I attended the Plein Air Workshop at Kline Academy, excited to improve my painting skills and…read morereceive guidance from the instructor. Unfortunately, my experience was disappointing. Despite the class being very small (only five students), the instructor completely ignored me the entire session, while giving multiple rounds of feedback to other students--including one sitting directly in front of me. I even walked to the location with the instructor, so there's no way this was just an oversight. I paid for this class expecting at least some level of instruction, but I left feeling like my presence didn't matter. If I wanted to paint outside alone with zero feedback, I could have done so for free.

It was cool.. We attended the model posing class, Everyone was warm and very polite..read more

HORRIBLE admin experience. They have zero interest in helping students at ALL. Totally…read moreunprofessional, including the Director of OTIS Extension- Terry Nauheim and Director of Disability Services Michelle Obergafoll. They have totally failed me, and not provided a safe inclusive work environment for people with disabilities, and in addition, they do not offer classes at reasonable hours of the day. Most of the classes go from 6- 10 PM, and that doesn't work for a person who has Lupus and chronic fatigue. Neither of these people could call when they had set appointments with me regarding my PAYING to attend school at OTIS. What a joke.

Attended the 2025 senior show and was impressed by all of the talent from the students. My son had…read morehis work on display and received many positive comments that will hopefully lead to working in the field of his expertise. From the fashion show to the graphic design departments displays, everything looked very professional. With quality instructors that push the students to do their best it's no wonder the show was a big hit. Great school if this is what you are into. Visit the school and you will see for yourself. Congratulations to the class of 2025

The Artist Lab is a nice little art space on Wilshire, in Hancock Park, conveniently located close…read moreto my house. It offers art classes for all ages, though I suspect most of its students are kids. My six-year-old Leo B. has become something of a regular, and he absolutely loves the place. For my part, I appreciate that there's always a camp available when I need it, sometimes even at the last minute. Popular classes sell out (if you want an anime/Pokémon/Hello Kitty kind of week, get on it), but most don't seem to reach capacity. There are camps for pretty much every school break, including one-day camps for various holidays. Parking is easy, as are drop-off and pick-up. Leo did one day camp last year, then two weeks of summer camp last month. He's a fairly shy kid, and was only willing to sign up because he had friends from school who would be with him. I was pleasantly surprised when he requested to come back for a second week this summer, knowing he wouldn't have any friends in that class. Artist Lab has different themes for each week, and he went for under the sea and pop art. There were different teachers rotating in and out, and to be honest, I never really talked to any of them, though they all seemed quite nice. I dealt with all the administrative stuff through text and email and enjoyed getting photo updates in the text thread. Leo had fun every day, and came home with all kinds of artwork that we're now stuck with until all parties are willing to get rid of them. He made sculptures and paintings and even sewed a little fish. I also liked that he got to learn a little about pop art after a somewhat difficult visit to the Tate Modern earlier in the month. I'm sure we'll be back to Artist Lab next summer, and possibly earlier. Leo will ask for it, and before long, his brother will want in on the action.

Incredible! I just took my first adult Wednesday class. And there was no hesitation in my mind to…read moresign up for a package. This is such a gem! To learn these skills in a supportive environment with wonderful classical music surrounded by art everything included it's amazing! Just in a 2-hour session. I took home new skills to apply to my own work. The teacher was phenomenal! Incredibly well-versed, very talented, and passionate, along with humble and inspiring. Love it.

As a student here, they helped me develop my art skills as well as my portfolio! My art skills have…read moreimproved a lot since coming here.

From the owner: 28years in business in Northern California with multiple locations…read more First location in Orange County! Join us for our seminar for all students and parents on June 8th, 2024. Contact us for more information

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.

My 4-year-old daughter absolutely loves WCAAD! She started with a one-hour class, then asked to…read morestay for 1.5 hours, and now she happily spends two hours there every week. That alone says how much she enjoys it. We've seen her confidence, creativity, and love for drawing grow so much since she started. The teachers are patient, encouraging, and truly know how to inspire young children while helping them develop real artistic skills. She looks forward to every class and is always so excited to show us the beautiful artwork she creates. It's amazing to see what she's able to do at just four years old. We're so grateful to have found WCAAD and highly recommend it to any family looking for a fun, nurturing, and inspiring art program for their children.

My daughter loves the drawing class. It is great to see her practicing at home with great patience…read more I appreciate all the great effort from her teacher, Ms. Shirley. All our family enjoy the amazing work she did every week.

Don't hesitate... just sign up! Whether it's for kids, teens or adult this is an amazing studio to…read morelearn from. My kiddo has taken both adult and kids classes and she has excelled in both. You can see the skill, techniques, and artistry in the work that they bring home. She feels very supported and enjoys going every week and always comes out excited to tell me about her project. Doesn't get any better than that. So if you've been wondering... just do it. Sign up.

Started out taking drawing lessons here for practical reasons, then I fell in love with drawing and…read morepainting and I have been a student here for a while now. They are incredible. Very reasonably priced and the teachers are amazing artists who will help you draw or paint whatever you want to do. Good community feeling as well, just good vibes all around. Lovely people.

I finally learned how to draw at LAAA. I tried before many times, but none other teacher got me to…read moreunderstand the basic. The teacher here taught me the style I wanted to learn. Awesome.

Enjoyed my first class with KL... very nice and made you feel comfortable whatever level you are atread more

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.

This place is great for kids to express their creativity. Classes are exciting and fun.read more

Attended the Premiere Exhibition of Dotan Saguy, "Venice Beach, Last Days of a Bohemian Paradise"…read more If you have lived here for 40 years or so and spent time anywhere near this famous landmark, you will recognize the cast of characters portrayed in this lineup. The reception was lovely, well attended, photos beautifully lit, artist easily engaged. He plans to capture the essence of homeless transition to contributing community members. What a profound concept and incentive for others to recognize progress! I was overjoyed with this photo collection as I have many exceptional memories of skating, shopping and sunning on Venice Beach. There are currently rumors that newly enacted regulations will completely transform the locale and eliminate the local 'color' of wild, crazy, unimaginable existence not found elsewhere. Perhaps this is needed due to the area's excessive homeless situation. Despite the many issues facing Venice, I found this celebration a fine tribute to it's unique entertainment via Mr. Saguy's black and white compositions. Thank you to Venice Arts for hosting such a fine opening! High recommend for an easy visit, parking was actually easy, free, nearby despite being a summer Saturday evening. Enjoy!