Discovered this gem through a LivingSocial offer: BYOB mixed media arts class for two for $55…read more Booking: Due to the demand for such a unique class and the typical size of classes (4-8 people), you'll want to book 2-3 weeks in advance. I called in early January and booked a class for the last Friday of the month (about 2.5 weeks out). The Location: Nice, quiet neighborhood tucked in the hills off the 192. She's at the end of a cul-de-sac, so there is a good amount of street parking. You walk down a long driveway, take some stairs down into the hillside, and then you enter LeAnne's adorable and intimate art studio. There's a canopy overhead made from yards of fabric loosely draped over tree branches. Two little tents house vintage aprons to protect your clothes, LeAnne's own artwork examples, drawers full of arts supplies, and more. There's a cute little wicker patio furniture set off to the side, next to the rabbit cage. And everything is lit by strings of twinkling lights. Wonderful atmosphere to get the creative juices flowing! The Group & the BYOB aspect: I went with a coworker, and we were joined by a couple. There was supposed to be another couple coming, but they cancelled. Personally, I was pleased with the small size of our group, because it facilitated great conversations and we all really opened up to one another! My friend and I brought our own beer and some cheese and crackers. The other couple brought wine and cheese as well. Highly recommend bringing a good array of treats to snack on while you work; it makes the whole thing seem like a fun weekend gathering among good friends. The Experience: The class is listed as a 2.5 hour class. We stayed from 6pm to nearly 10pm. We got so into our artwork and our conversations, and everyone was having such a great time, I had no idea we had been there so long! LeAnne was amazingly patient and never rushed anything, always allowing us to take as much time as we wanted on each layer of our artwork, and really encouraging both our art and our conversations to develop and grow organically. Her instructions were the perfect balance: enough guidance and suggestions that I didn't feel totally lost, but without strict boundaries, gently pushing me to take creative risks and explore. Not only was the art process itself a great experience, we had a great time getting to know the other couple in our group. I feel like this is the type of class you could make some great friends in! Recommendations: 1. You do have an apron, but you should still wear clothes you wouldn't mind getting paint on! I made the mistake of coming straight from work and almost ruined a pair of nice work pants... (my coworker saved them though!) 2. Bring snacks! If it wasn't for the second group, our snacks would have been long gone early on. 3. Bring a plastic bag or a tarp to put your painting on when you drive home! You put a lot of layers of media on your canvas, and it may not be dry when you leave. All in all, I'm incredibly happy I stumbled upon this LivingSocial deal. I would go back for another session in a heartbeat, and I highly recommend it to friends, couples, anyone at all. There's nothing else like it in the Santa Barbara area, and it's an experience worth trying at least once. Even if you don't think you're creative! You will make a masterpiece, and it will be associated with a great night.

The whole event was great but the towards the end when it came down to pay most of my groups of…read morefriends had groupons and the owner seemed very irritated like as if she didn't want us to use them.

My wife and I took a beginners class last weekend - what an absolute blast. My wife is the artistic…read moretype, and I'd picked the class for a birthday gift for her. I think I enjoyed it at least as much as she did. Tammy is a wonderful instructor, and very encouraging. For first timers, I was very impressed by what some of the students were able to accomplish. A wonderful experience that we will definitely do again!!!

Recently a friend told me about how great Tami was and her School of Mosaic Art. I checked out her…read moresite and saw a posting for a Pet portraiture class being taught by visiting artist Donna Van Hooser and decided I HAD to make a trip down south. Both Donna and Tami did not disappoint! Tami, who owns and runs the school, was great - she was full of knowledge, which she was willing to share. I was surprised at the extensive list of top notch visiting artists she's coordinated to teach at her school. Will definitely be back. Donna was a great teacher. First, she picked and prepared the exact materials that each student would need to complete their project. She even included some tools that she created herself. She was thoughtful and attentive to each student in the class no matter their work style or skill level. Her enthusiasm for her art was contagious. Very excited to finish my project!

Saul and Saul- Thank you for a wonderful experience and so much interesting information on glass…read moreblowing history. My husband and i will be back and we'll be bringing our loved ones so they can experience the joy you put into your work. Just excellent!

Saul Jr. is a wonderful instructor! He's very patient, kind and knowledgeable! I surprised my best…read morefriend from FL with this experience when she came to visit me for my birthday. You could say we're rather "classy" ladies as we both love to take art and craft classes. Hands down this was the best class and finished product either of us has ever made! Thank you Saul, Jr!!

This is an amazing tutor. We had Jonathon and my son loves him so much. He not only helped our son…read moreunderstand the math concepts in Trig and Calculus, he made him much more confident! My son has requested to do the SAT prep with him and we definitely will. He's just a fantastic tutor!

Our family has worked with Open Horizons for over four years. Jon tutored my son when he wanted to…read moremove ahead in middle school math and continued to help him through pre-calculus. Far more than just an organized effective tutor, Jon is an encouraging cheerleader and positive role model. He developed a true friendship with both my kids who always looked forward to their sessions with him. He is also great at communicating progress to parents. I have nothing but wonderful things to say about Open Horizons and have recommended this service to many friends.

Kim's a salsa-dancing maven, and since she moved to Santa Barbara was looking for a new place to…read moreshake it. From The Independent we learned of the SB Dance Center's $7 dance lesson and practice party afterward and decided to give it a shot. The Center is spacious with a nice-sized lobby for chit-chat, and two generous ballrooms with good fans and nice art. Class was surprisingly well-attended for a rainy Saturday night and we were treated to a Charleston/Lindy Hop lesson. I've been Lindy Hopping since '98 (damn I'm old!) but I appreciated the refresher. Our fellow dancers were from a variety of backgrounds and ages, and all were kind and friendly, exactly the wholesome type you encounter at a swing dance. The instructors did a nice job incorporating the basics for all the beginners and even tossed in a couple of more advanced moves for those of us long-time lindy hoppers. We stayed after for the practice dance, and although it was initially weird getting asked to dance (and asking guys to dance again!) it was super fun and I know Chun P. wouldn't mind. Every Saturday night the Center offers a different type of dance lesson, and I'm looking forward to dropping by for a dance and seeing my new friends on my next trip!

The dance center is a great location to take a class. The facility is clean and inviting.read more

After meeting local Artist Danielle Renee at an Elite Yelpers event, I was inspired have her at a…read moreBirthday party I was planning. What an Amazing opportunity. On February 17th 17 of me and my Friends gathered at the Palace Grill on the Patio! Yes they have a party space ( which had gone unused for years). The Palace Grill patio is a great spot to have a Great Party. Danielle Renee brought her Amazing talent and she captured the groups desire to make Great art . We drank great Wines and painted with wine Danielle taught us how to work out the brushes along with other techniques. Her wonderful personality and outgoing manner created the perfect atmosphere. Thanks Danielle Renee for turning a party into an Event! Ronnie S

I had the opportunity to take one of Danielle's classes recently and it was such a treat! I was so…read moreintrigued by the idea of using wine to paint with and Danielle explained the variety of wines well, including how to apply them onto the paper. She provided a couple different brushes to choose from and also offered that we use wine from our drinking glass to add more color options ;) It was such a fun experience and she let everyone get as creative as they wanted. The pre-drawn Santa Barbara outline was so fun to color in. I love my creation and would definitely take another class at some point!

I've come here for a few years now for ceramics so I can only attest to that room. There are many…read morewheels, three good sized tables for the hand builders and lots of glazes. Ample parking. Located downtown by Cottage Hospital. I recommend the classes to all!! Get creative :)

I went here for a watercolor class taught be Tom Hendicks. It was so good he taught me how to paint…read morelandscapes and sky. I liked it so much i even took two semesters at the end of class we even had wine.

Laguna Blanca is far superior. Attended crane from 5th-8th and was not given half the education…read morethat I received at Laguna.

I went to Crane for summer school in the 1970's. I would ride my bike & walk my bike home with Anna…read moreMaria & Jocelyn. Thank you to Mr. Eccles & Mr. Milton! It was a really great experience.