I did a pinch pottery workshop with Hue. It was 3 weeks, one session for two hours each week…read more The class was nice a small (handful of people or so), the format relaxed and Hue was so helpful, sweet and encouraging. I had such a great experience - this was my first time doing any type of pottery. The first class we just got the basics and played around and made a few small pieces. The second class we were able to add color to the clay itself, and then also in tandem, begin a "final project" aka bigger piece. During the third and final class, we learned about glazing and got to glaze our pieces! A week later, we were able to swing by the studio to grab our pieces at our convenience. I was able to make 5 pieces - some people probably made more like 8-10. I signed up for a full length class (two months) next session since I loved it so much! Can't wait to be back! And shoutout again to Hue who is awesome!! Would love to have her again as an instructor.

I love the Berkeley Art Studio! I took two classes here last year; one in Painting Fundamentals…read morewith Oil and another in Figure Painting with Oil (both with Scott Leddy). The first class is a great introduction to painting with oil, and the second was a continuation with live models. Having had been away from art for years, these classes were able to bring the connection back. They definitely made my one evening a week. Scott is a great instructor; he has a relaxed style of teaching that I definitely enjoyed. I also liked sharing a class with other art enthusiasts with different skills and styles. It was so fun to walk around the class and see how everyone would interpret the same model! The classroom was spacious, equipped with the tools we needed, and had amazing views of campus. Classes can be a little bit pricey if you're not a student at UC Berkeley (like me). Remember, you need to buy all of the materials. But, they're definitely worth it. If you're a student, you should definitely take advantage of them. I miss these classes!

I don't consider myself a natural artist, but after taking Introduction to Silkscreen with Emily…read morehere I feel like a spark of potential was finally lit. I thoroughly enjoyed the flexible after-work hours where I could relax and concentrate on just a few set tasks that go into making a screen and prints. The small class size felt both intimate and collaborative. I also loved how the teacher provided great materials to experiment with and Kala had all the necessary equipment. I'd love to come back and take more silkscreen later in the year!

Kala has some great art programs. One of them is Drink and Draw, a post-work evening activity that…read moreinvolves drinkin' an' drawin'. It's a rare opportunity for working folks who love art (but never get to do it) to be artistic and creative. We also hoped it would be an opportunity to meet people, relax, unwind, drink some wine, and hang out... but we discovered one fine weekday eve that it was lots of Draw but very little Drink. There are some serious art students in Berkeley! The art instructor was knowledgeable, talented and inspiring, and brought some great materials for us to use - handmade paper, high-quality ink, brushes. We did have to supply some of our own stuff, like scratch paper, pencils, erasers. She taught us new techniques and was very hands-on. A few completed projects even looked frame-worthy. Kala offers great programs if you want to do art in the evening. However, if you actually want to hang out with friends, catch up, and Drink with your Draw, you may want to go to a bar. Just sayin'...!

My 8 years old has been taking Saturday morning classes with Mr Doug. She really enjoys every class…read moreand always brings back masterpieces! Mr Doug is a truly amazing with children. He is passionate about teaching young artists. Mr Doug is also a nice person to chat with, always patient with everyone.

My 12-year-old has been taking art classes with Doug for several years now. There was the lost…read moreCOVID stretch, of course. To give you a sense of how much my kid loves this art class, I'll say this: There were precisely two things she missed the most during COVID, and that was going to Disneyland and Doug's Sunday morning art classes. Doug is really knowledgeable--I did art reviews at the Rhode Island School of Design for a while, so I have a sense of elements that make up art. Doug knows this really well, and this allows him to help people develop their art. Because he can break down what makes art, he can demystify the process for his students. Doug's intelligence really shines through when he helps his students focus on technique. Doug is also incredibly terrific with kids. He's not some dictator or sergeant. He gives gentle advice (again, advice that is *really* smart), and he knows how to push, how to inspire, and how to let a kid's imagination run. He's patient and calm, and he smiles and laughs. This is a person who really does love art, and he wants to share that love with others. Dropping my kid off at Doug's place, I see kids who are younger, teens, and adults. He has a capacity to speak to each of these age groups. It's impressive, and we're really appreciative that our kid gets to attend his classes.

My son just attended a birthday party in this little hidden gem. The space is inviting and the kids…read morehad so much fun . The instructors were so kind and engaging with the kids . My little boy is already asking to go back again ! Definitely recommended !

We just had our 10 year old's bday here! Every thing was great, and the kids really got in to the…read moreproject we picked (felt succulent gardens). Planning to come back soon for an adult night (or another private party with my girl friends!).

In May, I shop for a couple birthdays and of course like to keep gifts locally made. So one May…read moreweekend I stopped in this maker's retail space and was delighted to find numerous affordable beautiful jewelry, art, and home & bath creations for sale. The staff was friendly and helpful too in answering all of my various questions. I decided on a few purchases that day, including this card for a Bay Area native friend. For any occasion that pairs well with a gift for a Bay Area enthusiast, I invite you to stop in.

Cute shop with nice selection of crystals. I got a few crystals and a bracelet. The woman who was…read moreringing me up asked me if I knew the price of two of the stones. I didn't, so she went to look. The total came out higher than expected, but I waited until I was home to review the digital receipt. Turns out I was overcharged for two of the stones and charged for 8 items when I only bought 7. Could possibly have been a mistake but enough to make me not want to go back.

If you're looking for something to do with your kids on any given day or need some adult time to…read morerelax and paint this place is it! My niece and I had a great time. Staff is friendly and helpful. Pricing is decent for the experience! 10/10 would recommend!

My wife and 10-year-old niece had fun painting pottery at Brushstrokes Studio in Berkeley. This is…read morea neat little place/concept. My sister told me they used to come here, then stopped for a period of time but have recently returned for multiple visits because my niece's friends got them back into it. This is a cool spot because you can drop in without a reservation and paint pottery. The studio fee was $18 per person (includes all the paint and supplies you need) plus the cost of the pottery item you choose. My wife chose a Small Nesting Tray ($23) and my niece chose a Rectangular Pen Cup ($18). After 10.25% sales tax, the visit cost $81.20 total. You have to come back at least a week later to pick up your finished pieces. We sat outside on the back patio. This is a humble studio. The complimentary water ran out so I walked to a nearby cafe to get some. There was also complimentary Kirkland Signature green tea. The restroom, located outside, is tiny. Nice staff. The vibe is inclusive and family-friendly.

My 6 year old kiddo comes home with the most impressive art pieces when she attends classes at…read moreCorner House Studio, and while I know it's not all about the final product, clearly there is some legit instruction and creative inspiration that takes place. As a mom and an artist, It's such a beautiful thing to witness your kid falling in love with creativity. I love the location, responsiveness has been top notch, and my kiddo is happy, which makes me over the moon.

Obsessed with this place!! My son is 7 and just finished his second "season" here. I'm truly blown…read moreaway with the pieces they've worked on - we've hung them up everywhere because they're so unique and interesting. They learn a lot of art concepts too so pretty cool hearing him talk about organic shapes, how to use the light, etc. Also took the first adult workshop and absolutely loved it. Recommended big time for both kids and adults to check this place out!

Three years later and both my boys go here. Saturdays she has classes now until 9:30 to three,…read moreSundays 9:30 to noon and other days by appointment. My kids tell me she is good because she is critical when she needs to be to help them with their work.