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!

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!!!

With a motto of "Create Joy, Grow For Life", this remarkable 2-story art center is the epitome of…read morewhat an artist is looking for. This welcoming creative hub has private art studios, a variety of art classes/workshops, artist opportunities and much much more. It's easy to find on 30th being in the heart of North Park with a community of its own cultivating up and coming artists as well as intriguing art lovers like me by their profound art shows/exhibits in which I had a pleasure of attending one of them in October. Brilliant collab AJ & Priyanka!! There's definitely lots of positive art-making vibes here to the point it got my creative juices flowing to take a class. Thank you Maureen! I highly recommend this art spot to the Yelp Community :-)

Good price, the best price in San Diego Responsible company,…read moreI got hurt on my back cannot attend the class, they even offer to refund. But I just choose to postpone my class one month. Polite staff and professional teacher

So happy my son and daughter decided to attend SDSU, best decision ever! They are getting a great…read moreeducation and it is semi close to home. My daughter was part of the COVID class so she transferred in her junior year and had classes mainly on campus(which she loved). She commuted to/from school/home. She had early enough classes that she did not really have to fight for parking. My son is currently a sophomore there and has been living on campus. He was lucky to find Wonder roommates and friends and lived in locations on campus within walking distance of everything. So far it is hard work but he is enjoiyhis time at State. There are so many great clubs, organizations, and opportunities around campus. The trolly system is pretty good as well and a great means of transportation around San Diego if they do not have a car. My daughter graduated in 2024 and really enjoyed her time there. Very lucky to have them both near by for school. Great campus!!! Oh if near by you have to check out the turtle pond, it is so amazingly peaceful and tranquil.

I currently attend SDSU and in my last semester before graduation. I will forever thank this school…read morefor the community and everything that it's provided for me. I have had ample opportunities from SDSU for my future career and also to meet friends for life. The campus is absolutely stunning and has its own farmers market once a week in the main square area. They also have so many events on campus that they do an amazing job organizing. I think one thing that really stuck out to me, especially being out of state, was that I immediately felt at home here. I joined Greek life, student orgs, and had such an amazing experience where I was able to contribute to my personal and professional development. I will forever thank this school for everything it's given me and grateful that I've found a place. The one thing I will say, however, is that I lived in Chappy and that freshman dorm building needed help. But at the same time I was in the most social building, so that allowed me to meet the friends I have now!

Wonderful artist and teacher! Great studio and great person!!! If you want to learn to learn to…read morepaint Andrea is the best!!

I just finished my third class with Andrea and i have 3 more to go. I have been painting all of my…read morelife and I have never received as profound lessons as Andrea has been giving me. I have always had vision and ability however, Andrea as a teacher brings out what I already know and harps on basic principles I need to have with every approach that i have been missing. From rules of thumb to color concepts and using principles when I get stuck. Class is amazing, I couldn't ask for a better atmosphere to be in and I almost can get emotional about how freeing it is to be surrounded by all levels of painters. There is always music playing, discussions with students individually with Andrea and individual lessons can turn into all of us around Andrea discussing a technique with a student. Being in Normal Heights is a great central location and the openness of the class means bystanders can walk in and be amazed at all the work we are doing. It makes you feel privileged to be there working alongside him. One of my favorite things about the class is Andrea is usually sketching during the day, painting, or reworking something of his before we get there and if we are all independently working he will revisit it. It's great to see an instructor applying his love while enhancing our own abilities. I couldn't have asked for a better way to spend my money and time towards this passion.

My twin granddaughters love Little Artists! They'd go every day if they could. They get to choose…read moretheir own subject from a wide range of sample pictures, and there's always at least one kind and helpful teacher who spends the whole time observing, making suggestions and teaching skills. My girls have grown so fast into accomplished little artists! The price is more than reasonable for what you get. Makeup classes are available for when the child is sick (give 2 hours notice) or on vacation. You can also do drop-in classes if you call ahead. I highly recommend Little Artists for being that rare kids' class that actually works to impart skills.

I had given this place a bad review. Based on cookie cutter art and personality less staff. My…read moretwins attended a few years ago. Some how they re set their yelp account and my review was deleted because I mentioned another art studio as being better. I would never call what they do art! This place is not only not good at what they do, they r sneaky and start over in yelp reviews! They had over 100 before. Now 1. 2. Not cool!

I enjoy the process of creating. Don't necessarily see myself as artistic though so I figured with…read morea mosaic, it would be easier to create something I enjoyed. It was the 2 afternoon glass on glass mosaic class I took. Lauren was the instructor. She's warm, approachable, works well with beginners. Got lots of good tips from her. I have never created something that I love as much as I love this piece. I'll be coming back for more classes and continuing to make more mosaics. I feel a bit like an artist now. It's awesome!!!!!

I finally got a chance to do the indigo dyeing workshop with Lauren and brought my two friends with…read moreme! We had the best time. What an incredible way to spend an afternoon or two learning a really fun approachable new form of art, working with your hands. Lauren was a great teacher, very supportive of our crazy ideas and was a great balance of structure vs. going with the flow and allowing the students interests guide the class. Opening each piece and revealing the pattern was almost better than Christmas morning! Cannot wait to return for more alumni days.

Fantastic teachers on site. Innovative and unique artworks are always displayed whether it be…read moreoutside in the courtyard or walkways or in the Art gallery. There's always something on display by students and or teachers that is bound to capture the imagination and inspire.