I've been attending classes at this art studio for 6 years, and it has become a huge part of my…read morelife. The teachers, Mei and Sean, really teach you the basics of shape and color - younger ones start with color pencil and oil pastel, and eventually work their way up to other media: graphite sketches, water color, acrylic, charcoal, and oil painting. They also offer calligraphy and Chinese brush painting. I'm actually shocked by the other bad reviews, because honestly I have no idea where I'd be in life without this class. Sean is very familiar with the SOTA application process and the department's expectations, and was a guide for me when I put together a portfolio. He prepared me well for the audition, and I was accepted to SOTA. College applications came around, and I decided to major in architecture. Some schools (mostly privates) required a portfolio, so once again Sean was there to help me out. I worked on my portfolio pieces in class, and was accepted into the architecture programs at schools i submitted portfolios for - USC and the NewSchool of Architecture + Design. I wrote one of my UC personal statements about how these art classes had benefited me and made me grow more passionate about art,...and next year I'm off to UC Berkeley for architecture! I would not have been accepted into these schools without the ongoing support from Sean and Mei and the opportunities they have introduced to me. In 2012, Sean pushed me to enter the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, and both me and my friend who also attends Xing Xing, won Silver Key Awards. On a side note, don't be worried about being non-asian in this class. I haven't spoken a word of Chinese to either Sean or Mei in all my 6 years here, and I took a lot away from the class. All in all, my experiences at Xing Xing have been rewarding, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is searching for an art studio for themselves or their child.

My 6 year old daughter has been attending Xing Xing Art since she was 5. Sean has been a wonderful,…read morekind and flexible instructor. My daughter started with color pencil sketches progressed to pastel drawings, and is currently working on watercolor paintings. She always looks forward to going to class each week. I love how there are so many class slots, and appreciate the flexible make-up policy. Sean is also very easy to work with and a patient instructor. My daughter also wanted to write a review: Xing Xing Art is amazing and fun because you learn skills in the art class and Sean (the teacher) is very nice! I think this is the best art class you can ever imagine and if you love art it will be a fun place to go. I have been here for over a year so I know. I recommend to go to this school because if you love art like me, this school will make you happy. I think Xing Xing Art earns 5/5 stars and more.

My daughter is absolutely obsessed with Young Art Studio! We've always known she had a creative…read morespark, but it wasn't until she started classes here that we really saw her artistic side blossom. She looks forward to class every single week! Julia, the owner, is not only an incredibly talented artist but also a truly gifted teacher. She's so patient and encouraging with the kids, and our daughter has learned so much under her guidance. Each class is thoughtfully structured into two parts -- drawing/painting and then clay molding -- which keeps the kids engaged and excited. The mix of ages has also been wonderful, as our daughter (one of the youngest) learns so much from watching the older students. We couldn't recommend Young Art Studio more for any child who loves to create and express themselves through art!

I came here when I was 7 years old, and now 10 years later, I can say that Young Artist Studio has…read morebeen one of the best parts of my life. This place is honestly like a second home to me. Im off to college now but I will always be back to visit. A huge part of why I love this place is so much is because of the teacher, Julia. She is the most supportive and kindest people I have ever met. She will give you the best advice on how to approach a drawing and she knows exactly how to help you grow as an artist. She celebrates every little improvement and reminds you that mistakes are just part of the process. Over the many years I have been at this studio, I have learned so many new techniques. But most importantly, I learned to believe in myself because Julia always believed in me, even when I doubted myself. One of my favorite memories is of a black and white drawing I did of a girl. I was scared to start it at first because I didn't have the confidence. I didn't think I was capable of making it look good but Julia encouraged me to just try it because she believed I could. I trusted her and I'm so glad I did because that drawing turned out amazing. It's one of my favorite pieces to this day. I'm so grateful for everything Julia has done for me. Thank you for believing in me and helping me grow. You've made such a big difference in my life. Truly the best teacher and friend I could ever ask for. I love you so much Julia.

My 7 year old daughter has been attending art lessons at Artworks for over a year now, and we've…read morebeen happy with her progress. She has been learning a variety of techniques and working with various mediums like watercolor and oil pastels. Our daughter sometimes complains about the classes being too prescriptive, but we try to explain that mastering different techniques will be valuable down the road. Overall, we've been happy with the quality of the instruction. We were on a waitlist for a year before we got in, but I understand it's easier to "get in" these days!

Staff there are amazing! This art shop helps my son with his creativity. Teachers are super…read morepatience.

My 5 year old (almost 6, rising 1st grader) attended a weeklong summer camp and enjoyed it since…read moreshe already likes art. I was impressed by the art that came home at the end of the week. It seemed like there weren't any kids in after care, although it's offered. Ms. Wei spent time on the phone with me walking me through the daily schedule (also posted on their website), and addressed my questions prior to registration. The kids also learned Chinese dance, Irish dance, and Chinese singing. There's a little performance at the end of the week, although I think I was told the wrong time so just clarify that when you go. Would recommend for anyone looking to improve their child's artistic ability.

Amazing teacher, Amazing classes. Witnessing the growth of my daughter's art, is a reflection of…read moreher growth through life. Impressed with the guidance that these classes provide in art and in life.

I bought this DIY clay set from C.C. Arts studio. My 2.5…read moreyear old son love it. He enjoy the texture and mixing up all different color. And I had a great time to finish this art work with him. Highly recommend their dry clay, you can feel the different by rolling them together. Also, no wired smell and sticky texture. As I know they only use non toxic clay and environment friendly grade. This DIY kit Set also come with Chinese calligraphy template paper, very worth to buy. And I am very satisfy. Thank you!

My child has been learning in this studio for more than a year, and I am very lucky to meet such a…read moregood teacher, who will guide children to draw with their own ideas. There will be themed activities in every festival, such as the past Halloween, where children are asked to draw on a blank wooden box, then paint it with relevant colors, and finally decorate it with colored plasticine, which is a very novel idea. The kids love it, too. Another example is to prepare for Christmas, the teacher lets the child paint on a blank Christmas stocking, painted with the child's favorite color, to give the child an unforgettable childhood memory. As a mother, I also like this studio very much, because I can see the results of children's efforts and their willingness to learn.

I had a wonderful experience with my first formal painting training at Jean Henry School of Art…read more First of all, Mike Ritch is everything I could possibly have asked for in a teacher. He is a talented artist, is excellent at conveying his ideas to all the students who ask for it, and was always able to encourage me with letting me know what I needed to do in order to achieve the best results I could possibly have. As a new student, I was not always aware of what supplies I needed to have with me. Inevitably, I forgot something that I needed in order to accomplish my work for each class. Mike was not only patient with me, but was generous to let me use what he had on hand in the studio. The ambiance is excellent. There were usually anywhere from two to four other students working at the same time. For the most part, it was a quiet environment, with everyone working on their own canvases. But there was also friendly and supportive banter occasionally. It was encouraging for me to hear kind comments from the other students, all of whom are adults.

I've been going to Jean Henry School of Art for many years now. It's a great crowd, a fun…read moreenvironment, and the owner, Mike Ritch, is a gifted artist and wonderful teacher. Infinitely patient, he makes everyone feel welcome and works with students to hone their strengths and overcome their weaknesses. Without a doubt, Mike has helped me become a better painter and artist. Classes are three hours long and there are sessions throughout the week. Sometimes the whole class works on a specific theme, like a still life or in black and white, but often students work on whatever project they want. Each class generally has a critique where students can show their art and get both positive and negative feedback. If you've thought about getting into art, expressing your creative side, or just de-stress from a sit-at-your-desk-and-stare-at-a-computer job, check this place out!

My kids are 4 and 6 years old, and we came on a very busy day. The wait was over an hour for a 30…read moreminute lesson, which I totally understood. But when they finally sat down for their lesson, I expected a real lesson. Thank goodness I didn't actually leave them, because after a quick instruction, they were left unattended for 10minutes. The nice gentleman that was "teaching" them, was also attending to a very busy desk and checking in other customers. Clearly, they were understaffed but I would have happily waited additional time to have a staff member available to sit with the children to instruct them how to draw from start to finish. After 20minutes of this, their instructor was relieved of his desk duties to actually instruct them with 1-2minute interruptions, which was must more reasonable. I am so glad that I didn't just drop them off, as they may have walked out, bored, without anyone noticing

Kids had a really bad experience here. You don't get what you pay for and your children will be…read moreleft very disappointed. Owner did not care in the least.

There just aren't many stained glass shops around any more. Cradle of the Sun was a destination on…read morea trip from Central California to rural Northern California. His shop is quaint and well stocked. Very pleasant couple!

The place I go for stained glass supplies. Excellent selection of glass with a handy display of…read moresamples lit from behind so I can see the colors without having to pull giant sheets of sharp glass out of racks. The owner is very knowledgeable although I don't find him very friendly. I feel he would rather be doing something better with his time but he does respond when I ask questions. He has never offered suggestions to help - like saying "try this piece as it is almost the same as the one you are looking at but half the price and you don't need that big a piece" or "this piece is hard to cut and won't work with the lead you have just picked out". He holds classes at the shop which always look well attended. He always wraps the supplies very well to protect them.

As an adult who can only repair duvet and shirt buttons strongly but not elegantly, Connie really…read morehelped by letting me sit into and open session with my project. I was offered usage of the materials, drafting table, and her wealth of knowledge to help me learn the skills I wanted to learn (which is finite at this time). Connie and I had a conversation about what I wanted to accomplish and she offered me advice and guidance on the best way to go about it. Within an hour, I feel confident that I can make my desired repairs and build upon that knowledge. Connie let me know that should I wish to join a class or expand my skills, that was possible. The studio is small but very well lit (I accentuate that for the visual aspect to sewing). Folks sit close to each other, but it feels communal and pleasant.

Awesome little sewing studio in West Portal taught by crafty San Francisco designer Connie…read moreWalkershaw, whose two other retail shops around the city have always been a good source of quirky, simple menswear and women's wear. Many classes here at the sewing studio are geared towards kids (seven and up) who are able to complete 5-6 projects in a week. This is extremely ambitious for a beginning sewing class that lasts a few hours a session. My student says the class is fun and she felt well supported by the instructor and her assistant. Projects do get completed alongside good supervision and instruction. The studio is unmarked beyond a simple black awning that reads aptly, "Sew."

My daughter has been going to Cherry Art Studio for over a year now and in that time her artistic…read moreabilities and confidence have grown significantly. So much so that we were pleasantly surprised to learn she won First Place in one of her recent competitions! The individual instruction she receives is fantastic. I highly recommend Cherry Art Studio to anyone interested in an engaging art class for children.

My five year old daughter took art lesson there for the past few months. She really enjoyed her…read moreclass and made a lot of improvement. In fact, she has just won her first award there. I like the small class feel and its reasonable price. I also like how flexible Ms Cherry has been with class rescheduling. It is also a great location so that I can run some errands during her class time. I plan to send my daughter to the music school right next door for convenience as well. I know that many students still stay with Ms. Cherry's even after moving to places like Fremont or Cupertino, I think that speaks a lot about her quality of work.