What a lovely way to learn how to create art, and to learn something about yourself at the same…read moretime. So much of what Phil teaches spills into other areas of life too--areas where perfectionism and self-criticism reside. He helps us be more gentle with ourselves as we approach creativity. The energy in the room is not competitive, it is supportive and helpful. People return, year after year, to retake the "beginner" classes, in part to stay in touch with the beginner mindset and sense of wonder. The Drawing Studio is wonderful!

If you're looking for an art class where the instructor shows you how to hold your brush to paint…read moreclouds, this is not the class for you. Phil Sylvester does something much more valuable: he helps you to ignore critical thinking when you paint (or draw--he has drawing classes, too). Keeping your left brain from sabotaging your artwork can be a formidable task for some people, myself included. Phil basically helps you become that 5 year old kid with crayons again, where you have no expectations of what your art is supposed to be. His exercises encourage you just to paint, while he cites mantras from himself and other artists amid occasional music. This process leads you down a path where you find yourself and lose yourself at the same time. I can honestly say, in the short time I have been painting, that Phil has made me a better artist. Any class which does that is a good thing. So I suggest taking classes that teach techniques and color theory as well as taking the types of classes offered at the Drawing Studio. Every time you expand your horizons as an artist your soul will benefit.

A community of artists and makers, very welcoming and accepting of other artists…read more I hope to be a part of this scene one day

Past Lives Makerspace is an ideal facility for hobbyists, inventors, craftspeople and artists…read more There are studios and workspaces for all kinds of activities: metal shop, wood shop, ceramics studio, glass and stained glass studio, textile arts studio and so much more. Every work area is well equipped with the tools of the trade and the tools are well maintained. It's the kind of makerspace where you can spend all day. There's a full commercial kitchen and communal eating/meeting area, so no need to leave in the middle of a project. And the community of makers is phenomenal. The member-teachers I've learned from so far have been top notch - I look forward to taking classes in ceramics, stained glass and art framing next. I highly recommend Past Lives LLC for quality, community and learning.

I had the most amazing experience recently at this studio. Beth Ann is a wonderful art therapist,…read moreshe is very relaxed and carries with her an air of calm and creativity. I was very impressed the class started with meditation and breathing exercises, then a brief tour of the studio and short explanation of how to begin our own personal process. I love the piece I made: it is nothing like what I usually do, but through talking a bit during class about personal situations, I was able to let some things go and it really shows in my work. I will definitely be returning. Just being in that environment is calming and very welcoming. even if you're not an artist, I would highly recommend giving one of these classes a try.

A fantastic place to get creative that overflows with fresh new art from local artists every first…read moreFriday. They have classes for both adults and children, they also have a cute shop to buy local art and art supplies. With a website that is updated frequently so you'll never miss a happening at the 100th Monkey Studio.

highly recommend Oksana's School of Art as a great place for anyone who is looking for high quality…read moreart instruction and a beautiful studio with inspiring works of art from other students. I have taken art lessons from Oksana for years, so can speak directly to how much she has helped me grow in my own abilities. I also saw how well she worked with children of various levels and the beautiful works her students presented. I love the way she brings her years of professional experience and training to her lessons, adapting them to each student's needs. I have now started taking lessons in her new studio, and it is beautiful, with all the capabilities of her previous studio and more. All new easels and a beautifully lit room show she has really made this space into what she cares about for her students. A beautiful spot for learning and working on building skills and making great art!

This is a brand-new art school in Vancouver, WA, run by Oksana, a highly trained and exceptional…read moreartist. The facility is modern and fully equipped, providing not only training but also selling the necessary supplies for any student to get started. Classes are conveniently timed, all ages and skill levels are welcomed, and there is plenty of parking available. The facility: Upon entering, students are greeted with a welcome area that is inviting, warm, and confidence-inspiring. The classroom area has plenty of seating, while encouraging support and instruction. In addition to art supplies being available for sale, there are snacks, bathrooms, and sinks for cleaning. The instructor: Oksana is an accomplished art instructor, who has been teaching for well over a decade. I was a student of hers at a prior art school. Under her instruction, I went from barely being able to use a pencil to now doing realistic oil paintings. And if she can teach an unskilled clod like me, she has to be really something! The location: Conveniently located near Mill Plain and Macarthur (enter via the driveway on Mill Plain due to construction on Macarthur), the facility is between downtown and East Vancouver and only a few minutes from I-5, I-205, or WA-14. The classes: Students learn at their own pace, and once the basics are down, they can progress on their own projects. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Highly recommended!

Sweet Lomy Art is a fantastic place to explore your artistic talents. There is inspiration and good…read moreconversations throughout. The best part is you have a keepsake:) Thank you Jenny, you are an amazing instructor!

Buyer Beware when it comes to gifting a Gift Certificate to your friends, love-ones, co-workers…read more Buyer Beware when it comes to Refund Cancellation and Read their Policies. Go online, Memorize Cancellation/WildCraft Studio Cancellation Policy. They also lied, that the certificate was used, when it was cancelled, before they expired! 'no refunds will be provided'. We're asking $300. It's a lost! A GOOD Customer Service, can be forgiving when someone is in crisis, and to me, as a businesswoman, I'd rather issue a refund and make that customer happy . . . than lost a customer, because that customer will tell another and tell another and tell another.

I have taken a couple WildCraft classes and they have been very informative and fun!…read more Classes fill up fast, so you have to plan ahead, and jump on classes when they are first announced. While you can only get a full refund 24hrs after purchase, if you cancel 30 days ahead you can get credit for the full amount paid to use for a different class. They also have discounts for all peoples of North American indigenous descent and a number of free class scholarships for BIPOC students of art, craft and design as well as BIPOC K-12 public school teachers!

I bought a living social deal a few months back for Jennifer Wells Design. My husband and I used…read moreour vouchers yesterday. What a cute place! I got to make a plate, sun catcher, pendant and ring. We're waiting for them to be fired. Jennifer is EXTREMELY nice and what a great way to de-stress and have some fun. Can't wait to try her open studio night. $6.00 to get in with cosmo's following freely. You just pay per piece that you make. She also does parties!

This place! Are you looking for a fun thing to do for a girls night, but tired of the typical bar…read moreor spa scene? This place is perfect - Becca has the greatest environment for getting your creative juices flowing - chocolate, wine and great music! I came here with a group of gals looking for a fun time that wasn't your usual "Girls Night Out" - exactly what we received! Her studio is a great space where you can create anything you like - earrings, jewelry, belt buckles, coasters, trivets, display pieces, and anything you can think of! Becca has an incredible assortment of glass, colors, frit, and the possibilities are endless. Becca is a great instructor that encourages everyone to just go with the flow - she can help generate ideas, but is also in great support of letting you do your thing. Let her know what you need and she will have 5 ideas for you! She has lots of examples and visuals on the wall that help you get some ideas. Jennifer Wells Design is a hidden gem - the decorating pottery thing is so cliche, this is not! Once you complete your item(s), she will fire it in her kilns on site and have it ready for your pick up. The piece I made turned out awesome and I can't wait to get back there to make something else!

Ninety Twenty Studios is a wonderful gem! This is my first time ever working with metal, and I love…read moreit. The faculty I am working with, Tayja Danger, and owner Christine Clark are awesome, and I hear great things about the rest of this vibrant art community. The MOST important thing to me is communication and accessibility, and Christina was wonderful in responding to emails and she ANSWERED the phone when I called. Twice! ;-) If you're interested in MAKING, check this place out!