My son started classes with Shelley in the summer of 2024 when he was 11. He has learned SO much,…read moreand made some paintings that I have been absolutely gobsmacked by. It has been amazing seeing his skills and confidence grow, and his talent so thoughtfully nurtured. My son really looks forward to class every week during the school year, and is so psyched about the summer camps. Shelley really knows how to bring out the artist in every child. I am so grateful we found Early Masters!

There are those moments that your kids do something that is 'just like you' and it's really…read moreendearing. Then there are those moments that your kids do stuff that is nothing like you could have ever created. It is wholly themselves. And exhilirating. That's our experience of our son in these classes. It's like we are meeting a whole new person. The way that these kiddos are taught with a blend of history, story, technique, and flavor is amazing. Our whole extended family is in love with this newer artistic endeavor, and it has so much to do with how Shelley brings it all to life for them. Thank you!

Our family has been involved with Tessera for six years now, and during that time it has been a…read morecornerstone for our life in so many ways. We tried five different preschools before discovering the magic of this place. I'll always be grateful for the memories and foundation Tessera has given our children and for the connections we've made with other families through this preschool. When you enter Tessera, you might just see a typical preschool--DON'T BE FOOLED! ;-) Tessera is anything but typical! If you look more carefully, you'll notice the culture of the school is present in every nook and cranny of the place. The owner, Linda, provides an enriching environment with specially curated art projects, decor, sensory materials, books, costumes, puzzles, and toys that usually follow a theme. The kids have freedom to explore. She allows ample activity time during the day as well, so more active children can run around, climb, and play more physical games to their liking. I am in love with the process-oriented focus of the art projects she makes available to the kids. You won't find the kids producing uniform preschool art. The art that comes out of this place is meant to strengthen and develop a child's confidence and enjoyment in the process of creation. What does that look like? It completely varies according to the child! The enrichment programs Linda offers have varied over the years including music, dance, sewing, ceramics, ASL, and nature programs. They are run by visitors who are professionals in their fields. My kids have enjoyed all of them immensely. Linda's background is in early childhood development and education, but she's also a parent, so she understands the realities of family life and has a great perspective. She is flexible to the needs of a family. I believe her greatest strengths are her intuitive ability to tune in with the kids, her kind and gentleness in her interactions with them, and her belief in their natural abilities. She is not an adult who gets in the way of a child. She is, however, a great coach to the kids when conflict arises. I knew Tessera was the right place for us when I saw how she addressed conflict. She does not punish (no time-outs, no withdrawal of privileges, no unkind voices or words), but rather has the kids talk to each other. She usually focuses on the child who is upset or hurt, asking them to tell the other child how they feel or helping them stand up for her/himself. She never forces "sorry" out of the other child, but instead focuses on cultivating their empathy. When that fails, because at a certain age and for certain kids it is unrealistic to expect certain behavior, she is particularly adept in anticipating situations before they arise. I could go on and on about how enriching Tessera has been for our lives. I look forward to many more years of my kids' involvement with Tessera. (I'm so happy she offers programs serving kids up to age 10!)

I've had three kids at Tessera and all of them are treated and loves as individuals, with their…read moreparticular artistic interests and needs being thoughtfully addressed. I've learned a lot from about patience and communication with kids from the owner and head teacher, Linda. She is one of the most level headed, calm people I have ever met. The community is great too.

This camp has been my daughter's favorite! We did 3 weeks this summer…read more Shawn is so creative and comes up with unique projects for the kids. Classes were outside and staff seemed organized. Most of all, it was so fun.

We had a great experience at Neo Art School this summer…read more They were very prepared for Covid- making sure all kids had their own materials and any common materials were sanitized. Everyone wore masks. They had temperature checks upon arrival. The staff is professional and also warm. I felt my kids were well cared for and safe. They were well prepared to engage the kids- the girls had well organized, well thought out projects every day. Every week brought several different art projects and each week was unique in what was created; ranging from 3-D to painting to sculpture to drawing. My oldest daughter loves making art and literally happily worked on her projects all day. My younger daughter who hadn't expressed as much interest really found her creative voice and had a blast. The hours for working parents are great: 8 am - 6 pm. Strongly recommend this camp/program

As I'm sitting down to (finally) write this review, words are escaping me. Gregg is as talented as…read morehe is direct, honest, and passionate about this craft. If you're not serious about becoming an actor, I would advise you to look into the many other classes Seattle has to offer. Perhaps one at the UW (scene study? intro to scripts? audition practice?) ... Gregg I hope you're laughing right about now. This class strips you of social constructs and leaves you bare enough to absorb any character; at least that's the goal. If that sounds like the level of acting you want to do, Gregg's studio is the ONLY place to do it. Be prepared to work, to learn, to take criticism, and eventually grow as an actor. Gregg, I appreciate you and can't wait to give my Oscar speech so that I can thank you properly. All my love, Jazmin

As a disclaimer, I have never thought that I would ever write a Yelp review. This is my first, and…read morevery likely - will be one of my only - reviews here ever. I'll try to keep this short, because I want you - the skeptical, aspirational actor - to read this. However, I will also say what needs to be said. I've mentioned this elsewhere too, so if you see these words on other platforms, know that this was intentional. I first came to the Gilmore Studio because it seemed to be the only place in Seattle that could offer sincere instruction in a craft that I sometimes doubted could even be taught. Gregg proved to me that I was horribly wrong. It can be taught. And it can be taught very, very well. I was unfortunate enough to only be in the area for one summer, but I have considered myself a student of his ever since. That summer has laid both the physical and mental groundwork that I rely on as I continue to train and act in New York and LA. Gregg Gilmore is a teacher who will understand where as an actor you can grow most, and how. He gives, and only gives, complete and utter sincerity to his work, which means as the student, you will have both the gift and responsibility of mutually doing the same. Whether you have never acted before, or have trained in other notable studios, I deeply encourage you to give an honest and thorough consideration of the compelling work done here. I have, and that has made all the difference.

I have only taken one class with Dirk while visiting Seattle. I really loved everything about the…read moreclass!!! His studio is so cool; its filled with his original sculptures which are absolutely mind blowing!! They are beautiful and creative which made me wish I could take classes there on a routine basis. I took a wheel throwing class with him and absolutely loved it!! I was having problems centering and with a few tweaks he totally changed how I approached the clay. His methodology is easier for me to grasp and retain. I think he would be an awesome instructor for any type of hand building, sculpture or wheel throwing! The studio had a creative and welcoming vibe which made me want to return!

Whether you have always wondered about trying ceramics or have been doing it for many years, sign…read moreup for a class (or two, or three) here. I've been glazing ceramics and doing some handbuilding since I was a kid, but always wanted to learn the wheel. I took one wheel class, had a blast and decided to sign up for an 8-week class- and then another. Dirk is an outstanding, patient teacher and a fun, upbeat guy. I learned so many new things from him and the other students, who had different skill sets at all levels. The studio is such a welcoming environment, I really looked forward to class as my outlet each week. If it were possible I would still be taking these classes, but I moved to Pittsburgh. With Dirk's teaching and advice I was able to set up a mini studio at home where I'm still handbuilding, throwing and glazing. But I still miss the great teaching and company at Dahl Arts. Take a class here- you won't regret it!

This review is not for the art classes they offer, but for their seasonal art market, notably for…read moreChristmas. For several long weekends starting at Black Friday weekend, the Kirkland Arts Center revamps its space to be a holiday art market. It's a fantastic opportunity to buy locally made artisan pieces. From a few dollars for a card, to tens, hundreds, and even thousands of dollars for pottery, jewelry, and exquisite one-of-a-kind art, there is something for everyone. I was here on "Shop Small Saturday". Not surprising, I was pleasantly pleased with the variations of art works offered, from wearables, to functionals, and decorative, I eyed pottery bowls, jewelry, wall art, and these beautiful ceramic bouquets. I did walk away with a pretty piece. Yay, me. Check their hours before going. The shopping season is ending soon; they'll turn back into a pumpkin - i.e. an art center.

I love pottery and have always wanted to take lessons - this was the perfect place to be!…read more Evelyn was my instructor, and she not only is the sweetest person, but also very knowledgeable on laying a strong foundation for the students to be able to throw and center. Throughout the entire time, she was very patient and was always willing to spark and encourage ideas. What's great about this is their open studio time where you can come in and work on your pieces during the open session where an instructor will be there to help. Apparently there was another student in class who went to the Bothell pottery class and their charged her an arm and a leg just for extra clay and firing... This is definitely a place worth coming!