Ms. Macy is a wonderful and encouraging teacher here at art with Larisse. We have been part of this…read morestudio for a few years now. My daughter has learned and grown so much in her art class. I love how they have weekday classes just for homeschool kids. My child absolutely loves this class.

We absolutely love Art with Larisse! Our 2 oldest children have been going to the La Mesa location…read moresince 2023 and we can't sing their praises enough! They've learned so much, while being supported in an incredibly caring environment. Each and every staff member is patient, kind and helpful to all of the kiddos. Highly recommend giving them a try!

Enthusiastic staff. Teachs kids basic art ( for little ones) and progresses age and skills…read moreappropriate. Clean open environment. They also teach ceramics. I would recommend to any aspiring artist.

My son loves his art school and his teachers. He's improving his techniques every class.read more

I joined Prima Materia when I was around 10, and I can say that my 7+ years with Olya and Nikusha…read moretruly changed the way I see the world. I've grown not only as an artist, but also as a person. I took part in the portfolio program, where I was able to take all classes and have weekly meetings with Olya to learn from her 30 years of experience. First, the techniques taught at Prima Materia are unlike what I have seen anywhere else. I learned how to create art with numerous materials, including unconventional ones like toothbrushes and clay made of newspaper. Olya and Nikusha are extremely well versed in which specific brands or types of art materials to buy, which ones are economical, and which ones can/should not be used together. Furthermore, Olya's Russian art education combined with her versatile and contemporary approaches to art help her teach in a way that is almost freeing. She's really helped me strike a perfect balance between academic drawing and taking creative liberties. This is especially important to me because as a scientist and STEM-focused student, I have always been bent on perfection and planning. As a result, my art would often turn out stiff and lifeless. Through the unique techniques she taught and our meetings together, Olya taught me to let go and give into randomness, chaos, and chance surprises in art. I learned to stop caring about the end result, take risks, and make myself uncomfortable. This has helped me achieve freedom from my restrictive mindset, find enjoyment in a process that previously stressed me out, and create art that is uniquely beautiful. After being in the portfolio program for a few years, what I think is special is that Olya truly cares for her students, and is willing to go the distance to help us achieve our artistic and personal goals. She notices what students are struggling with(for me, perfectionism and being unhappy and controlling with my art), and personalizes her help and feedback, spending extra time with us to help us advance as artists. She is also very eloquent and knowledgable. I always enjoy my time talking to her about new artists and techniques I find, and I aspire to have her level of intellect. Finally, Prima Matria has a plethora of classes for anyone, no matter the skill level. From a 10 year old until now, I have always found that the classes and art projects have challenged me a perfect amount; this has allowed me to refine my skills as an artist at an exceedingly fast rate. Even in classes teaching foundational skills, we have the option to take the project to the next level. Other art teachers are often astonished by how quickly and accurately I can draw, along with how fast I can pick up new techniques, because this is something that is trained through the rotating courses at Prima Materia. Plus, i have so much fun! Art classes were always a highlight of my week! I have an extremely busy schedule with a lot of research and extracurriculars, so the figure drawing classes I took made me feel like I could finally relax. Although this is already an extremely long post, I still could say a ton more about why Prima Materia's portfolio program is so great. I think one of the best choices I've made(ever!) was to take that initial workshop at Prima Materia. Because if I had not joined years ago, learned under the expertise of Olya and Nikusha, and met all of the other artists in the warm, supportive community we have, I would have missed out on a lot of joy and definitely would not be the person I am today!

I started my art journey in 2017 with Prima Materia Art Institute as a novice, and I believe that I…read morecan now really call myself an artist!! Olya and Nikusha have created an incredibly thorough and interesting curriculum for those who just want to explore their creativity, to those who are looking for a career in art. The classes are always fresh and informative, and both teachers are excellent at igniting creativity in their students. Thanks to this wonderful school for helping me turn an interest into a passion!!!

What an amazing experience! Had so much fun painting with Joyce! She's very interactive and…read morehelpful. I enjoyed every second of it! Thank you! Will be back soon!

I am not into art. I don't like drawing, painting, pottery, you name it, I'm over it…read more But my friends were having a paint party so I said I'd come and drink with them, having no intention to paint. I got there and everything was set up. Joyce was nice and everyone settled in. She asked if I wanted to join and I laughed. Nope! My friends were like 'just try it' so, begrudgingly, I did. I was anxious because I just knew it was going to be so ugly if I did it, but Joyce said it was designed for kids even as young as seven and if she could help then make something beautiful, she could help me. You guys. I had so much fun. Joyce painted along with us and walked around giving instructions. I was pretty needy because I wanted my painting to be something I wanted to keep and she was very patient with me. It was way more fun than I expected it to be and I LOVED my painting so decided to book my own party. This is a super fun, inexpensive, group activity. Check it out!

Our child has attended both Art Scol's summer camps and afterschool classes and has absolutely…read morethrived there. We've seen tremendous growth in her art skills and can highly recommend this hidden gem of a school to anyone who enjoys making art. The instructors there have taught her how to incorporate shading, light, and composition. They've also taught her how to implement watercolor, acrylic, pen, clay and mixed media.

I had such an incredible experience taking the intro to pottery class. my instructor was Alicia and…read moreshe was so kind and patient. she really took the time to teach and educate without making the class feel rushed. I can't wait to come back and try the class again to make a mug! (My piece broke half way lol, but I was able to make a small dish)

An incredibly kind and welcoming staff makes this studio feel like home. It's a warm, family-run…read morebusiness where everyone is knowledgeable and eager to help. The studio is spotless, beautifully decorated with unique handmade pieces, and filled with lush plants that create a relaxing, inspiring atmosphere. Highly recommend! .

I've always been drawn to nature and revisited landscape painting with oil paints about 7 years ago…read moreafter having not painted since grade school. I've been quite fortunate to have painted with several very talented painters who happened to be instructors, as well. The Art Academy has given me the impetus to paint not only more often, but with confidence, especially, at the painting's sometimes difficult initial stages. I dove into the class after having had it recommended by an artist friend of mine. After several years in Stuart's studio class I've learned an entirely new approach to both studio painting and my original goals for plein air techniques. I'd recommend this course for painters at every skill level. Jim M.

Highly recommend Art Academy of San Diego! Stuart is a skilled artist and personable guide to…read morecreating your art. -CynC

I went to The Artist Outpost with a friend and I also had a very negative experience. Nowhere on my…read morepurchased ticket did it say there was no instructor and the included supplies would be old paint and crusted paint brushes... When I talked to the owner, I realized that customer service wasn't her strong quality.

My husband and I took a 6-week acrylic painting class, and we had SO MUCH FUN! Meryl is such a good…read moreteacher, and we learned so much. I can't believe how easily she inspired our inner artist. After the class ended, we bought an art kit from Michaels to continue practicing, and we can't wait to take another class. Highly recommend!