I really can't say enough good things about the Seattle Artist League. I have an art degree, and I'm not exaggerating when I say I've gotten more out of my time at the League than I did during my undergraduate art education. I've taken painting classes with Jordan Horton, Erin Milez, Lendy, and a critique workshop with Ruthie V., and every class has changed the way I make and think about art. The instructors are thoughtful, generous, incredibly knowledgeable, and (maybe most importantly) really know how to help you grow without making you feel like there's one "right" way to be an artist. The critique workshop has been life-changing, I recommend it for everyone. I used to DREAD art critiques in college. They often felt negative and intimidating, and I came away from them feeling worse about my work rather than more curious about it. Ruthie completely changed that. I finally feel like I have the tools to actually look at art and talk about what I'm seeing, respond thoughtfully, and then understand why something is working, or why it isn't. And that hasn't just changed my own artwork. I now enjoy going to galleries, museums and looking at art more than I ever did before. I notice more. I'm more curious. I now have a vocabulary for things I could feel but didn't know how to articulate. I've learned A LOT during my time here, I've taken more risks in my art and I've fallen in love with making and looking at art again and it's the best feeling. If you're thinking about taking a class (or two!) at the Seattle Artist League, do it. Doesn't matter if you're a beginner or have been making art for years, there is SO MUCH to get out of this place. read more

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TL;DR: SAL's pottery classes are quite good and the studio community/open studio hours are terrific. That said, the owners are such a negative force, you may want to think twice about supporting them with your money. The rave reviews here about the quality of Seattle Artist League pottery classes, instructors, community, and generous open studio polices are all to be believed. I took my first class at SAL in Fall 2022 and continued with classes and practice until this month. In my 2nd year there, I was hired to be a PT pottery studio tech. After 10 months, the studio owner directed the pottery studio manager to fire me and I returned to being just a student. I won't repeat the defamatory lies the owner invented to justify her decision. My allegiance was to the pottery studio manager, staff, teachers and community. I had positive feedback from them and didn't care about losing the owner's good opinion or the 8 hours a week at min wage. At the heart of all the goodness in SAL is a rot most repeat students and staff tiptoe around. It is the untethered, erratic, impulsive, and, often, abusive behavior of owner Ruthie V., enabled by co-owner, Lendy. It's responsible for high staff turnover, particularly among staff that must work when Ruthie is on site, as well as women who present as experienced, valued leaders who cared about student experience. Ruthie's administration of day-to-day operations is impulsive, with no view to process or consequences. Class spaces are double booked. Classes with low enrollment are canceled with no communication to teachers or students. Classes are announced and filled with no instructor scheduled. Open studio hours are suddenly pre-empted with no communication to staff or update of the calendar. Studio staff are left to manage the chaos Ruthie leaves in her wake. She has no tolerance for problem-solving and will deflect blame on the person who identifies the problem, using whatever lies she needs to shore up her story or justify their ouster. Staff walk on eggshells and the energy in the space when she's there is tight and anxious. We're living through a time when bullying, dictatorial behavior is being normalized. We each must decide whether we speak up, sometimes at great risk to ourselves, or stay silent and become complicit. SAL is a microcosm of that dilemma. Last week, while I was in my second volunteer shift during the annual studio deep clean, Ruthie found something entirely innocuous she could twist into a lie that served as justification to ban me from the studios forever. Lendy delivered the message, lying about staff in the process. Students are paying customers; I had prepaid for nearly $800 of upcoming classes. SAL refunded the money but it speaks to how impulsive Ruthie is that she would risk that loss and the reputational one based on some perceived slight to her fragile ego. I was not allowed any defense. Finally, SAL operates as a 501(c)3 nonprofit with fiscal sponsorship through Shunpike. Washington RCW 24.03A.490 requires nonprofits to maintain a Board of Directors. As a Board member of an arts organization for ~5 years, I know one of the oversight responsibilities is to set HR policies and be a resource for staff to address issues with management. SAL's website lists no BOD and I can find no evidence that Shunpike fills this role for them. SAL appears to be out of compliance as a nonprofit. There are many pottery studios in Seattle, with various offerings. Your choice of them is an investment of your money and a reflection of your values. I want SAL's pottery studios to prosper and, at the same time, I cannot be silent about the environment there even if my voice turns people away from the studio. Actions matter. Truth matters. Make your investment accordingly. read more

I just completed an 8-week, on-line, drawing class there. The instructor was great and so were the other students. Classes were well organized, and all the instruction was posted 24/7 on the web, including class videos. I have taken a few of their on-line courses in the past couple of years, and since I live at the other end of town this is an easy solution. If you try it, be sure to familiarize yourself with the links they will send you ahead of the class. One for Padlet, and one for Zoom. read more

A lot of fun to dive into oil painting! I haven't touched painting in more than ten years but have always wanted to work on it. The teacher Lendy was very accommodating and helpful to alternate your perspective of painting and getting you out of perfectionism. Hyper realistic art isn't as interesting--and wouldn't you just take a photograph if that's what you want? Not only did you learn a bit about painting in the 8 week or so in person course but also how high of expectations people have of themselves. We started with probably 15 or so people enrolled and the last class had four. Even if you think your art sucks, just showing up and investing time will make it better. No one is good at anything immediately. You can also get out of external validation in these types of classes. If most paintings from others look similar, what do YOU want your art to look like? Is the question to ask. The class is pretty affordable for the hours and time you spend painting as well. The main feedback I would have is a little more time educating. Most of the beginner classes have a quick overview for about 10 minutes and then you start painting for the rest of the three hour class. I might be a very literal and visual learner, but I would love to go through more examples prior to start, and more in depth learning about technique and maybe some history or introduction to artists for maybe a third of the class or at least 30 minutes. Even if it was a pre read, I would read it. You get a ton of experimentation time, I'm a nerd for learning so I may have initially expected equally technical to hands on experience. I definitely recommend trying a class here especially if your more of a hands on "I'll figure it out" kind of learning style or looking for more studio time over lecture or traditional education. Worth your time! read more

Seattle Artist League - Art Schools Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I've been going to the Seattle Artist League since April of 2024 when I signed up for beginning pottery. Since then I haven't taken a break because the classes are so good, taught by really amazing artists and you learn so much. But the main reason I keep signing up for more classes and choose the SAL over other pottery studios is their open studio option! This allows us to come in multiple times through the week to practice. That makes it the best value in Seattle in my opinion. I've progressed so much in just 6 months that I'm probably going to set up a home studio at some point. But would still take a class or two at the Georgetown studio for the community. Everyone is great to be around and learn from (that means other students! Everyone is doing such individual and unique things). read more

Seattle Artist League - Recent prefire - Art Schools Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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I've really enjoyed taking painting classes at Seattle Artist League and feel they've made me a better artist. What I like most is that my classes introduced a concept and continued to build on them with each class, helping me to build repeatable skills (as opposed to classes I've taken elsewhere which are more of a survey - each class is a sample of a different element of painting but mostly unconnected to what you did earlier). I highly recommend Lendy's Beginning Oil Painting Part II: Fundamentals of Space and Dimension. I learned key insights into how to make paintings look good (contrast) and how to control where the eye sees objects forward or backward in painting. It really helped me get over my latest skill plateau. (By the way, I took this with acrylic instead of oil - just shoot them an email and I'm sure they'll be fine with you taking it. Many of the concepts are transferable but you're mostly on your own with the controlling the medium). read more

I seem to have had a very different experience than some of the other reviews here. I've taken several classes at the Seattle artist League. I found Miss Ruthie to require a tremendous amount of attention and support from her students. It felt like a junior high class, a group of repeat students gossip and giggle during class while the rest of us just try to draw. Miss Ruthie talks way too much and for her drawing class, we should be drawing as opposed to her talking, I attended 2 1/2 half hour classes where the model posed for an hour and a half. It felt like a waste of time and money. I found classes with Jared to be more instructional and better organized. I did not take pottery or oil classes. I have since found figure drawing classes at a far more reasonable price point closer to home at the Kirkland arts center. read more

The studio itself is fine. There's loads of studio hours so that's cool. But the communication is terrible. I did a one shot class and was told I'd get an email in a week so I could come glaze my stuff. Three weeks. Nothing. Finally get a response for them after 2 more emails that they're ready to be picked up. But all end up missing. It takes ages to track them down because they were put in a different spot. I ended up taking a beginners throwing class. Toward the end, they weren't bisque or glaze firing, and I was told that my pieces would be ready on this date, oh I mean this date, oh they still aren't ready. I find one or two after the session ended but I was still missing 7 pieces. A student taking one? Sure. Accidents happen. But 7 going missing? WTF. I go back for the last date I received and only one of my pieces out of seven are there. Bisqued. A teacher told me to put it on a board and finish it when the rest of the pieces surfaced. I emailed a few days later for an update. Two weeks later, I emailed again. This time receiving a response saying yes my pieces were found and I would get a follow up on when I can pick up. Two more weeks of silence--I finally email the guy and cc the main info email address. Magically, this causes a response. Come get your pieces. But we're not responsible if something happened to them because you waited so long. I get there, find the six, but now the board that was clearly labeled with my bowl is missing. It was taken out of the area of the teacher who was helping me and now it's vanished. Checked all the shelves. Nothing. A student wouldn't have taken a board, removed the taped name and taken a half finished piece. I email the first guy again asking if he moved it. No response. I emailed again two days later, finally get a really shitty response, saying that he can't be responsible for tracking down every piece because they have 200 students. I was going to come back for another class, but this experience has been so frustrating, I won't be back. Also? Everything is low fire only. I don't like the terra-cotta and the things you make with it look cheap. read more

I've taken two wheel throwing classes here with Scott, and I could not have higher praise for him as an instructor. Not only is he an exceptional potter, but his instruction is helpful and his encouragement is sincere, even when my pots turn out wonky. The classes cost less than most others I've seen, and they include free glaze and open studio hours to practice what you've learned. If you're looking for a ceramics studio, SAL is a great choice. read more

I've now taken two ceramic classes from Scott, and I've loved both! He's friendly and helpful, and always encouraging. I'm also very happy with the fees for the class... Very reasonable. read more

First I'll start with the negatives. SAL is way the heck up in North Seattle. But lucky for all of us, it's on the E rapid ride line, which comes every ten minutes and drops you practically at the doorstep. So don't have to worry about commuting! The League is an amazing cauldron of ideas, art materials and people. We swirl around and do amazing stuff. The models are great, there's always hot tea (and a heater if you're cold, and a fan if you're hot) and the class sizes are also great. Expect to get a lot of personal attention plus camaraderie and support from other artists, not just the instructor. All the instructors I've taken class from here have been great. I recommend SAL for people of all ages and of all abilities. read more

I will start this review by saying, in all honesty, that this place is changing my life for the better. Aspiring artists: do yourselves a favor and take some classes here. Seattle Artist League (SAL) recently opened a spacious and welcoming studio in the Greenwood neighborhood, and co-founders Ruthie V. and Lendy have stacked the roster of instructors with amazingly talented local painters in several media, and have also deeply instilled SAL with a spirit of inclusion, support, interaction and positivity. The overall vibe is equal parts community and one-on-one instructor/student interaction. There is structure, but that structure is very well-tailored to individual needs. Classes range from weekend workshops to 6-week classes with ample opportunity for drop-in studio time as well; all skill levels are welcomed, even beginners who aren't quite sure which end of the brush the paint is supposed to go on. Prices are very reasonable and competitive with other art institutes in Seattle. After decades of listening to that little voice in my head say, "I wish I knew how to paint," I am so happy and relieved to finally be learning how to do it, and the progress I see in my own work from week to week and month to month is obvious...I'll never be Leonardo van Gogh the Elder or nothing like that, but the sheer joy of being able to translate thoughts into paint on canvas with the guidance and wisdom of Ruthie V. and the other instructors has been transformative. So, YOU: if you have a little voice that says, "I wish I knew how to paint," then do it! Check out the catalog! Sign up for a class! If you have a competing little voice that says, "No, don't do it because art classes are scary," then you just tell that second little voice that it's a jerk who should go play in traffic. read more

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Really friendly and approachable place to take a class for any level. Ruthie is not only skilled at challenging and getting the best out of each student, but is also warm and fun. She often taught us in unique and unconventional ways. I think it improved my understanding of what makes a drawing a good piece of art. I signed up mostly for studio time, but ended up getting much more from her instructions and crits. Other students have all been great and non-judgy, too. It was inspiring and educational to observe their works. I'll be returning for more classes. read more

I live in Chicago and took an online figure drawing class from Ruthie online during the pandemic. It was amazing! I learned a great deal about figure drawing, sure, but also about art history, composition, and she encouraged us to try new materials and ideas. This class helped me in all my art, not just in drawing, and I cannot recommend the online classes highly enough. Also, I found the classes to be very affordable. For a few hundred dollars, you get months of synchronous classes with a gifted artist and feedback from the group. I haven't found anywhere else you can get such affordable and high quality art instruction. I'm already signed up for two more! I hope they keep on having some online classes so I can keep learning. :) read more

I've taken a number of classes through SAL and have been so impressed with the quality of instruction, the variety of classes offered, and the support from the staff. read more

Seattle Artist League - Art Schools Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Small but mighty learning space for artists of all stripes, colors, persuasions and skill. The emphasis is always on learning and enjoying art. I love the new online Zoom classes which have been a lifesaver during the pandemic. It's a great welcoming place to get started: low on prevention, high on trying and experimenting. read more

Seattle Artist League - Work in progress thanks to Seattle Artist League. - Art Schools Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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I have been a student of Ruthie's for 3 years and she taught me to paint. I have been a student at Seattle Artist League since it opened and it is teaching me to be an artist. Ruthie meets the student where they are at whether a beginner or an experienced artist. She will provide tools, resources, information, and historical context to help the artist find a solution among options. Nothing is spoon fed, nothing is formulaic. (Unless of course you want that, and ask her directly, but this is not where the value in her teaching lies). Ruthie's goal is to help her students paint like themselves. If you want a class to learn how to paint just like the teacher, her classes are not for you. If you want a class that helps you navigate the struggle of seeing, rendering, and communicating so that each time you approach the canvas your intentions can be realized, her classes are for you. Seattle Artist League fosters a supportive, collaborative environment where students are encouraged to experiment in a group setting. Even when the lesson is hard, it is approached with a creatively playful attitude that does not detract from the learning but prevents anyone from taking themselves too seriously. Ruthie and Seattle Artist League deserve, and have earned, every positive review. They have created an inclusive and welcoming community of artists who have a shared goal of improving their work, making creative discoveries, and enjoying the process. The only rules are respect your fellow students, respect the model, respect the facilities. read more

I live in Houston, but was informed of a sketchbook class that was taking place online. I participated in this 4-week course this month and for me, it refreshed skills that have been dormant and rusty for years. I also have a better idea of how to use my sketchbook now, which may sound obvious to some, but I'm a writer first and an artist second. Instructor was friendly and kind and the feedback process was helpful as well. I never got to see what in-person classes were like from the time "before" but glad I was able to hop in long-distance. read more

The Seattle Artist League's figure drawing classes are really great for getting flexible with how you draw. Ruthie V does a good job of breaking people out of their static drawing habits by having them use unconventional techniques for drawing the figure. This class is great for learning how to make good drawings, rather than just the technicalities of learning how to draw people. read more

Seattle Artist League - Figure Drawing For All-taught by Ruthie V - Art Schools Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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I've taken a few classes at the League now and have loved every one of them. The instructors are very knowledgable & encouraging and I've definitely seen a lot of improvement in my art. Very welcoming environment to boot :) read more

I'm so excited that Seattle Artist League has opened. I'm currently enrolled in the Observational Drawing class taught by Ruthie and I love it. I haven't taken any formal art classes since college (20+ years), partially due to intimidation and partially due to lack of evening classes at other schools in Seattle. SAL has resolved both of those issues. It's an extremely comfortable and welcoming environment for all skill levels. Ruthie is an amazing instructor. She emphasizes creativity while balancing drawing principles to develop our craft. It's not a "cookie cutter" class where a strict curriculum is followed and everyone's drawings end up looking the same. The opposite, in fact. While there is structure, the emphasis is on the individual's skill and creative development, not having everyone conform to a specific style and technique.   SAL also offers open studio time to their students which is a HUGE value. There aren't many places you can escape to draw, paint, create. I'm looking forward to my next class. read more

This is a wonderful school! Facilities are a bit rough but the people and classes are fantastic. Ruthie's Life Drawing classes are challenging and fun. They have great workshops and art challenges that have helped me grow as an artists. read more

i have really enjoyed my figure drawing classes. instruction is direct, yet gentle and has pushed me into new areas and challenged me in seeing and drawing. base skills have improved and ive really appreciated the small class size. exceptional models, safe kind environment w/ all sorts of artists, who are people just like you. you will love class, whether its printmaking, drawing, painting..... read more

Loved Ruthie's energetic and warm instruction. Really diverse class with people of all races, ages, and skill levels. Learned so much but also had fun in a relaxing and kind environment. read more

I have nothing but good things to say about the SAL. The instructor was smart, approachable, well informed, and very strength based. The class, Abstract with Style was a combination of painting, critique, art history, and demos of how known artists achieved their goals. Worth every penny! read more

Your inner artist is the flower, the League is the greenhouse. I've been going for less than a year and I can say that it really is what it advertises- a place that is built around taking you and your art from where you begin to where you want to be. The best part about the League is the instructors and the people- this is NOT a pretentious, foreboding and cold place, where snobbery and connections make the artist. Rather it is like a creative incubator, and I encourage you to try it out for yourself. read more

This place is amazing! There are so many unique and interesting classes offered and I really wish I could take them all. I've taken 2 painting classes here from Ruthie and I plan to keep taking more. She is so knowledgeable and continually inspires me to go beyond my comfort zone in my paintings. I feel totally accepted here too, there's no pretentiousness and I definitely feel free to explore. I can't wait to see the community that grows around the league! It's good stuff! read more

Seattle Artist League recently opened in North Seattle and offers students of all skills and talents an opportunity for a creative outlet and education. Ruthie V. taught the Observational Drawing course that I attended and she was great. Ruthie is a talented artist who has an incredible way of sharing her passion with the students, and helping students find their own muse. There was no right or wrong way to do art, instead there was an open, supportive environment that encouraged finding what works for each student while learning tools and techniques to improve. Check their website and attend one of their art walk offerings! Fun and a great way to see if SAL might be a good fit for you! read more

Really helped me think and make progress in my own artwork. Kind teachers, supportive and knowledgeable.

The facility and the models are good. Unfortunately, the woman in charge seems to have some personal issues that can make for a very uncomfortable experience. read more

While it might be good for most beginners, unexpected behavior by the proprietor regarding her Sunday night life drawing studio made it disappointing for me. The session is set up as though it was casual, with snacks, coffee, and music- but WARNING also with unstated rule about noise. My friend & I found ourselves, without any clear warnings, ousted. It evidently was not something that could be discussed. read more

The Seattle Artist League is a wonderful place to learn and make art. They've grown quite a bit over the past couple of years and have really developed into a thriving community. The teaching philosophy of "paint like yourself" runs through all of the courses, striking the ideal balance between a comfortable, supportive environment while still providing serious instruction that has pushed me to improve my work. I highly recommend this place for anyone who wants to get started or for more experienced artists who want to sharpen their skills with an excellent group of instructors. read more

I took a class from Ruthie at SAL. It felt like the perfect balance of taking my craft seriously and improving my technique without all the pomp and snobby that can come along with it - and the small classes sizes are awesome! Ruthie is a gifted teacher, connecting with students at diverse levels while keeping everyone engaged. I'm looking forward to taking another class from her and trying out some of the other offerings at SAL as well. read more

My favorite day of the week is Thursday because that's when I have painting class. I'm not new to painting, or art ideas, and I'm admittedly pretty picky about where I study. I was looking for an art community in Seattle for a while, wanted to avoid the ateliers, and ended up taking a figurative painting workshop on a whim, without knowing much about the school (which, as it turns out was new). It was great. Ruthie gave me some great ideas and new ways to think about painting, and the class was so very fun, friendly, and supportive. And then I took a studio painting class and got more great feedback and ideas also in a supportive, friendly environment. The rare and lovely thing about Ruthie is that she is relentlessly curious and knows a lot about a lot of different approaches to art. She uniquely can help students working in a bunch of different styles. Rather than trying to get you to paint like she paints (which is gorgeous by the way), she tries to get you to paint how you want to paint. Seattle Artist League fills a huge void in the Seattle arts community, and I am so very grateful that it is here. read more