Excellent staff and price for quality art lessons, drawing, painting, ceramic. Every one is busy having a great time

I stopped by Summer Studios Arts Academy because the signs outside made it seem welcoming and encouraged people to get involved. Instead, I stood there for 10-15 minutes while people kept working and no one even acknowledged me or asked if I needed help. It honestly felt like they only want to interact with you if you're already enrolled in a class. If the studio is only open to students, just say so instead of putting out signs that make it seem open to the public. Sarcastically, I joked to myself that if I looked like a drug dealer, someone probably would have run to the door. Instead, I was just ignored. Very disappointing experience and a waste of time. read more

Just finished my wife's and i"s date night. Ended up inviting my sister and her boyfriend and a couple cousins, i think everyone thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, we brought our cab wines gouda cheeses and deli meats. Davids charisma made us feel at home and welcome. He made it look super easy during demonstration. Went into it super confident but man, definitely need more finesse. My wife and i will definitely be taking classes because we found a new hobby. read more

See all

We had a family night, instead of a true date night, and it was great. Our instructor, David, took plenty of time to walk us through all of the steps, and he also took great interest in everyone's work. It was challenging, in a good way. I'm excited to see the final results in a few weeks after all the firing and glazing. read more

See all

TL;DR - A fun art studio with a date night pottery class option. I'll be going back again. For those still reading... My wife and I had been interested in checking out a pottery class. We found that Summer Studios was in the area and had different class options. We went in to check it out and get more details. David was very friendly and helped answer our questions. A date night class sounded like the best way to try it out at a reasonable price to see if we enjoyed it before signing up for a full class. On the night, we got there and the dog Sokkit was there to welcome us in. David talked us through the process and then he demonstrated the process for us, including explaining the "why" behind the steps. With that sorted, we got to get our hands muddy (covered in slippery wet clay) to throw a pot. David was watching over us and helped us with the steps as we had first-timer issues and questions. The setting was a nice way to try out pottery, and is a fun activity on a date night. We had the chance to make 3 different pots each, and they were each quite different but not too bad for a first time. David told us that for these classes, he does the work to finish off the pots (drying, trimming, firing, and glazing) and then we can come back to pick up the finished pieces. I'm quite curious how they will look when finished. Overall, very enjoyable and fun. We're probably signing up for one of the 4 or 6 week classes soon. read more

We took a duo pottery class with David and it was amazing. He was super patient and taught us all the great techniques to us beginners. Having Sokkit around was a blast, we played soccer and he's very very good. Can't wait to have our outputs back after they've been produced! read more

We had such a great experience here! We took the date night pottery-throwing class with David, and it was absolutely fantastic. David was patient, informative, and made the whole experience so much fun. We learned a lot, laughed a ton, and left feeling so proud of what we made (even the piece that David helped save after it flew off my wheel!). We're already planning to come back for more classes and to pet Sokkit (the dog) and talk to Momo. Highly recommend! read more

See all

I really dig it here. Friendly, knowledgeable instructors, people are around all the time creating inspiring pieces, there are samples everywhere, and the instructors are always happy to show you stuff and answer questions if they have time! I have taken four classes with Yasuko so far and I'm having the best time. Easy to find, great parking, classical music on all the time. Both her and David are very nice. Their in-house clay is a very good value compared to online prices. There's a wide variety of types to choose from. Oh, and there's a dog and a cockatoo! read more

See all

Just finished a date night pottery class. It was lots of fun and very educational. Learned some new techniques on the wheel. Definitely recommend doing this!! read more

I have loved my class at Summer Studios! I've wanted to take a pottery class for years, but they're always so expensive and/or have a witlist/are full. I am so grateful for Summer Studios! I was able to take a 1-on-1 with Yasuko, which was 2 hours and $80. I made three pieces in that time and was allowed to pick glazes and take them home within a couple of weeks. I loved the 1-on-1 so much that I signed up for a 6 week course with Yukari. For $380, I was able to learn the basics of pottery, make a ton of pieces, and come in on my own time for studio time. Both Yasuko and Yukari are super great artists and teachers. The studio is also super flexible and welcoming - I wanted to add an extra class onto the 6 weeks, and was allowed to do so for $60 extra dollars. The class includes glaze and kiln. There are some amazing animals that hang at the studio too! Sokkit the dog is very sweet and always greets you with his ball or hamburger toy. The cat is also very sweet and Momo the parrot will definitely keep you awake. I can't wait until I'm back in town long enough to take another course here! read more

See all

My mom and I went to the Date Night pottery class last night. It was such a wonderful experience. The teacher was so patient and explained everything step by step. My 80+ year old mom, who wears hearing aides, and is well under 5' tall, was able to make 3 pieces on the pottery wheel in a couple of hours. We're going to sign up for more classes-can't wait to check out their painting classes too. read more

Summer Studios - Mom's first try at the wheel! - Art Schools Near Me - Lomita, California

See all

Did pottery date night here with my boyfriend, and as two complete novices, we had such a great time with David as our instructor! The studio is very welcoming - and so enjoyed losing track of time during date night with learning a new skill and creating art out of clay. Highly recommend checking out for their classes, or for buying the unique pottery and art they have on display. read more

This has been a great place for a complete beginner to start learning pottery throughout the 6 week course. The teaching was informative and the environment was welcoming. The kind and helpful community and teachers within Summer Studios is what sets this place apart from everyone else! read more

I started attending classes since last January and been going ever since, twice a week. This place is great for people of all ages and skill level, just a fabulous environment to relax and be submerged in lots of fun. Teachers here are professional (both arts and ceramics) and most importantly, they are kind and willing to share all of their knowledge. The cost is extremely reasonable and this place carries art supplies and clay/tools for ceramics. I am so happy the studio is open again and it is very safe to come since they follow social distancing a d only offers small classes. I'm currently taking oil painting and I have done ceramics in the past, highly recommend both. 5 stars for sure and I highly recommend to everyone! read more

See all

I will recommend for anyone starting pottery if you have Clay that's cone 10 this is the place to get it fired and they also have art classes as well read more

We heard of this Pottery Experience from one of my coworkers, who takes classes here. It was my partner and my first time taking pottery for date night and it was fun! David was our instructor and was very patient and helpful. He made this experience enjoyable with his corky personality. Highly recommend! read more

Summer Studios - Art Schools Near Me - Lomita, California

David was so kind and let us do an Ad Hoc one-on-one wheel throwing (turntable pottery) with very little notice on a Sunday morning. It was my son's first time and a forever memory for myself as a father. What a wonderful business in this community that is so accommodating and cherishes the artistic spirit. Very high value for the very affordable prices. will be glad to return here anytime! read more

As a teacher of drawing, cartooning, and illustration my goal is to bring my experience and education to the students that attend my courses at this school. I was fortunate to work with Disney feature animation and other studios over 35 years ( Lion King, Little Mermaid, Alladin, etc.). My students all receive a porfolio and are actively addressed to show their art in exhibits in the studio. Every summer Cal Arts has a high school intern program in animation, some of my students have attended this program. My greatest honor is to pass the torch of great drawing as it was passed on to me. Sincerely, Stan Somers read more

Summer Studios - Art Schools Near Me - Lomita, California

My daughter has always loved to draw and now been taking a weekend drawing class for about a year now with Mr.Stan she absolutely loves it. There has been a lot of new things she has learned (perspective, pencil holding, dimension etc). Her skills have developed a lot since starting this class and the 2 hour time frame for her is perfect. I absolutely love this place David the owner is also always welcoming along with socket! read more

My son loves to draw. Found summer studios on line took my son in for Stanley's cartooning class. I was put off at first because inside looks like a episode of hoarders. But I decided to let my son give it a try. We did one trial class my son enjoyed it but did say Stanley is kind of rude. I wanted my son do do another single class to make sure he liked it but Stan said no he has to sign ip for at least 4. I agreed but told him we had a couple trips planned coming up. This was the Sunday class so people do have thing on on on the weekend. Anyway he wrote on my receipt the 2 sundays we would miss. Long story short after we came back I had to argue with him to get him to honor his word. He keeped saying we missed to many classes and had to pay again even though he agreed and wrote the days on the receipt. Awful customer service and he is a rude man. read more

Summer Studios - Art Schools Near Me - Lomita, California

Greetings, My name is Blu Rivard, I have now been one of the Art Instructors at Summer Studios Arts Academy 11 years. I went from Palos Verde's Art Center 2005-2010, then to Summer Studios. Summers Studios has much to offer in the way of many genres, from Oil Painting on canvas (my choice), there are other very talented instructors for Gush, Acrylic painting, Animation, Ceramics / pottery, just about every type of creative genre's you can think of Established in 2005 and still going. About me: I have been a professional Artist prior to giving art instruction since1986 (3 plus decades) and started teaching since 2005- present. 16 years experience. I have had some of the most talented Artist learning my techniques, that didn't even know their inner gifts. So if you have a passion and want to try your hand at painting, or if you already have dabbled in painting and wish to excel more. Then I would crave the opportunity to be of assistance in perhaps a dream come true. My age range for accepting students is serious young adults (18) and up! Some times exceptions are made for 16 or 17 year olds. read more

See all

We were so happy to discover Summer Studios. My son initially signed up for the summer camp class but loved it so much that he has been attending art classes with Stan for several months now. I highly recommend it for people of all ages. read more

I am so happy to discover Summer Studio. The classes are suited for individual instruction. The teachers are knowledgeable and dedicated. I never feel rushed or stressed, and I am so happy to get back to my painting in such a positive environment read more

Had a great date night last night. Good times good conversation and we went home with our own master pieces. The owner David was a phenomenal teacher. read more

A Fun place to relax and work in ceramics - let the wheel mend your soul in a supportive environment. Casual art studio where everyone respects other people's space. The instructors are friendly, supportive and recommend as a learning space for people of all ages. Formal classes, open studio or just have work fired by professionals who know how to handle ceramics. Great selection of clay and glazes and tools. Highly recommend if you want proper training in throwing using the wheel. Classes are offered at great priced with good instruction. Highly recommend. read more

Love love this art studio. We celebrated my friend's birthday at the clay workshop and it was a great experience. I'm a newbie with pottery and Adrienne was amazing in showing us the basics. The owner David was very friendly. Highly recommend this place. read more

Summer Studios - Adrienne was great! - Art Schools Near Me - Lomita, California

I love this studio! My daughter draws all the time and I wanted something exactly like this studio for her to experience. She's working hard and having fun. She's currently enrolled in Stanley's drawing class. She will definitely continue taking classes here. Also did a group Clay workshop with Adriana for my birthday and we had tons of fun! They definitely deserve the great reviews. Thank you David. read more

Summer Studios - Art Schools Near Me - Lomita, California

See all

I decided to take a 6-week ceramics course as an investment into myself; as a recent college graduate, it's one of the first times in a while that I've done something purely for enjoyment and not for career development. Though it was somewhat of an impulse decision, Summer Studios has exceeded my expectations in every way possible; the classes are extremely affordable given how much one-on-one instruction you get as well as the spacious, airy facilities and all the tools you could need on hand. Though everyone is masked up, the friendly vibe is still clearly there. The studio's open hours are also beyond expectation (9am-9pm most days) so it can work with most schedules. When I'm done with this ceramics course, I'm definitely going to sign up for another 6 weeks, or take a look at some of the other course offerings. It's been a rough year--here's to making things more beautiful :) read more

My husband and I started the 6-week pottery wheel throwing classes about 4 months ago and loved the lessons we received from David. He was patient and kind and gave the perfect balance of instruction and also time to work on our pottery on our own. Since our class ended, we signed up for studio time which has been equally fantastic. It's nice to come into a community full of thoughtful people who are always willing to give a few pointers. We feel totally welcomed and always look forward to working on our art. I highly recommend coming in and giving this studio a try. You will regret not coming earlier. read more

OMG!!! Found this hidden gem in Lomita. Signed up for a private group pottery session for my sisters birthday. We had such a great time there! David who was our personal instructor was awesome, very patient with it being our first time ever "throwing." We'll be signing up for 6 week course!!!! read more

This studio is wonderful to have that creative outlet as well as social support to do whatever medium you're interested in. I've taken pottery with Yasuko, drawing and painting with David and now Drawing and Illustrating with Stan. All amazing experiences, everyone has been professional and personable. I've gotten a lot of personal attention in each class and have met a lot of great people. I love our coffee break and snack time with the Friday morning group and have made many pieces that I'm proud to call my own. read more

I have wanted to learn how to throw pottery since high school. Finding Summer Studios, I finally got to take the kind of class I was hoping for and fell in love with a new hobby and community space. Summer Studios' 6 week class series is a great value! (I took an evening workshop once somewhere else that was more expensive on a per hour basis and I didn't really learn anything). In addition to the 6 classes, you also get to come in for studio time and practice on your own, so you build confidence and a sense of how to continue your learning and development. The class sizes are small enough for individual support, there are lots of class times to choose from, and Yasuko is super accommodating about letting people make up classes if they have to miss for some reason. On top of the learning, Summer Studios is just a great community space. There is such a relaxed, welcoming vibe and it's inspiring to see so many people make it their creative home. I appreciate their masking policy as someone who is at higher risk of long COVID. I keep signing up for more classes because I find it to be a great creative and mindful outlet that improves my wellbeing. Thank you for providing the space and opportunity! read more

I've taken a few classes here - all were wonderful. Drawing with the owner, David Parsons. Most recently, I've take a course of ceramics with Yasuko. It's been very enjoyable and I was surprised to find myself making several really good(and symmetrical) pieces that I use regularly at home. Just five sessions and Yasuko taught me all the fundamentals of ceramics - enough to create things on my own! The prices are very reasonable and you get 'lab' time where you can come in when you have time to practice what you learned. This place is a gem for the community :) read more

I paid for 4 class for my 11 year old , I had missed about a month they didn't make up for it Stan the teacher totally scamer also they don't help your child as much in developing art skills and they want you out of there before time is over!! Horrible I don't recommend this place ir dirty and disorganized!! read more

I took a 6-week ceramic class. It was a fun experience. I made two small bowls, two coffee cups, and one small plate. If you are interested in exploring your artistic talent, this is the best place. Just stop by and talk with David. He is the owner and very helpful. read more

Summer Studios - Art Schools Near Me - Lomita, California

It's a lovely studio. My soon to be 8 year old daughter loves her art class with Ms Yukari.

I've taken ceramics class on the wheel with Yasuko and have learned so much. She is amazing, very knowledgeable and so helpful. I enjoyed the studio and brought my teen in to take classes as well. We always enjoy our time there. The owner, staff and studio members are always friendly, encouraging, and informative. read more

We just finished our first beginning pottery class with Yasuko and had a great time time. She is a great teacher and we were pleasantly surprised with our cups. We are planning to take another class soon. Pottery with Yasuko was fantastic!! Stacey M read more

Kristina is great! Took her jewelry workshop and I made these super cute earrings. Definitely will come back again! read more

Summer Studios - Jewelry - Art Schools Near Me - Lomita, California

Summer Studios is amazing if you have any interest in drawing, painting, or ceramics. I was a total beginner at wheel throwing, but their resident expert, Yasuko, is the exact kind of teacher I was looking for. She patiently teaches you the proper technique for handling clay on the wheel head. Her classes are only available for those 12+, but the studio offers classes for kids as well. I also took drawing classes here from the owner, David, and he has a very impressive background in fine arts. He has teaches at a college as well (blanking out on the name unfortunately), so it was very reassuring having a professional guide me in the right direction. He has a discerning eye and can help you no matter your skill level. He's a very supportive instructor, and I would highly recommend taking his drawing class or sculpting class. read more