Great experience taking the adult Watercolor 101 class in San Rafael. I decided to take this class…read moreas it has been decades since I did anything remotely fine art related. I thought watercolor would be an easy place to start, but it's actually probably one of the hardest painting mediums (though the easy clean-up does make up for it!). This class taught me the foundation watercolor painting techniques I was looking for to get me started in art again. Hana Buechel was a skilled and engaging instructor. She is friendly, very approachable and encouraging. She is also an exceptional artist. She really helped re-ignite my interest in painting and going to spend the summer putting what she taught me into practice. Hoping to take another class in the fall. Thanks Hana!

Such a great place. My daughter loved the class and learned a lot. Every time I picked her up I…read morewas amazed at what we was making. And Skye was an awesome teacher which is the most important thing. My daughter raved about her every week. Would totally recommend to anyone hoping to light that artistic fire within their kiddos!

I'm so grateful for Riley Street Art Supply- there is no-where else nearby to procure art tools of…read morethe trade: calligraphy supplies, Copic pens, oil and acrylics, archival paper, easels, canvas, etc. The staff are all creative and helpful, the attention to quality is classy, and the value add to downtown San Rafael is irreplaceable. Great prices abound, and you don't have to drive to San Francisco to replenish your supplies. May there always be a Riley Street Art Supply in town.

Friendly helpful service. Excellent selection of supplies. Decent pricing. Will returnread more

My family and I feel totally blessed to have found this local gem. Our son is completely obsessed…read morewith his art classes here and looks forward to coming each week... SO much in fact, that the one time we had to reschedule, he cried. Gaby is sweet, patient, encouraging, and exceptionally warm. She does so much to inspire creativity and exploration. I can't recommend this place enough.

Art Abloom is one of the most fun spaces to nurture my creative spirit. OK, so I'm a grown up! And…read moreArt Abloom has a lot of classes for kids. And yet it was by connecting to my kid part that I felt nurtured by Gabi and her beautiful assistants (often her children). What a treat to paint, throw pots, be inspired. Gabi is multi-talented and has a gift of nurturing the creative geniuses in us all. I highly recommend taking a class or stopping by...maybe even have your 75th birthday party at Art Abloom. Thanks Gabi, I think I'll be coming back soon. xo, Marcia

Highly rated for a great bonding event. Tia, our family had…read moresuch a memorable time at your recent paint party! With all levels of artistry talent - totally green to experienced, young and old - each of us gained some good tips and came out feeling accomplished. I could have sat for a few more hours, because it was relaxing to be in a creative space with good friends discovering what talent hides inside each of us. Your detailed instruction and teaching experience kept the brushes moving which helped us finish our masterpieces. Now they hang in my room as an art wall which I smile at whenever I pass it. Something different to do with friends, or a place to make new friends. I highly rate your classes and events, Tia! Hope to join you again soon.

Tia is an incredibly gifted artist and teacher. Her classes are frequently full and many of her…read morestudents have come back repeatedly in order to continue to learn and refine their painting skills. She nurtures and encourages participants to freely explore and express their individuality, while providing concrete lessons in painting technique and a variety of projects.

We rode the SMART train into town for fun one day. We didn't have a plan other than to walk around…read more We happened upon Art Works after visiting Riley Street. Both my kiddos are very artistic and were absolutely thrilled to tour this studio/gallery space. The front desk attendant was very welcoming, and we all really enjoyed being surrounded with so much creativity. There was something to see at almost every turn, and even a few interactive pieces. It really was a treat to see my kids soak it all in and to be in their element for a change. It will be our go-to destination on all future jaunts to San Rafael.

On my first visit I found a community of artists ready to invite me into their studios and share…read moretheir meaningful works of art. Barbara, one of the artists there, even gave me a tour of the space, galleries and filled me in on the history and mission of the building and community. As a non-profit organization they work to keep the costs low for renting studio space and allow artists to rent gallery space for exhibitions. And I'm very much looking forward to the next art walk which occurs every 2nd Friday of the month. If you're looking to find an artistic community in Marin County, or just enjoy speaking with passionate artists, then you've found the right spot.

Diana is not only an extremely talented artist but she is also a stellar instructor. My daughter…read morehas been taking classes with her for a short time but I have already seen her blossom under Diana's guidance. I would highly recommend Diana to any parent seeking a private teacher for their art focused child. She is patient, easy going and highly knowledgeable of traditional/classic art techniques.

Diana is a DREAM of a teacher. I am an adult beginner and new to drawing and painting, and wanted…read moreto get the foundations down. Diana is SO knowledgeable and organized. She took me from drawing in flat, 2-D to a beautiful 3-D drawing in pencil, in only 3-4 lessons. She is so thoughtful, organized and flexible - she sequenced and adjusted her curriculum to my needs and adjusted to my style of learning seamlessly. In addition, she interweaves art history into her lessons so you understand what she is teaching in context. And she is so nurturing and encouraging! I've gone through a few teachers and she is one of the very best. I recommend Diana for anyone looking to improve their skills.

Elizabeth Flanagan's classes are fun, exciting and chill all at the same time! If you are a…read morebeginner or already know a few things or want to learn more or are already well upon the artists path, Elizabeth classes are for you! Everyone in these classes are welcoming, generous, fun loving people / artists Elizabeth provides an easy-going manner as she teaches she also provides tea for everyone and plays a wide range of fabulous music during class. It's fun! It's chill! Elizabeth and still is a sense of community while we paint and there can be quiet time or conversation, always laughter, learning and a sense of safety and well-being permeates this environment. I am so glad I took the leap and begin classes with Elizabeth. FYI The fall classes begin the week of September 17

Joined Elizabeth's watercolor classes a year ago as a beginner and have been hooked since. Not…read moreonly does she engage the novice student with the basics, but she keeps it interesting for more experienced painters with study of practices from contemporary artists around the world. She makes her classroom environment very comfortable with fun conversation, good music, and good exchange of thoughts about each other's current artwork.

Obsessed with Amphora. From the studio to the community. My gateway to Amphora was a Friday night…read moreclass, I've been signing up for sessions since. Highly recommend to the beginner and the expert.

Disclaimer: I have a professional relationship with the studio owners…read more I am impressed by the facility, resources, staff, and members of the Amphora Ceramic Studio for the following reasons: Facility: Amphora is located in a large, warehouse type facility that is spacious, conducive for productive work, and with provisions for adequate storage of member creations. The ample space and strategic placement of the many shared work tables, storage racks, and washing stations allows for efficient work flows. The facility has three roll up garage doors that create an indoor/outdoor environment weather permitting. Studio members have access to the studio from early morning to late night hours. In addition, there are sheltered outdoor benches and tables for enjoying meals and snacks during breaks from clay work. There is also ample parking and easy access to the facility that is located diagonally across from Jackson's Hardware. Equipment: The studio is well equipped with newly installed 24+ Nidec/Shimpo potters wheels along with hand building tables, slab roller, four electric kilns, glazes, clay and communal tools. There are several washing stations and accommodations for many members without the facility feeling crowded or cramped. Staff: The staff are welcoming and friendly. Sharon Virtue, a dedicated and experienced ceramic educator is focused on providing detailed instruction. Julian de Vries is never too busy to answer questions, even during non class times. Lucy and Robert seek to make members feel valued and strive for member satisfaction. In summary, Amphora stands above other studios because of its outstanding facility, great clay equipment/resources, convenient location with parking, and growing community of friendly ceramic artist members.

A fun little creative reuse shop selling various art supplies, old magazines, sewing supplies, old…read morecostumes jewelry, old photos etc. Probably not worse the drive from San Francisco like we did but if you're in that area and like creative reuse, definitely worth a look.

10/10 HIGHLY RECOMMEND! We randomly stopped at this cute…read morelittle creative hub of a store! What a GEM!!! We absolutely loved connecting with both of the co-founders! We loved the variety of art supplies and random thrift items they had to offer. The clothes were also soooo cute! I also love that they have art classes on certain days as well and I hope to make it to their head piece making class! They are great people with a great cause! Thank you ARTT !!

This is a really unique place! Not what we expected. It's more challenging and dynamic than an…read moreescape room and price-wise a better value. The room's challenges vary based on the size of the group, which is so cool and shows the tremendous thought the founders put into this place. However it can be frustrating for people if you keep losing when you think you figured it out! Or when you haven't figured it out and just keep losing without much progress (yeah I'm talking about you, Seahorse game!). The front desk was manned by Tim who is super nice and really cares about your enjoyment of the games. He'll offer you a hint if you really need it. On the way, he didn't explain where we fell short on 1 of the games we were struggling to crack. We played 47 times during our session with 4 people in the 1 hr 45 mins! We will definitely be back with friends!

We had so much fun. Three kids, my husband and I. Would not recommend doing it with more people…read morethan that in one group. Staff were helpful and friendly. Rooms were clean and challenging. My kids can't wait to come back.