The School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University (SMFA), located on The Fenway in Boston,…read moreis a studio-based art school founded in 1876 and closely tied to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. It emphasizes hands-on practice across disciplines like painting, sculpture, and digital media, while allowing students flexibility through its partnership with Tufts. Known for its working studio environment and open approach to art-making, the campus reflects Boston's long-standing role as a center for visual arts education.

Can't comment on the school, but they have a small art supply store here that is open to the public…read morewhere you can score some good deals on paints, pencils, markers, sketch books, etc. The store is open to the public: when you enter, you still have to check in with the security desk, but just let them know you are going to the store and they are cool with it.

My teenage son has attended Art School 99 for nearly two years, first in one-on-one instruction and…read morenow in group classes with Alexandra Rozenman. The growth in his artistic skill, confidence, and portfolio has been tremendous. Ms. Rozenman is an exceptional teacher--deeply knowledgeable, hands-on, and thoughtful in how she balances instruction with creative exploration. The atmosphere she creates is both calm and inspiring. This has easily been the best instructional experience our son has had in any activity. We are incredibly grateful to have found Art School 99 and would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone exploring or seriously pursuing art. A. Dorfman

I took Alexandra's Art Lab class for three session. I learned a lot and at the end of it, I had a…read moregreat painting that far exceeded my expectations! Alexandra taught us about color theory, color mixing, and a bit about composition. I'd definitely take a class at Art School 99 again!

Eli Portman is a terrific teacher! And both the Eliot street and amory street locations are very…read morecomfortable, with easy parking.,,

It makes me sad to write this review, especially since I felt the possibilities of a community…read moreatmosphere at the Eliot school, but I was really disturbed by the use of the words, to me in the last email by the Assistant Director, Jean - "At this point, I think we just need to part ways." (when someone who's providing a service to you says that - HUGE RED FLAG!) So, I signed up for private lessons with Joe for $65/hour. This was expensive for me, but I really needed to get a project done for a deadline. I was clear about what I wanted a small model of a house, with all mitered joints, because I was going to use it to cast a model. I even brought paper patterns. Joe met with me and said it was do-able. We did the first session of three hours, one of which he gave me an hour free, it seemed to go well. (I got the hour free - because the the machines here aren't so good - so its not your fault, his words) We didn't finish so I suggest we meet again. An hour into the next session, Joe proclaimed that the project was not do-able and too complicated, because there isn't a left-handed table saw. He even took my piece and attempting to go forward, took it the sander and wanted to sand it down to 45 degrees (yikes). Anyhow, so I decided to cut my losses and say, okay let's stop. He decided not to charge me for this hour. So I left with a pile of wood, and also broken-hearted, because I had really wanted to complete this piece. So, I wrote Jean, asking if I could get my money back, because I was clear about what I wanted in my project and felt like I should have been told that my project was not do-able from the beginning or at minimum, warned. Not have my project unfinished, after I had spent $130, 4 hours of time, and $30 on materials. And on top of it, I now need to find and pay someone to build this model. It wasn't anything personal against Joe, he was a nice guy, but more about professionalism. For example, if you had a contractor who said they could do something, they wouldn't walk away midway through the project and say it was too hard, leaving you hanging. Same concept. But instead, I got an email that from Jean that said, we are NOT refunding you, but (as if I had won a prize) we aren't charging you for the extra two hours Joe gave you, and "at this point, I think we just need to part ways."

Katherine's painting school is THE hidden gem of Somerville. Katherine hosts a small group of…read morestudents on weekday evenings and on Saturdays (scheduling is flexible) and, in just two hours per week, effectively spreads the message that passion and expression exist within you and can flourish if you're given the right tools. I approached the painting school as a self-proclaimed "left brain" with "no painting skills and no creativity," grudgingly committed to devoting some time to expression on a weekly basis. From the minute I set foot in my first class, I fell in love with both the charm of the room--the cozy top floor of a home in a classic Somerville neighborhood--and the warmth of my classmates, all strangers but many of whom have quickly become my friends. The best part of the painting school is that we all have the freedom to be ourselves, and to be excellent at it. Whether or not you consider yourself a "painter" at first, within a matter of time, Katherine will help you understand that you CAN make a picture come to life, learning is EASY, and our creations are BEAUTIFUL because they are born from patience and self-love. It's impossible not to believe in yourself when you pour energy into a painting from week to week and inevitably watch it come to life. Katherine injects positive energy into every class and was clearly made to be a teacher. I've never felt confident as an artist, but learning to paint (or, rather, that I could already paint!) with Katherine's guidance has done wonders for my overall state of mind. I highly recommend this school for anyone even remotely interested in dabbling in painting, no matter how seriously you want to explore it. You will learn new techniques and ways to approach the painting process, and if you join with an open mind, I promise you will become more in touch with the part of yourself that's been yearning to create.

I just completed my second term and Katherine was amazing, once again! This term, summer, is…read morecondensed into 6 weeks, but because I am moving out of the state, Katherine did all she could to help me start and finish my painting in 3 weeks. The painting was a gift to my sister and not only did the recipient love her gift from me, I loved the gift that Katherine gave me. She helped me to understand that time is precious and if it is spent wisely, any goal could be accomplished. If you are even considering taking a painting class, I would give this school a chance. It will change your view on your own creativity and your view on what it means to teach. Katherine is a gem! She, and her school, cannot be replicated or duplicated. I am sad that I will probably not be able to find anything like them where I am moving. Oh, and the ice cream breaks in the summer aren't so bad either.

Our 7.5 year old daughter had the best first week of summer thanks to Diana's summer camp!!! Not…read moreonly do they do a lot of art, they also get plenty of outside time (when it's not 100+), do some unique classes (karate and yoga!), and put on an art show at the end of the week! During the heat wave when it wasn't safe for the kids to be outdoors, they all had an ice cream sundae party! The atmosphere is beautiful and calm. Overall, she can't wait to return!

Caring, creative, and thoughtful staff. The birthday part was unique and fun. All the kids had a…read moregreat time and my daughter was able to explore art with her favorite animated character. The staff will offer a one of a kind experience.

Boston Photography Center is a group of local area photographers (both amateurs and professional.)…read more BPC sponsors events all around the greater Boston area and does a few road trips further abroad (NYC, Vermont, etc.) These are a great opportunity to get out and enjoy taking pictures in different environments and meet people with a similar interest in photography, compare notes on gear, etc. The web site and Facebook group also provide forums for offering help on technique, Photoshop and all sorts of other things. The BPC also sponsors photography classes for novices who want to learn how to get the most of our their DSLRs and trips to photography exhibits in local museums. It's a great group of people and every event I've attended has been a lot of fun. If you have an interest in photography give BPC a look.

I randomly found this place on the meetup site. http://photo.meetup.com/52…read more Basically, it's a group of local photographers (professional and the not-so-professional, like me) that meet up on a monthly basis to talk about various photo topics. Also on the meetup site, you can share your thoughts/question regarding photography on the message boards, and check out others' works! They also have various "click-and-shoot" outings. I went to the one going to Rockport a little while ago, it was fun. Check it out! http://www.bostonphotographycenter.com/

This is an awesome community resource with very unique classes. I'm looking forward to taking more…read moreclasses there!

I find the Academy convenient because there are many classes under one roof and saves me time from…read moredriving around. My child also went for the summer camp and had a great time. The instructors were super friendly. They give her great tips with her artwork and allowed her to add her own personality to her art work. My friend's kid did the children's theater and we loved going to watch their production of Wizard of Oz. My kid and I took Bollywood dance exercise classes which was fun. This is hands down one of the best places around! Plenty of parking and very convenient location.