It was my first time to join the open drawing studio last Sunday. Since moving to this area, I had…read morebeen searching for a venue like this. So happy to have found this wonderful place. The model is wonderful (she even brought coffee and a cake she made). So is the space. Thoroughly enjoyed going back to life drawing again among friendly like-minded people.

A wonderful place to paint and draw. Always great models and Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays are a…read moregreat opportunity to tackle a three hour portrait painting or figure pose. Excellent workshops are offered sometimes, and a recent added ongoing Wednesday night class with Felicia Forte.

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.

We recently went to Brushstrokes Studio to make clay imprints of our son's hands and feet, and…read moreoverall it was a mixed experience. We scheduled an appointment through their website and specifically mentioned that we wanted hand and foot clay imprints. When we arrived, the staff member told us it would have been helpful to include that information in our appointment request, which was a little frustrating since we had already done so. Thankfully, they were still able to help us, and the appointment itself went really well. The staff was patient and kind, and the process was easy and enjoyable. We made a set with both hands and feet together, along with two separate hand and foot imprints. As parents, these kinds of keepsakes are really special, and we were excited to get them back. The reason I'm giving a lower rating is the turnaround time. We were told the pieces would be ready within three weeks. When three weeks had passed, I called to check in and was told they still weren't finished and would need a few more days. In the end, it took almost a month. Normally that wouldn't be a huge issue, but I was hoping to give them as a birthday gift for my son's grandparents, so the delay was disappointing. The finished keepsakes are lovely, and I'm glad we did it. I just wish the communication and timeline had been more accurate so we could have planned accordingly.

Silvera Jewelry School is exactly what you hope for when you sign up to learn something hands-on:…read moreorganized, welcoming, well-equipped, and taught by fantastic teachers who really know their craft. The studio is a compact space, but the layout works super well. There are nine student workstations, and each one is equipped with what feels like a thousand tools... all perfectly labeled, in exactly the right place, and ready for you to use. The instruction is exceptional. I've primarily had Jenn Parnell Kirkpatrick as a teacher. She is kind, patient, and brings a massive wealth of knowledge about both jewelry making and its history. Her Egyptian jewelry class was fantastic, and her history lectures are highly recommended. Before I started, I also watched the owner, Joe Silvera's great YouTube videos (like setting up a studio at home: https://youtu.be/b4icMNdapbo). Their weekend Jewelry 1 class is a true model of great teaching. It's perfectly paced, blending hands-on technique instruction, historical context, and working time. You receive a kit and project assignments that are completely manageable within the allotted time. After just two full days, you walk out the door having learned a ton of techniques, holding beautiful pieces you would actually wear or give as gifts. Silvera isn't cheap, but it is absolutely worth the price for the quality of instruction and the environment. They also sell tools and kits so you can continue practicing at home. I haven't made it to their open studios yet, but it's high on my list. Taking classes here has completely changed how I look at all jewelry because I now understand the process behind it. If you have any interest in learning this craft, you will not regret taking a weekend Jewelry 1 class at Silvera (or gifting it to a family member or friend).

Better than I imagined. The instruction for Jewelry Basics 1 with Jenn was fantastic and personal…read more I felt the pace was pretty good, too. The instructor had assistants that really took the time to help you out. Definitely open to questions and overall quite encouraging. I was a little nervous as beginners usually are, but I felt supported all the way. I loved learned all sorts of good tips and tricks. Best of all, I came out of the classes with jewelry I'm pretty proud of!

I wish I were writing a review of the facilities, instructors, class quality, or my experience in a…read moreclass, maybe even showing a picture of my cool finished art... but I can't, because of failure after failure on the part of the management. I received a glass flameworking class as a surprise for Christmas, paid for, with the option for me to move it to a number of dates. I chose the March 8th date. It's been THREE MONTHS of multiple calls, voicemails, and emails per week to The Crucible. We have gotten ONE single response the entire time: something to the effect of "so sorry we dropped the ball - we'll get back to you," then.... nothing. None of our calls or emails or voicemails have been returned. The March class date has now passed, and not a single offer of a refund or a reschedule. We're doing a chargeback, which we really hate to do since it's so detrimental to the business, but... if it weren't for all these other reviews I'd wonder if this place even exists? Three full months of effort on our end and not a single useful human answer?Hoping this review plus the chargeback gets us some sort of resolution.

A very cool place to see many artists at once. I enjoyed speaking to the various artist about their…read moreclasses offered.

I loved this class! I've always wanted to learn to watercolor but have felt intimidated and unsure…read moreof where to begin. Kate's calm and kind energy immediately put me at ease and I left my first class inspired and excited to learn more. It was fun to get creative in such a supportive space (with a fantastic group of people). And to top it off - her studio in the hills is absolutely gorgeous. I highly recommend Kate and her classes to anyone seeking a joyful and inspiring environment for creative expression.

I've taken a few classes with Kate and have really enjoyed them. I was new to watercolor when I…read morestarted, and had such a great time learning how to use the medium. Kate also taught about composition, and color. The class atmosphere is relaxed and there is room for everybody's learning needs and style. After you have your first class, when you are introduced to the basics, you'll be given subjects to paint, usually from nature, but not always. We painted jelly beans, and flowers, rocks, twigs, and vegetables. Some students brought their own projects. It was fun and I learned a lot.

Now, I have to let you know that I worked at NIAD back in the day and met my husband there. He…read morestill works there and my leaving and time there was brutal! But, boy have times changed! I love coming here for the art, the comraderie of the staff and the clients are full of love, hugs and joy! I have bought art there, I have bought jewelry there, and we went to NYC to be present with one of their artists who had a piece in the Whitney Bienniel! I was hired to be the personal secretary to Dr. Katz who founded Creative Growth in Oakland, Creativity Explored in San Francisco, and Creativity Unlimited in San Jose (I believe they closed a while back). I was at the first conference of Art and Disabilities held at the center with representatives from the four centers and others. Some came as far away as Canada and Minnesota. At that time, Creative Growth was the star of the group and we all aspired to have their success. Well, NIAD has found it. The idea for the center started after the mental health facilities in CA were closed by Ronald Reagan. But before the closure, Florence, his wife and artist, would drive up with art supplies so that the people could create art. A lot of the clients were relocted to the bay area and he opened the center for them to create art. Eli was passionate about the clients and felt that they had a right to create and he created a center where that's possible. I'm sure that he is beaming over everything that NIAD has become - an inclusive, welcoming place where artists get a chance for creative expression and can earn money from what they make. Good job for keeping it up guys!

HOORAY!!! This…read moreproject reached its goal with almost a week to spare. Pat yourselves on the back, you are a mighty fine bunch of Yelpers!

Its been many years since my family has been under Joe's teachings…read more We were able to see the master at work, something we all have never forgot. Besides being a great teacher for young and old , he is trurely a great guy to be around. We all had such a fun time! John, Jennifer, Janice, Jody

Super fun class!…read more Pros *Great teacher *Give you the attention you need *Very safe you think because it's out of a garage studio it might be sketchy not at all! As a woman going alone I felt very comfortable and safe! *He gives you a lot of references to what kind of machine is best for you and same with the gun. He also even gave me a huge catalog from Brick art supplies (he even circled the machines that are the best). * If you bring a friend he gives you a good deal! * The price is ridiculously cheap from other places I scouted out in the bay like 1/8 the cost! The same projects from a fraction of the cost and gives you lots of hours! *He has a very clean home and a clean clean bathrooms! Nice home! Cons Nothing really it's a tad cold but he was such a nice teacher he brought out a heater fan! So nothing!

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.