want to wait. Parking in the neighborhood doesn't seem to be a problem. The most critical measure of Kids-n-Clay is the reaction from my son, who really didn't want to leave and spoke of it more or less non-stop the rest of the day. Looking forward to what's next here. If you attend a drop-in class, be aware it takes about 2-3 weeks before pieces cycle through the process and can come home with you. But that's just ceramics. Highly recommended.

My kid loves this place! The kids can use the pottery wheel or just mold clay on the table. There…read moreare assistants there to guide the newer sculptors, and the owner, Matt, encourages the kids to design what they feel.

Hands down this is my kids' favorite camp of the summer. We literally plan our summer around these…read morecamps. Our walls are filled with the beautiful art that my kids made at summer camp. They have developed such a love of art and joy of creation through Lucy's supportive and wonderful learning environment. What I love most is that Lucy teaches kids about different artists, and then encourages the kids to find their own voice and think creatively and critically about the work they are doing. Her studio is a magical place. I can't recommend this camp highly enough.

Former student, now thirty-year-old adult. I took many classes and camps with Lucy over the years…read moreand loved all of them. It was such a fun environment and I learned so much about art while also having a great time. I loved the variety of mediums and styles we used during classes. And now I work in an art field, which was my dream as a kid. Can't recommend these classes and camps enough!

I've taken several adult watercolor classes at Berkeley Painting Club. I love this place. Setting…read morelovely, parking is no problem, and then you go inside.... the studio is filled with natural light, all the supplies are waiting for you. Renee teaches the adult classes and she is super funny and encouraging. Great sountrack playing every time. It truly is a Watercolor Vacation. Best thing you can do to enrich your while taking it easy. I brought my husband and it turns out he can paint! Highly recommended. Also, classes for teens. Check it out.

I love the Berkeley Painting Club classes for adults. Watercolor Vacation is a class with a short…read moretechniques demo and personalized feedback on individual projects. I really enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the class and am surprised by what I am able to paint. I find myself looking forward to this dedicated time for myself to be creative. When my kids are older, I would love to send them here for classes. Looking at their projects in the studio is very inspiring. Thanks for creating such a nice space, Rene!

My son just attended a birthday party in this little hidden gem. The space is inviting and the kids…read morehad so much fun . The instructors were so kind and engaging with the kids . My little boy is already asking to go back again ! Definitely recommended !

We just had our 10 year old's bday here! Every thing was great, and the kids really got in to the…read moreproject we picked (felt succulent gardens). Planning to come back soon for an adult night (or another private party with my girl friends!).

Three years later and both my boys go here. Saturdays she has classes now until 9:30 to three,…read moreSundays 9:30 to noon and other days by appointment. My kids tell me she is good because she is critical when she needs to be to help them with their work.

An all around excellent camp! It's one of the few camps my kids ask for every summer without fail…read more Kalen not only really gets kids and how to work with them, but she has a wonderful ability to select projects that are both challenging and gratifying to make. She uses a broad range of media and always surprises me with the clever creations the kids come hem with. The kids learn so much, but also walk away with a feeling of pride an accomplishment in their creative work. Support a local artist and send your kids to camp!

Love this studio! I've taken two 6 week classes and love the vibe. Good glazes, good clay options…read moreand tons of friendly people. Abby was super knowledgeable and challenged me to be better. I'm thankful for the community here. Everyone has been super friendly and encouraging.

Became a member after taking a class with the owner Hannah and it has been a wonderful 3rd space!…read moreI'm a novice and folks are always happy to answer questions and support one another. There's always something being fired and love all of the glaze options!!

Miles, you're a rockstar! We've been wanting to take our little one to a Gymboree class after…read morehearing great things from parents friends who frequented other locations. With a Gymboree so close to home in El Cerrito, we knew we had to give it a try. With my parents off for the holiday break, they wanted to take our baby to his first class for a special grandparent moment. I spoke with Miles on the phone in great length about the classes, schedule, and details of activities, so my parents and Lorenzo were set up for success. She helped guide us to his first preview class, Gymboree's automated class reminder/instructions were super helpful and perfect for first timers, and my dad was welcomed and felt at ease with little guy in tow. My dad shared the class activities were engaging, fun, entertaining, and for a first timer into this world of the unknown, our son loved the bubbles and new playtime equipment. While a small class with just one other baby present, thank you Miles for the attention, care, and knowledge given to the group. We can't wait to find a schedule that aligns and works with us all for Lorenzo to continue the fun with potential future playmates and friends.

I wished that they have more sessions for babies and toddlers!…read more It's hidden, but a great addition for this city's plaza! Staff is friendly and straightforward with the gym items displayed. The theme to the family session was a good way to pass the time for the staff led sessions. I will be back for the baby crawlers sessions! It's a good activity to get the little ones' energy out and entertained as well as interact with other little ones.