Gnomon is very expensive, but you know that going into it. That said, you do get what you pay for…read more The instructors are amazing, and you learn a LOT. I felt a lot better about going into art as a field after coming here. My few gripes: - Not having dorms SUCKS. - Parking in the new building costs something like 300$ a term? Get a bike or walk, it's craziness. - Advocate for yourself when getting your schedule. I didn't and ended up getting one or two professors who were new and still being vetted, and my learning suffered. Generally they're good but it's something to watch out for.

Absolute brilliant instructors, however, they are deceptive about the percentage of graduates who…read moreare employed. Alex Alvarez, the founder, has one goal and that's to get your money. Don't go here. It's basically a scam.

21/100 I didn't know…read morewhat to expect when walking into the Animation Academy, but after a half hour lesson in how to draw a Disney character, I walked out with a pretty good rendition of Tigger drawn by my own, two little hands. I'm not an artist, but the instructor made drawing so easy that anyone can do it. They take you through step by step, using basic shapes and strokes like triangles and circles, and make it all so easy. I can't wait to go back again to see who I get to draw next.

I wish I knew about the Animation Academy earlier! It is literally a hidden gem for all the…read morewannabe artists out there like me. I came across this place on my most recent visit to Disneyland/California Adventure over Thanksgiving break. Since the lines for all the rides were horrendous, my boyfriend and I tried some new things in the parks that were not rides. The Animation Academy was the highlight of the trip. There are "shows" every half hour where you sit inside a mini lecture hall and learn to draw Disney characters. There is a Disney animator who walks you through each step so that you come out with a picture that actually looks pretty good! Things move pretty fast so make sure you keep up with the animator and pay attention. Things can go from simple circles to eyelashes really quickly so here are a few things to keep in mind so that you don't seem so flustered during your first visit to the Academy. 1. Get there at least 10 minutes early so that you are guaranteed a seat. People start to line up. 2. When you choose your row, move down all the way to the end of the row and don't leave spaces between you and the next party. They don't have cooties. But most of all, don't be annoying and stop in the middle so that people have to climb over you. You can see everything from the right or left sides, trust me. 3. Follow along with the animator and don't freak if you make a mistake. Erasers are not allowed. If you come to the Animation Academy and follow along, you will honestly surprise yourself with what you can create! We went three times and drew Tigger, Mickey, and Dale. You can ask the guy at the front to see which characters are coming up so that you can plan your visits around their lesson plans! It is basically a free drawing lesson that can be just as fun for adults as it is for the kids. Actually maybe even more fun for adults.

Prospective student that registered for the upcoming semester. I noticed that I had a travel…read moreconflict with the orientation session and the manager that I spoke with was so understanding and was able to find an accommodation for me to take the class an earlier day with the same instructor. For the 9 class package at 3 hours a session this is priced very affordably and so I am looking forward to experiencing the quality of instruction given the difficulty I've had in securing a spot. Luckily I waitlisted this semester so I was able to snag a coveted Saturday afternoon slot. Will update following a few sessions

Great studio. The teachers are nice people and good potters, but they want to know you are serious…read more Show up on time for classes and ready to work, and you'll have a good experience. Show up when you can, and not so much. Like all programs, businesses, and people these days, there is a schedule. If you're late for a class, the instructors are deep into helping others, which is reasonable. The instruction tends to be at the beginning. Kitty is a good instructor.

Our family absolutely loves this art studio! Our three kids have been taking classes here for the…read morepast two years, and what started as something just for them quickly turned into something for all of us. We loved the experience so much that my husband and I decided to start taking classes too--and it's been one of the best decisions we've made. I definitely did not come into the classes feeling like an artist but have gained confidence and skills. One of the things that stands out most is the incredible team of teachers. We've worked with several of them, and every single one is extremely knowledgeable, supportive, and talented at making art accessible for any level. Whether teaching kids or adults, they have a unique ability to meet you where you are and help you grow. As a family, we've explored so many different mediums--colored pencils, oil pastels, watercolors, acrylics--and we're excited to be starting oil painting soon. It's been amazing to not only try new techniques but to see real improvement in our skills over time. Sara, the studio owner, has been especially wonderful. She's incredibly generous with her time and has worked closely with us as adults to create a personalized plan aligned with our goal of making artwork for our home. That level of care and attention is truly special. Another highlight is the art shows they host, which give students the chance to showcase their work. It's such a fun and encouraging environment where you can meet other artists and celebrate everyone's creativity. We feel so lucky to have found this studio. It's become a meaningful part of our family life, and we highly recommend it to anyone looking to explore or grow their artistic side!

Our daughter loves her class here. She's bee going for over 2 years now and it's the one class that…read moreshe never complains about going to! Mary has been an incredible teacher and has helped our 6 yr old to learn to take her time and make some really beautiful works of art!

The music academy here with piano, violin, guitar, art, and singing lessons is amazing, with…read morewonderful instructors and very reasonable prices. They also offer chess lessons. Very happy with the "family" feel of AMFA and will soon start bringing my 3rd child here to the Burbank location!

We've been going to AMFA for almost a year now. Both of my kids take weekly private chess lessons…read morewith Levon and have fallen even more in love with the game thanks to him. He keeps both kids engaged and curious for the entire lesson (which is no easy task!). He utilizes many different tactics and is always challenging them. Their game has improved drastically and they are already preparing for their first big tournament this month. I would highly recommend the AMFA, especially for their exceptional chess program.

Patti is an amazing art teacher and a very kind and patient person who will help you every set of…read morethe way with your art

We have taken at least two lessons from renown encaustic artist, Patti Akesson at Canyon Arts…read moreStudio. Patti Is warm, engaging, supportive, encouraging and really allows the artist to explore new methods and techniques of encaustic work. The prices are amazingly reasonable for what we have learned from her. She is an excellent teacher who explains all concepts thoroughly. And Lucy (Are faithful four legged art studio companion) is ADORABLE. Canyon arts studio also offers group lessons at really reasonable prices.

Michelle is an amazing acting coach. She has helped me break through many walls in my work and…read morealways does it with such compassion and insight. I couldn't ask for a more supportive coach! She is the best!

I love Michelle! I have worked with her for years and she knows her stuff…read more She never makes you feel bad about your work, she only helps you get there. She's really sweet and has a positive attitude. She understands a scene, I love it! Really opens you up and allows you to play.

I can't begin to express what an amazing gem Art Rebel Studio is! We were trying to figure…read moresomething out for our daughter's 6th birthday party. We know we wanted to do some kind of art party but wanted to be unique. We found that at Art Rebel for a glow in the dark art party. Ponti, the owner, made this birthday so special for our 6 year old and all her friends. From the beginning he was so easy to work with and very communicative. Ponti has kids birthday parties down to a science with different activities planned out that all the kids loved! Him and his team handled it all while we got to relax and chat with other parents. On top of that, we didn't have to worry about goodie bags because all the kids went home with a couple pieces of glow in the dark art that they made. There was a separate, and massive, room for food and drinks so when cake cutting came around it was so easy. Also he made setting up and packing up so easy. If you're looking for something different and special for your kid's birthday, I can't highly recommend Art Rebel Studio enough!

My son attended two days of the camp for kids. It smelled strongly of cigarettes inside for the…read morefirst hour. My son's aide (my son is disabled) said it could have been a casino given the smell. This was true for the two days he attended. We won't be finishing the week despite paying for it. Pretty sure smoking inside that building is illegal and definitely shouldn't be allowed right before kids come in. The instructor also left the room entirely several times for 15-20 min. While my son's aide was there, he is not an employee of the camp and should not be responsible for the other children present. Besides those issues, the camp itself was very underwhelming with minimal activities planned beyond drawing. We have done art camps at half the cost that put much more thought into it and didn't lead to lung damage from smoke inhalation.

10/10 highly recommended Creative Ceramics! As a New Year's resolution I wanted to start crafting…read moremore so my friends and I decided to sign up for an intro class and it's been such a great experience! Melissa is a wonderful teacher full of so much knowledge and creativity! While they don't have parking themselves I haven't had an issue finding street parking for my 6:30pm class on Tuesdays. If you're considering taking a class - this is your sign! DO IT!

I've now taken two introductory classes with two different teachers, and I still learned so much…read morefrom the second class as well. Both teachers were wonderful, including the owner, who was so much fun! She encouraged my creative ideas and made the experience even more enjoyable. The studio is a warm, cozy, and creative environment, and everyone I've met during studio time has been lovely. I'm excited to sign up for my own studio time and look forward to joining this amazing community.

I love this place and I think it's great to have it around. I enjoy coming to see new, cool…read moreexhibits here. Unfortunately, last Sunday (they opened a new show a night before), I walked over to check the new exhibit out. I found a note on the door "back in 10". Well, they were not back in 10, we waited for at least 15 - 20 minutes outside and no one showed up. They have the place opened just for 4 hours on Sundays. Shouldn't you stay in there during these 4 hours? At least I walked, so the inconvenience wasn't huge, but what if I've have driven there? Considering that parking is difficult on Lankershim. This isn't the 1st time it's happening, I want to support this place and love what they do, but please stay open during your business hours!

How supportive are you of your significant other? Do you brag about his/her career? Show interest…read morein his/her talents and hobbies? Let's face the reality: you should be proud of your partner's achievements. I'm my boyfriend's biggest fan whether it is of his highly-acheived career in the film industry as a Set Dresser or of his extremely talented drawing/illustrating skills (he has been featured in movies and TV). What does any of this lovey-dovey crap have to do with 800 Gallery? Don't fret my fellow-Yelpers, I was just getting to that! 800 Gallery is one of the many art galleries located in the NoHo Arts District. What makes this gallery stand out amongst its peers? Instead of just being an art gallery which features art shows and exhibits by artists based on a theme or contest; Gallery 800 has a catch: all of the artist exhibitors are members of the Art Directors Guild IATSE 800 (get it? Gallery 800? The union number of 800?). It is a wonderful way for members of the film and TV industry whom work behind the cameras to showcase their artistic flair and aptitude. Gallery 800 not only hosts exhibitions and receptions; but it works in conjunction with the Local 800 to convert Tuesday nights into an artistic and stress relief by offering drawing workshops at the nearby Local 800 building on Ventura Blvd in Studio City. For $10/night, entertainment industry professionals (or not. You DON'T have to be the member of any union. You can be Joe Schmo off the street); can spend a couple hours fine-tuning their drawing/illustrating skills while also sharing and networking with others. As for the receptions at 800 Gallery, they don't have the usual stuck-up and pretentious quality to them. I attend many art events and this was one of the first times that it felt like everyone was actually flowing with creativity versus just a supposed supporter of art AKA rich snob. Gallery 800 is retaining art at its best. Plus, with yummy refreshments (chips & salsa, veggie platters, cookies, donation-only wine/beer/soda bar), your tummy will be pleased too. If you see the gallery curator Denis Olsen, feel free to ask him questions. He is very knowledgeable. Whether you are in the entertainment industry or not, Gallery 800 stands out amongst the art gallery crowd. Call it a themed gallery or just call it a creative hub, you will be happy to simply call it at all.