We visited meri cherry few times about two years ago and absolutely loved it. The staff was attentive, everything was colorful and inspiring, and there were so many unique materials to create with. It truly felt like a magical creative space. Unfortunately, our visit today was a completely different experience. Most of the interesting craft supplies we remembered. fun stones, colorful glass gems, unique trinkets, ribbons , sparkly stuff and creative materials were gone. Instead, the crafting area was mostly filled with things like pipe cleaners, scraps, cardboard, paper clips, boxes, stickers and other everyday items that you could easily find at home and def not worth $50 an hour. We also noticed very young toddlers wandering around, banging on projects and breaking things, which made it difficult for older kids to enjoy the space and didn't feel very organized. It honestly felt like the studio had lost a lot of the creativity and magic that made us fall in love with it in the first place. I really hope they bring back the unique materials and imaginative atmosphere they used to have, because it was once such a special place read more

We just had the most wonderful birthday party with Meri Cherry! Her space was perfect for a group of four and five year olds to celebrate and use their creativity to make art. It was seamless and delightful for everyone! read more

Play Make Create by Meri Cherry - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Encino, California

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Had the best birthday party here for my daughter. Everyone had a great time and the staff was amazing!!

I was initially worried the art project alone wouldn't be enough to hold the attention of my 4 year old and her friends during her bday party, but it absolutely did, and there were also so many other fun, eye-catching art experiences available otherwise. The staff was extremely professional, on top of the time and every little detail, and I would book another party again there in a heartbeat. read more

We held my daughter's birthday party here and can't say enough nice things. The space is fantastic, the staff is helpful and friendly, and the activities were thoughtful and fun. We are looking forward to coming back from more classes and studio time! read more

What a fun experience for my four year old friend! The atmosphere is inspiring and fun! The teachers are so nice. The projects and activities were amazing! The kids were all so focused and into their artwork, there wasn't any running around or loud voices. read more

What a great place for kids to show there artistic side . We love this place . Definitely recommend taking the kids .

Beautiful space for creativity. We came for a birthday party and what a birthday party it was! The space is beautiful, clean. Despite all the arts and crafts samples and equipment, the space was not "cluttered" and was organized. The workers knew what they were doing and they were very patient with the kids. There was a space for the food where the adults could sit it out if they want. Very small parking space in the back accessible through the alley. Street parking is available. read more

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We just hosted a 7th birthday party at the studio and it was flawless! All of the kids said it was 'the best birthday party they've ever been to' and I agree. It was pretty darn awesome read more

Play Make Create by Meri Cherry - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Encino, California

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Amazing classes for little ones. Staff are really personal, understanding and great working with all ages of children. Always bring home fabulous art and crafts! read more

Wanted to love it, I really did. But it's just... kind of restrictive for a creative space. The kids are told they can do whatever they feel to, but that's only if... They pick one thing to create, create only that one thing, and stay at the table associated with that one thing. (I said I would pay for all of the tables, but there isn't a package for that.) I was scolded for going to my car to put the top up before it rained. It was right in front of the studio. I told the woman at the counter what I needed to do. The manager came outside and was rudely and condescendingly spoken to. My son was spoken rudely to for asking what items where on his way back from the bathroom. He's six. He's curious. The idea of a making space is lovely, if the kids are truly free to make things. Wasn't for us. read more

They do not have any cancelation policy for sickness. So you have to either show up when you're sick and expose all the other people, or cancel and not get refunded or credited for a future class. Pretty frustrating especially post-covid. read more

We hosted my 5 year old daughter's birthday party here and it was fantastic! The staff was so lovely and helpful and the kids had a wonderful time. The quality of the supplies and creativity this place brings surpasses other places we've been to. We also sent our daughter here for their spring break camp for a week and she came home every day excited with what projects they did as did her friends. I highly recommend this place. read more

We had Meri Cherry send Olivia for a mobile workshop at our preschool. It was really well organized, easy for the children to follow their directions and included lots of layers using quality materials and multi media which turned into an amazing collage which was a framed keepsake for the parents. Really a fabulous class I'd do it again. Even though pricey worth the money. read more

Play Make Create by Meri Cherry - Mobile process art class for my preschoolers - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Encino, California

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Had my daughter's birthday party here and it was such a unique and amazing experience! For the magical unicorn potions they let kids trim fresh flowers into their potions that glittered and fizzed! Wonderful staff and beautiful, clean art space. Their parties are well thought out and executed. We added the sensory row and the kids were also engaged with glitter play dough, ice sculpting, and slime. My guests who were new to the art studio were very impressed and said their kids had a wonderful time! read more

Play Make Create by Meri Cherry - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Encino, California

I have had the privilege of taking my kids (5 and 9) to several open studios. Each time the kids go they are completely engaged. There are always several options for them to explore and create. The time flies by. The staff is amazing. Their energy is inexhaustible and they all truly seem to love being there helping the kids. My daughter also attended a week of "Fairy Camp" this past summer. She had a blast. At the end of the week she came home as a beautiful sprite, bedazzled with all her creations as well as with a lovely fairy home that still has a place of honor on her dresser. It is so nice to let the kids loose in the studio without having to do any of the planning, set-up, and mess-making at home. Although every time we go I also come home inspired and see random objects in a whole new, creative light. I save bottle caps, corks, coffee sleeves, and more just in case I have a Meri Cherry inspired moment! read more

Beautiful art studio in the valley. Open flow studio, process art, lots open ended materials for kids of all ages and workshops for grown ups too !! Drop in is great if you just want to get a feel for the place .. $20 for 2 hrs. You'll be back for sure and your kiddo will be engaged the whole time ! read more

This place is magic. For real. The MC team is genuinely amazing. I'd been following Meri Cherry on IG for some time and finally made it to the old studio in Tarzana for a kid's bday party- it was so much fun! But the new studio is everything!!!! I mean- you kinda just have to go see for yourself! My son started taking the Draw/painting classes with Helen and Hannah- they are so incredibly patient and sweet. My son has a lot of energy but for that 1 hour- he is all about the process of art making and that is amazing to see. I have seen a significant change is his approach to school art projects but most importantly, in his overall confidence. Week days are rough for us but check out the website, they have themed pop ups on weekends some times that might be up your alley:) they do sell out though- so don't hesitate! read more

I absolutely love this place for my two year old Zoe and myself honestly! She loves art and this crafty crew has given me so much inspiration for the activities we do at home. She loves coming to the studio and engaging with the lovely teachers. Eryn and Rachel are so warm and welcoming to the toddlers! They really have a lot of presence with the kids and totally embody the message of the studio. As a kid who was definitely praised on outcome vs effort, or finished product vs process - I've learned a lot too! Definitely enroll your kids. read more

If you want to give your child and guests a unique, one-of-a-kind birthday experience, this is the place! The studio is immaculate and spacious. The kids have multiple art activities to participate in from painting and decorating stick-puppets, a wall mural, a large, plaster birthday cake and note cards that are made into a special memory book for the birthday girl. This place is so special and our daughter and guests could not have been happier! Thank you Meri and staff for giving our daughter the most memorable 5th birthday ever. We can't wait to come back for one of the open art sessions and winter break camp! read more

I did my daughter birthday party in this place and it was rocking fun. Everyone left super amused. I would recommend it for sure!

We have done camps, classes and most recently a six year old birthday party at Meri Cherry and have loved every experience with the studio. CAMPS: Our daughter came home from camp so happy and inspired. She has done unicorn, dollhouse, candy land, and 'best of camp days' and loves every minute. She told me she only wants to do camps at her own school and Meri Cherry :) CLASSES: The classes are focused and yet still manage to be process oriented. We have also signed our youngest son up for the toddler art playgroup because he had so much fun in the studio for his big sisters birthday. PARTY!!!! HOME RUN: Our guests loved it and kept complimenting me on what a wonderful party I threw - yet I didn't do any of the work or clean up. The kids had an all-star amazing time. The new studio is SOOOO beautiful. We love Meri Cherry. Our only complaint is we would like another location closer to our home. In the interim, we will keep driving to Encino because this magical place is absolutely worth it. read more

I had my daughter's 7th birthday at this amazing studio and couldn't have been happier. My daughter and all her friends loved it! The best part was even her twin brother and his friends got into it. The crafts were awesome...the girls that hosted the party were so much fun...the studio is clean, organized, and SO inspiring...I honestly couldn't have asked for an easier birthday party experience. Highly recommend this place. read more

Great place for birthday parties. Super cute studio and all very well organized. Kids loved the activities and art pieces they got to take home. read more

The best art space for kids in Los Angeles! My daughter started in the toddler play group which was so fun and hands on. She played with real clay, rainbow colored spaghetti, glitter, glue, paint and lots, lots more. It's all about color, texture and sensory art. There is always a different experience each class. It is perfect for boys and girls. My daughter recently moved into the 3 years and up art class and she loves it. The parents are encouraged to sit at tables in the front and watch until the show and tell and the end. The projects are really creative. The studio also offers ladies craft nights, open studio and family craft time! There are not many places in Los angles that are this creative, encouraging and wonderful! It's a real gem. read more

We just had my daughters 3rd bday party here and it was INCREDIBLE! Meri and Olivia took care of everything and the kids (a wide range of ages from 2 to 7) had a fabulous time. There were several different stations-a rainbow crown making area, a bunch of sensory play tubs, a necklace making station and the light room was the best-tons of easels for the kids to paint on and a giant birthday cake to decorate! Everyone told me afterwards how great the party was! Meri was super sweet and responsive even when I emailed her last minute with tons of questions and some last minute plan changes. I highly highly recommend for kids parties! read more

We are in LOVE with Meri Cherry Art Studio! We have three children ages 10, 8, 4 and they can all three find something fun to do at this art studio. The warm energy, bright clean space and uber-creative energy that oozes from this space will make any person happy! When you walk in the space there are happy smiles all over ready to greet you and help you create art! The staff is extremely personable and even helped my shy child to warm up during her first day of Unicorn camp, which is a hard feat to accomplish. By the end of camp the teachers were her besties. Tuesday's we like to drop in when we can for the open studio from 3-5 - I am a strong believer in open creativity and letting your own juices flow to create - there are no real rules except to make sure you make something you LOVE. And, every single time we are at Meri Cherry that happens. This place is a gem in a city where we sometimes forget to simply have fun and create art! read more

I discovered this beautiful art studio by driving past on a Sunday evening, on my way home from poppin tags at the Tarzana Goodwill. There was light glowing from the space, and a group of women all gathered inside - it must have been Ladies Craft Night or a private party. As an artist myself with a public studio in development, I was very excited to see this evening gathering and couldn't wait to find out more! When I looked up MeriCherry.com, I entered into a world of creativity, calm guidance and a positive conversation for expecting miracles. Check out the About page for inspiration. There's also a blog with great craft ideas for kids that parents will enjoy. Excellent resource in and of itself. Last week I had the chance to take my 5 year old to Open Studio (Tuesdays & Wednesdays 3-5pm) - she was fully engaged in creation of 3-4 objects during the session and worked with intense focus inventing and building, stringing, glittering and gluing. Three craft opportunities were set up on different tables and she picked the Tinker Tray and did her own thing. There is also a Light Room where kids can freely paint with dozens of colors and right-sized easels. About a dozen kids came and went during the two hours but there was plenty of space and just-right supervision and assistance the whole time. We had a wonderful experience and will come again when the timing lines up. I'll also be looking to attend the Ladies Craft Nights. If you are looking for a creative space where your child can explore, learn and creatively grow, you're in luck. It's very easy access from the 101 off Tampa exit, too, so you don't have to live immediately in the neighborhood to enjoy the studio experience. I only have two thumbs but they are both way up! read more

I started taking my son to the toddler art play group this summer. I was skeptical, as my son is very physically active and hadn't previously shown any interest in art of any kind. Fast forward, it is his FAVORITE activity!! It is really more of a sensory, process oriented experience, which has been perfect for his stage of development and has given him a positive introduction to art and his own creativity. He can get messy and play with materials I would never think of giving him. I have experience with three teachers, mainly, and they have all been spectacular. They are very hands on throughout the class. Every now and then, I take home adorable projects he's made. For instance, the week of Father's Day, he made an adorable #1 trophy for his dad. He was so proud and excited to give it to him that weekend and it's a beautiful keepsake for our family. In addition to the toddler art play group, I attended a "family" session, which was actually a small group of my closest girlfriends. Meri led a session with us where we made a canvas for my baby-to-be's nursery. Meri did a beautiful job cultivating an incredibly special and memorable experience. She also helped lead us to create a canvas with a look I was seeking. I am really looking forward to participating in some of the other amazing things the studio has to offer in the years to come! read more

I have been hosting an art class at my house for my daughter and her friends for three years taught at first by Meri Cherry and now by Olivia. The program is wonderful. Each week Olivia the amazing instructor keeps the kids occupied and focused with a variety of different types of projects. They are always using different materials to create wall hangings, tapestries, sculptures, shadow boxes filled with treasures, doll houses, and dolls' wardrobes. You name it. They even made their own lip gloss once with coconut oil and food coloring. There has been nothing repeated in over three years. I just can't praise Olivia highly enough. She brings tubs of materials and sets up the most eclectic projects and when she is done there is no mess whatsoever. The kids have a great time EVERY week and I love to see what they create. read more

My daughter and I had wonderful time at a mother-daughter maker event at Meri's studio recently. We made colorful banners with beaded and braided details. My daughter and I both LOVED it. The vibe was definitely community oriented and relaxed. It's a wonderful place to spend time making and connecting with your child :) And the bright and cheerful projects she has on display are really inspiring. read more

My girls just can't get enough of Meri's art studio. Each time they go they come back with something so unique and they also learn invaluable life lessons through their play (sharing, creativity, and positive self esteem). Meri has a gift for making each child feel special and provides them with a great balance of structure and independence. My favorite part is the art show she has at the end of my kids session where they talk about the object they were working on and why they chose what they did. 5 stars just isn't a high enough rating for this gem of a place! read more

This place is the best...and I don't say that unless I mean it! I've had two of my girls birthday parties there and just did the art camp last week. She had so much fun. Meri Cherry has one of the most incredible creative minds. You haven't seen projects and art like this before. She's always coming up with something new to create. Check it out, you will LOVE it! read more

My 4yr old had the most amazing time at Unicorn camp and Sweets and Treats camp. Meri Cherry's program and staff are exceptional.

Meri Cherry Art Studio was the perfect place for my kids and their cousins to create a fun and meaningful gift for their grandparents. We got the place to ourselves, and they had a blast going to town on a huge canvas with all kinds of materials. Eryn is a superstar with kids of all ages -- she helped them create a many-layered masterpiece, which is almost as great as the photos of them creating it. A fantastic place with wonderful people. read more

We just had my daughters 4th bday party here and it was INCREDIBLE! Olivia and Rachel were amazing and took care of everything. All of the kids had a fabulous time. There were several different stations - cards for my daughter, a perfume/ potion station, a bunch of sensory play tubs, and a giant birthday cake to decorate! Everyone told me afterwards how great the party was! read more

Incredible space, amazing staff.. It was perfect for my daughter's five-year birthday party! Watching kids create things is so magical, this is a special place! read more

We held a Girl Scout celebration at Meri Cherry and it was AMAZING. The staff was so warm and welcoming and the girls had a blast! It was very easy to coordinate the event with them and we look forward to returning to the studio again. read more

Meri's art studio is a childhood treasure. My 2 year-old son attends toddler play group every week and we had his birthday party here this spring. I cannot say enough good things about Meri, Eryn, Rachel, the studio itself and all the creativity and fun that happens here except to say that I make the drive every week from Santa Monica to Tarzana so my son can experience it. This is my son's happy place where he is free to get messy and paint, pour, mix, glue, build, socialize and experiment with the most thoughtful teachers and beautiful and interesting materials. As a mom and former preschool teacher, it is hands down MY FAVORITE scheduled weekly activity we attend. I am so thankful our family found Meri Cherry!!! read more

Meri Cherry Art Studio is a remarkable space for creativity, inspiration and pure joy. My kids have been experiencing art with Meri since she was leading classes out of her backyard, but the new studio has become one of their favorite places to be. My almost 6 year old son loves to tinker and thinks outside of the box when it comes to art materials. The Open Studio format is perfect for him as it gives him the freedom he needs to create and express himself through art. My 3 year old daughter has stood out to her preschool teachers as being purposeful and confident in her art work and it was obvious to them that she had been exposed to different materials from outside art classes. Meri and her amazing team are always helpful and very patient with all the kids. We are grateful that this art studio is so close to home but even more that it feels like home to our family. read more