I took the intro to stained glass here. I've been burned by other maker classes where you kind of watch the instructor do everything, but we got to be very hands on. The only shared equipment was the grinders, and there were 6 for our class of 10. There are competitor classes in the area that are cheaper, but I was very happy with my experience here. Parking is easy because there's a dedicated lot. It's a huge makerspace, so there was an open mic night, a photography session, and welding all happening in other places around the warehouse. What a cool environment! Khaled was a very energetic, kind, and supportive instructor. I'm honestly not that pleased with the quality of my work and would love to try again now that I have more experience. I'd come back for an intermediate class, but their website doesn't show any. read more

I took a blacksmithing class on a Saturday morning. The location for the class is in their hot shop in the back. Entrance is off of Julian vs the Alameda for the rest of the studios. Area was clean and spacious and we had 4-5 hrs of safety talk, demos, and making our own knife from a piece of steel. The instructor was great and if we needed help he'll provide it and overall had a good time. They did provide water but if you want to you can bring your own beverages and a snack since it's from 10am to 2pm. Had a great time and hope to come back for more classes! read more

I've been getting VP's newsletter for some time and just haven't had the time to take a class yet so this open house was a perfect opportunity to see the space & meet some of the friendly & fun resident artists. The space is fairly large with common areas and dedicated studios with installations throughout. We spoke with Jamal, Tim, & more in the casual & fun atmosphere with wine, cheese/crackers, & music. This isn't a stuffy nor snobby place... everyone was super friendly & down to earth with no egos or anyone needing to be a center of attention. I'm even more encourage to take a blacksith or stained glass class here now and parking seems to be plentiful on the street or back lot even on a Saturday night. Sign up for the newsletter & they'll send info about upcoming classes of all types and future open houses. It's a fun time if you like creative people & a fun evening. read more

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Love this place for its art, hospitality and ambience for performance artists. I never get tired patronizing this space.

Had a lot of fun at a Blacksmithing team event for my work! After the safety introduction and choosing the project, they were very instructive demonstrating exactly how the project would progress over the course. Wyatt and Marcy were super helpful and attentive to each participant making sure we were moving at a good pace The final result was great and will definitely get used in my day to day read more

Did blacksmithing class for my birthday with friends here and I would highly recommend! Awesome group experience here Wyatt and Charlie went above and beyond my expectations. They really went out of their way to make my birthday event with friends something special. Plus the souvenir we get to take home is an awesome plus read more

Participated in a private beginners blacksmith class. I have new respect for this art. It is a very grueling art and takes a lot of patience. Charlie, our instructor, was very informative and attentive. He made sure that we completed our project even if it meant that he would have to stay longer than expected. I highly recommend anyone interested to take this class. We'll worth it. read more

Visual Philosophy Studio - Our butter knives made from the middle bar. - Art Classes Near Me - San Jose, California

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Wonderful diversity of artists! Ceramics studio is impressive. Rebecca Lyon's artwork is very unique and beautiful!

Yori and Dana have created a community that spans so many medium. Really appreciate the lessons in blacksmithing and seeing others make art read more

Visual Philosophy Studio - Making my own hammer - Art Classes Near Me - San Jose, California

So lucky to get to take a relaxing watercolor class here! What a great space, talented instructor, and it felt so nice to start to build community. I hope to get to take more in-person classes here again soon, so good for my soul! read more

Just finished up a team-building event at this location. We all made our own chalk signs and had a great time with Yori and Manuel teaching the class. Started out as beginners, but they made the class interesting and easy to follow. Thanks to the team for the hospitality! read more

Visual Philosophy Studio - Output from hand lettering class - Art Classes Near Me - San Jose, California

When I stumble upon this place. I love the idea of the classes and workshops they offer. I would enjoy taking all or most of the classes the school offers. I would give them 10 starts if I could Take a class. My disappointment is. I cant talk to any one. I have email, called, stop by to talk to some one about signing up for classes. I was told the main people are not here. Ill take your number and someone will call you back. The first time I inquire about a class was a year ago. Walked in ask to sign up for a welding class. The people where very nice. They ask to leave my info and I would get a call back from the person that run the class. 4 months latter I get a call. That they have room for the class that weekend coming up. That didn't work for me. This time I email, called, and even sign up on line. I have not receive a called or email to inform about the class. This is over a month of waiting. Love the idea of the school. But contacting them has been impossible so far. read more

This place is were dreams come true! You can really see it in the artists that study here. The owners are full of knowledge, so when they are around and not juggling their adorable 7 month old, two dogs, or their second job, you might get lucky and learn something you never heard of. This place has only been open for a year, but the transformation is breath taking! You can really feel the sense of community when you walk in. To me, it feels like it's been open for many years. This place is a perfect spot for artist to create and do what they do best. It's like a second home for an artist. read more

Visual Philosophy Studio - Art Classes Near Me - San Jose, California

I've recently taken a workshop with Dana and it was wonderful. She is such a patient instructor and really knows her stuff. All the people there are helpful and friendly. I will definitely be back and highly recommend this place to anyone who is seeking their creative self. read more

School of Visual Philosophy I finally had time for a weekend class on sand casting. It was very informative. I'm planning to return for the 6 week bronze casting course. The studio is gorgeous. The instructors are wonderful. It's more like spending time with friends than being in a classroom. read more

I attended the Woodworking with Metal: End Table class for 3 nights for $315. Here is the description of the class online: "In this 3 day workshop, students will be introduced to woodworking techniques combined with metal working such as welding and blacksmithing to create a one of a kind end table. Learn to use power tools such as a table saw, miter saw, drill and sander to make the top, then learn welding basics to attach the legs in a variety of ways. You will get all the knowledge and confidence to start creating your own furnishings from scratch!" I just bought a table saw and was hoping to learn how to use it and work with wood to make an end table like the description said. However, we never used a table saw in the class. Nor did I get any knowledge or confidence in starting to create my own furnishings. Instead the instructor took a different course and emphasized metal working, which I will never be able to do without a forge and an anvil at home. It was nice to work with metal, but the main class was supposed to be about woodworking techniques. The kicker is that we didn't even make an end table. We all ended up making a small stool, not what was advertised on the event listing. Although I stuck around to the end, my expectations of the class were not met due to false advertising, even the instructor said the picture of the end table was inaccurate on the website. Someone should have then took it down and uploaded an accurate picture and description prior to 10+ people paying for the class. I had high hopes to learn how to build a side table, but the teacher simply said he wanted the end product to be a surprise. I wished I hadn't paid $315 for a "surprise". read more

Just a fabulous place filled with real artists and holding the right values. Don't expect commercial customer service as they are not in it for the money but rather to promote art and self development. Talent abounds here but you must be serious and patient to get access to it. One of best places for artists in the Bay Area!!!!! read more

This studio is awesome! I was looking for a fully equipped model shop for a long time and I felt very lucky to find this place. People here are very friendly and helpful. Yori the founder here is very knowledgeable, and I took a private model making class with him and it was very solid 2 hours. I highly recommend this place to anyone who wants to make something, anything:) read more

Recently took a screen printing class. The class was in two parts: 1. A Photoshop class to prep the images for the screens 2. a 4-color screen printing lesson It was great class. I learned a great deal from the instructors, and felt like I could create a few more pieces. LOVE the fact that Visual Philosophy is in this area. Always grateful to have art studios close to downtown! read more

I'm so happy to have connected with the School of Visual Philosophy! The owners, Dana and Yori, have built up a great community, workspace, and gallery. I took the screenprinting class today and loved it. I'm excited to go back and print more in their amazing facilities. I highly recommend SVP to both artists looking for a workspace and creative individuals looking to pick up new technical skills. read more

I took a frame-making class last week that was phenomenal. Yori is so kind, patient, and knowledgeable. He is dedicated to unlocking and equipping the creative potential in everyone that enters. I'm glad I know about this place (how did I not??) The School of Visual Philosophy is a San Jose treasure. My only regret was to not invite a bunch of friends to take the class with me! read more

Full disclosure: I teach stone carving here. I love this place. Yori and Dana - the owners - are great, as are the interns working for them. There is a lot of space and a good vibe among the renters and artists that I know. Our stone carving class needed a new home, and we found SVP. It's got space to work in and they like us doing it. They've been open and responsive to everything, and worked with us to make it all happen. I am very happy to be a part of this space and working with these people. I have every reason to believe that will continue for a long time to come! read more

This art place is wonderful! I started with a beginning casting class with Yori. It's a year later and I'm making, molding, and casting in cement, plaster, and bronze. Plus, I just rented a personal studio space and plan to do a lot more art in a creative, educational, supportive, and fun environment! read more