Junior Center of Art and Science

Archived Q&A and Reviews

May 2008

Re: Art instruction for kids
Run, do not walk, to the Junior Center of Art and Science in Oakland on Lake Merritt. They have great classes for kids of all ages and they really teach technique. The best art my children have ever produced is what they have done in classes there. Google them to find their website. Artsy mom

June 2006

We have had a change in our summer plans and want to sell our summer camp spot for the Junior Center of Art and Science. For those of you not familiar with the Junior Center, they are a fabulous organization on Lake Merritt in Oakland. They have taught several courses in my daughter's Joaquin Miller kindergarten class. They have been wonderful. It is too late for us to cancel without losing our entire payment for the course, however, I have contacted the Center and they have given me instructions on how to enroll another child in our place should one wish to buy the spot from us. Listed below are the details:

  Session 2 Age Group: 5-8 years Course Title: Drawing, Painting & Clay Time: 1-4PM Day/Dates: Monday 6/26 Tuesday 6/27 Wednesday 6/28 Thursday 6/29 Monday 7/3 Wednesday 7/5 Thursday 7/6 Friday 7/7 Cost:$234 (includes all materials and a JCAS t-shirt) 

Tiffany

April 2006

Has anyone sent their child/kids to the Junior Center of Art and Science summer camps (located in Oakland)? They brought a GREAT class to my daughter's kindergarten (Madera, El Cerrito) where the kids learned about Monet and then painted their own ''Water Lily'' paintings in his style. I found out that they have summer camps and that the organization has been around for over 50 years, but there's nothing posted on the Berkeley Parents site! (Check them out at: http://www.juniorcenter.org) I'm looking for art programs, and I like that there's a science component to this program as well. Art crazy mom

Our son took classes there last summer and they were wonderful. He was 5 and entering K at the time. The classes had mixed ages and being on the younger end, he did just fine. The instruction was great, and he wants to go back. They teach about the habitat around the lake, and how it relates to wildlife in an urban settting. He took Animals, Art and Science, and Amazing Animals. I'd recommend it highly. lake merritt fan

I sent my son to this camp last summer. He was 9 years old and did carpentry one half of the day and cartooning the other half. He learned an incredible amount, the instructors were excellent. Some of these camps are in very high demand and it can be difficult to get your first choice if you don't sign up early. My son's only complaint is that the camp was not active enough for him. During the noon hour break, they would go out to a grassy area where he could run a bit, but this was not enough for him, for who he is. Otherwise I think this was a very good experience for him. jc

Re: New ideas for daughter's 5th birthday (Dec 2003)
I highly recommend the Junior Center of Art and Science, in Oakland next to Lake Merritt for birthday parties. Check out: http://www.juniorcenter.org - Sharon