Art Classes for Kids
Parent Q&A
Archived Q&A and Reviews
2013 - 2014 Recommendations
After School Art Classes for 9 year old
Feb 2013
Could anyone recommend a good after school art class for my 9 year old in Berkeley? He has art in his school but he shows such an interest that it would be great if he could go further. Thank you!
I cannot recommend 4 Cats Berkeley Hills art studio enough. (Technically, it is located in Kensington, but it is right at the Colusa Circle, so it is very near Berkeley.) These classes expose kids to the great works of established artists, while helping them develop their own styles in different mediums, from painting to clay. The teachers are nurturing, patient and ever supportive. Our 6-year-old daughter is always eager to go to her 4 Cats classes or camps. Katharine
2010 - 2012 Recommendations
After-school Art for 2nd & 4th grader
Nov 2012
I am looking for a once a week after-school art class for my 2nd and 4th grade kids. North Berkeley location preferred. thanks
My Kindergartener takes classes through Young Artists Workspace (YAWS) at Totaland (near North Berkeley Bart). The director, Jen, is great and her assistant who is teaching some classes this fall is also wonderful. There are classes for older kids -- check out their schedule. http://youngartistsworkspace.org/schedule/ Berkeley Mama
My daughter started taking classes at 4 Cats Art Studio on Colusa at the Kensington circle (north Berkeley/Kensington border) when she was a kindergartner and is now in 1st grade. She loved it immediately. She has been taking the ''Artist of the Month'' series where the kids learn how to make art in the style of a certain artist (Klimt, Michelangelo, de Lempicka, Degas), and in the process she is learning a tremendous amount of art history. They also have drawing, painting, sculpture classes, as well as camps. Many choices for ages groups/grade levels. Check it out. http://www.4cats.com/berkeleyhills
You might want to check out the Sticky Art Lab over on University and Sacramento. Not a class per se, but worth looking into because you can do kiddo drop-off and the studio provides everything under the sun to work on any kind of art project. The owner is full of suggestions and provides one-on-one assistance. Even if this isn't the official class you're looking for, you should definitely check it out if you haven't yet. You could also look into 4cats in Kensington. love kids art
Art Class for our unique 9 year old?
Oct 2012
Our family is looking for a drawing class for our unique 9 yr old. Our boy is extraordinarily creative and self-motivated, but is easily discouraged by the average teacher and typical classroom. Ideally we want a class in Berkeley that can provide structure (i.e., teach basic skills) while leaving room for creative freedom. We want a teacher who can teach our child the ropes, without tying him down! Our boy is especially motivated when his abilities are channeled into his own personal interests, and/or the needs of society. We are hoping to find a teacher who enjoys working with the interests and concerns of the students. Any suggestions?
Your son might really enjoy taking Doug Minkler's Sunday morning art class for kids/teens in his print studio in Berkeley. It's creative, fun and reasonably priced. Doug is really an extraordinary and unique art teacher. See his yelp reviews at http://www.yelp.com/biz/doug-minkler-berkeley Cleo
I'd recommend Doug Minkler, 510 548-7119, who lives and works in Centralish Berkeley, near MLK and Ward St. He's been working with kids for years, teaching careful drawing through careful observation, as well as the creativity and satisfaction of expressive drawing, unique drawing, and imaginative drawing. I think he also includes other media as well: oil pastel, ink, paint, and printmaking.
I didn't see the original post but my kid does art with Kent Fries at Wildcat Art Studio. Kent and his wife ran the Wildcat Free School, a Summerhill-type school across from Alvarado Park. He teaches classes here and there but we do it at his private studio on McBride, up the street from the park. He's got a potters wheel and a kiln, and stuff to do woodworking, painting, and sculpture. You can arrange private sessions or join up with other kids who come to the studio. A bit cheaper that way. After the class they all have a go on the trampoline in the front yard. Here's his email: wildcatartstudio [at] gmail.com Lisa
Art classes for soon to be 6 year old girl
March 2012
Our daughter has been drawing since she can hold a crayon. Now we see the talent shining through with what and how she is drawing and would love to continue to cultivate this talent with fun classes in art. All the recommendations/reviews are old era 2008. Looking for art class in the East Bay ~ Berkeley, El Cerrito, Hercules, Martinez, Walnut Creek .... Afterschool and a summer program. Thanks for helping our little artist perfect her talent. mommysquared
Please give Lucy Ames, of Imagination Kids, a call. She is a credentialed art teacher in the Berkeley school system and a very creative and compassionate person. Her week-long summer art camps in her beautiful El Cerrito art studio are fantastic! Lucy covers elements and principles of art connected to specific artists and themes. She provides lots of personal attention (only 6 to 8 children in each camp), high quality art materials and encourages children to go in their own direction. My son returns summer after summer! Contact info: 510-233- 2509 www.lucyames.com Go Imagination Kids!
Art or drawing classes for a 5.5 year old boy
Oct 2011
My son is requesting art/drawing classes. I've looked around but not found anything satisfactory. Any recommendations on classes, private instruction, books, etc. to keep his interest going? Thanks! aldrinna
My son went to Studio One summer camp last summer. I was very impressed. Various art classes (with different instructors), mixed in with acting, dance, martial arts so that there was an opportunity to get the energy out. My son's experience fluctuated based on which friends happened to be there for the same sessions, so for us it will be important to sign up with friends. It's a big camp, so kids who aren't intimidated by lots of kids will do well. They also do after school care. I bet there are straight art classes and maybe camps for school breaks during the school year. It's run by Oakland Parks & Rec (props to them!), so it's very reasonably priced and scholarships are available. I definitely plan to continue to use it for my arty boy for years to come. anne
Art classes on the weekend for 8 year old
Oct 2011
Hi - I am looking for art / drawing classes for my 8 yr old. The only classes I can find are on weekday afternoons but we need something on the weekend. Anywhere in the East Bay will work. Any suggestions? Thanks! megan
The Richmond Art Center has Saturday art classes for children. I have friends whose children have taken the preschool art class and loved it. I took some great classes there as a child. Your question reminded me to check out their schedule! They seem to have a nice program of classes for kids and adults. http://www.therac.org/schedule/html/classes.html Art loving mom
The hidden gem in the Bay Area is the Richmond Art Center located at 2540 Barrett Avenue in Richmond near the new city center offices. Check out their website at www.therac.org and their phone number is 510-620-6772. They have a variety of classes available and the teachers are all wonderful, with very good training and experience themselves. I have found the teachers to be very understanding of children's abilities in art and very encouraging of helping them to develop their gifts in art. My child has taken classes at the RAC for four years, since age four, and we couldn't be more pleased. Prices for classes are very reasonable. The RAC is a goldmine with wonderful classes for all ages. Please check them out!! A RAC supporter spreading the word!
Art classes in East Bay for 8 & 10 yos
April 2011
Could anyone recommend a good program for Art Classes in the EAst BAy? I am looking for classes for my 8 and 11 year old children. Ethel
Several months ago we were searching for an affordable art class for my 7 year old daughter who spends a lot of time involved in her art projects and we are very happy to have discovered Monart art classes at Dwight and MLK in Berkeley. This location has just opened and the classes are taught by the woman who founded Monart. The founder has a lot of experience in teaching art, has some lovely philosophical stances about doing it and seems to really know what works well for kids in this kind of setting. My daughter, who often doesn't cotton to structured classes of any kind, really loves these art lessons. Good luck in your search. The website is www.berkeleymonart.com. Phone # 350-7402. Location: 2500 Martin Luther KIng. Elizabeth
Hello Ethel, We just found a new art class for our daughter. It is taught by Mona Brooks, the founder of Monart Drawing school. Mona recently moved to Berkeley area to be close to her family. Every class the students get a handout about the project and a drawing guidance list. On the handout there is scientific information, for example about butterflies and moths, and on the drawing page they practice elements of the design. We love that the program is very well thought through and every lesson builds up the skills. Check out the website www.berkeleymonart.com for the class schedules. Yulia
My son has really enjoyed Monart drawing classes taught by Mona Brookes in Berkeley. Mona believes that drawing is a skill that can be taught and learned, similar to learning to dance or play an instrument. She teaches children (and adults) how to think visually and gives them a vocabulary of elements that are used to create beautiful drawings. It is somewhat structured, but within the basic structure there is a lot of room for freedom of expression. I think it is great to expose children to all sorts of materials, messy art, to focus on process and not so much product, and to allow them to let their creativity soar. At the same time, when my son became very interested in drawing (around age 7 for him) and perspective and how you make things look the way you want them to look, he started the Monart drawing classes to develop some basic drawing skills. Check out her website, and I'm sure your child could do a trial class to see whether it's what you are looking for. http://berkeleymonart.com/
My son has only been taking art classes with Mona Brookes of Monart Berkeley since March but comes home with these beautiful pictures each week, even from the first class. When I pick him up, I can't wait to see what all the kids have drawn. At the end of class, the kids show their pictures to each other and to the parents. He has drawn a bird in a branch, an ocelot, horses, a rabbit, flowers in a pitcher, and a chameleon - which have all come out beautifully. Mona takes suggestions for what to draw. The kids get at least two handouts each class: 1) one about the subject they are drawing (for example, for the animals they learn qualities about the animals such as the chameleon's tongue is 2x longer than it's body size, the area of the world the animal comes from, its habitat, age appropriate books on that animal/subject, etc.) and 2) one breaking down the features of the subject. So for the chameleon, the sheet shows parts of the body, the leg, eye, scales, etc. The kids practice drawing the parts of the chameleon first and then put it all together to draw the entire animal. It's a really cool technique. The drawings come out so beautifully that we've run out to Blick to buy the markers and colored pencils that Mona uses in her classes to finish the drawings at home. Mona also sells some supplies at cost and has published some books that I haven't had the opportunity to read yet. What a Great Find in Berkeley! FIVE STARS for Mona Brookes and Monart!!!!! Julie
we LOVE YAWS ! http://www.youngartistsworkspace.org/ jen also runs a fabulous summer camp: http://westsidestudio.squarespace.com/ we're always blown away by the art that comes home after a yaws class/camp. and our kids (7 and 9) have loved going to her classes for the past 4+ years. emily
Our daughter just started taking classes at Monart a month ago and she loves it, she always waves when we drive by on the weekends and looks forward to going. The classes are focused on learning how to draw through studying shapes, shading, etc., and I wish such a class had been around when I was a kid. Mona takes making art seriously, and the kids really respond to this. Our daughter dreams of being the class clown, and has never liked to sit still, but she focuses for ninety minutes during Mona's class, which is a record. The work that the kids do is amazing, and I think that it has helped her focus in general. Monart fan
I have recently relocated to the Berkeley area and, to my utter delight, I found that we have in our midst one of the most innovative and fantastic art programs in the country, if not the world. Seriously. Mona Brookes, the creator and founder of Monart Drawing Schools , http://monart.com has started a Berkeley school - and SHE is the owner/teacher! Her school is at 2500 Martin Luther King Way, Berkeley, CA 94707 Website is: http://berkeleymonart.com/ My kids will be enrolling here. I am so pleased to have such a fine program in the area. Monart gets the most amazing results. Check the websites, you'll see.
Art/ drawing classes for a 5-yr old
June 2010
My daughter is 5 years old and very interested in art. I would like to find her an art teacher who can teach her how to draw and some basic fundamentals. We live in the Rockridge area so ideally the art teacher or camp would be in the Oakland/Berkeley area. She is also very shy so putting her in a camp with a bunch of older kids isn't really an option. We are willing to do private lessons or group. Thank you! Looking for an art teacher
check out YAWS (Young Artist Workspace) located at Totland (Virginia & McGee) in Berkeley. I hear great things about it. http://www.youngartistsworkspace.org/ Maxine
Oakland Park & Rec has very good classes at the montclair rec center. i don't remember the teachers name but she was wonderful & the classes are very inexpensive! Alex
Drawing Class for 6 year old
May 2010
I'm looking for an afterschool, weekend or summer drawing class for my 6-year old daughter. She does not seem to be particularly interested in other types of art-making, but has developed a passion for drawing. For that reason, I'm trying to find a class that specifically focuses on drawing techniques, rather than a general art class. I saw several recommendations in the archives for Monart in Berkeley, but it appears to have closed. Any other recommendations for classes in the Oakland/Berkeley/Lamorinda area would be appreciated. Thanks! Mom to budding illustrator
I recommend that you look in to the art program YAWS run by Jennifer Burke. http://www.youngartistsworkspace.org/about-us/. Jen has the skills to bring out the most creative work from children. My children have loved working with her. She is a woman with a deep soul and a soaring spirit! richtoad
Looking for art class for 8 & 10 yo
Jan 2010
We love YAWS, but those classes don't fit into my kids' schedule. Any other recommendations for art classes in Berkeley or El Cerrito? I have an 8 year old and a 10 year old, but they don't have to be in the same class. Thanks. anon
There's a great drawing class for kids ages 8-12 at Brushstrokes Studio . A new session starts in January. It's called The Art Loft: A Classical Drawing Program for Kids. We've had great experiences at Brushstrokes with many camps and classes. My 8yo daughter will be in this class, too. (She's been very anxious to turn 8 because of it!) Maybe we'll see you there. brushstrokestudio.com Megan
Drawing painting and clay after school Tues & Weds through the Albany Community center http://www.artsonia.com/schools/school.asp?id=106121 510-524-9283 Sharyl
2007 - 2009 Recommendations
Drawing Class for 7yr Old
Nov 2009
My 7 yr old daughter is very interested in drawing and painting, and shows some great talent. I am struggling, however, to find a drawing/painting class for her age. We do not want to focus on general art exploration or arts and crafts, but rather primarily drawing and painting. I had tried Studio One in Oakland, but classes are frequently cancelled due to lack of enrollment. MOCHA doesn't seem to offer focused classes and Jr. Center for Art and Science doesn't provide classes like this for 7yr olds right now. Any other ideas??? We live on the Oakland/San Leandro border and spend a lot of time in downtown Oakland for school etc. heather
My daughter is 8 and has been taking a really great drawing class with Aliea Wallace, who used to teach at the now closed Oakland/Alameda Monart studio.
The class is focused strictly on drawing, but they use a variety of mediums-pencils, markers, oil/chalk pastels, watercolor paints etc... Each lesson has a theme, for instance last week they drew squirrels, the week before the Titanic, and before that they had a live bird to draw. They are also learning how to see and how to break down their observations into small geometric units which are easier to draw.
We live in North Oakland, but drive out to Alameda for her class, which is 1 1/2 hours once a week. She also does 1 hour classes for younger kids. Aliea has more info available on her website http://www.aliea.com Andrea
Ongoing art class for kindergartener?
Sept 2009
Does anyone know of an ongoing art class for a Kindergartner who wants to explore all kinds of media? I have found one-time classes, but am interested in a class that meets weekly or something. Thanks! Genevieve
My kids are too old for these, so I can't give specific feedback, but I know there are kids' after-school art classes at University Village (Albany/Berkeley border) http://services.housing.berkeley.edu/VillageRecreation/arts.htm and Albany community center http://www.albanyca.org/index.aspx?page=537 (click on youth activities for catalog) I imagine other cities offer similar classes. R.K.
This is on the other side of the tunnel in Lafayette, but well worth the trip if it's possible for you. http://www.famplosion.com/venues/6970-The-Art-Room mch
Art Class for 4.5 year old?
Feb 2009
Can anyone suggest art classes for a preschooler/soon-to-be kindergartner in the Albany/Berkeley/El Cerrito area? I've come across the YAWS classes in Totland but the timing may not work. Are there alternatives? We're looking for something fun that offers a little more coaching than an open studio like Habitot. Thanks for any referrals! eh
Check with the Park & Rec department in the cities you're interested in, for example Berkeley's at http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/DepartmentHome.aspx?id=8506. We've taken a number of fun preschool art (and sports) classes through the Oakland P Dept. They're reasonably priced, offered at locations all over the city, and I think sometimes overlooked with so many other kid-class options in the Bay Area. Your Tax Dollars at Work
Drawing class for budding 8yo artist
Dec 2008
My 8 y/o is a drawing fiend - not painting or other media as much - but cartooning and drawing. Most art classes don't really do intensive training for accomplished drawers. Does anyone know of a teacher or class that maybe meets once or twice a week for drawing and is viewed as continuous training (like piano lessons)? Prefer Lamorinda or WC but will go elsewhere. Anon
The Cartoon Art Museum in SanFrancisco has good classes for kids. It's on Mission Street by the Chronicle Building and it is easy to park in the 12th street garage. Fun!
A few years back, my son took did a week of summer camp at Oakland's Museum of Children's Art (mocha). If I remember correctly, it was on how to put together your own comic book, so they focused not only on the drawing but on the storyboards as well. I would bet they have other courses during the year. I noticed on their web site they have a winter camp, but it isn't solely on drawing or cartooning: http://www.mocha.org
This summer, my son and I visited the Cartoon Museum in San Francisco. That was pretty fun. They also had some summer programs. I just checked their website and it didn't show classes offered currently , so they might only do those during summer. You could get on their mailing list to be alerted to upcoming opportunities. http://www.cartoonart.org/index.html
After-school art class for 5-year-old
Nov 2008
I am looking for recommendations for an after-school art class for my 5-year-old daughter. She loves to draw and paint and sculpt and isn't getting as much of it in public elementary school as she did in preschool! I would love to find an inspirational teacher who she could really connect with. We do a lot of art at home, but I'm envisioning a class where she'd have more materials at hand and/or different influences. We live in central Berkeley, so something in Berkeley, Albany, or North Oakland would be great. More Art Please!
For your 5-year-old, look into the Young Artists Work Space at Totland. The classes are taught by Jennifer in the small, mural-covered building. Another great option, for ages 6-12, is Art for Kids taught by Teresa Holtgraves. She teaches small groups (of 5 kids) in her charming home studio in Albany, near the Solano Safeway. Brenda
My kids have loved Jen Burke's art classes YAWS . They are held at Totland a few afternoons/week. Jen is wonderful with the kids and an amazing teacher. There is a new session beginning soon. You can reach her at jennyaws [at] yahoo.com jessica
I highly recommend the San Francisco Children's Art Center at Fort Mason. I am a practicing artist and educator who taught there for 8 years and know the program quite well. I am still in frequent contact with Gail Tarantino, the main instructor at SFCAC. Gail is the best children's art teacher you will ever find. The program is set up to provide the children with opportunities to try different materials and techniques. The instructors are responsive to the students needs and interests. More info at: http://www.childrensartcenter.org/ Anne
we love YAWS (young artists workshop) run by jennifer burke and held at totland park in the little building there. she also runs fabulous weekly summer camps from her home. her email is: jennyaws [at] yahoo.com
Art instruction for kids
May 2008
My daughter loves drawing and painting. I am trying to get her some classes that teaches basic techniques. We have tried several places, most art classes I would say is exploration, which she has plenty of in after school club. The best classes we had is at the Art Room in Laffayette, but it is pretty hard to get 4 kids at the same level and age together at the same time. A lot of times, the much older kids does not really want to work on the drawing and in the end, they succeeded in getting the teacher to do some other projects. I am looking for semi private/private instruction fit my daughter's needs. I have heard a lot of artists in Berkeley and lamorinda area, does anyone have any recommendations?
My 8 year old daughter LOVES Monart . She attends the half-day camp, but they have drawing lessons as well.
One of the weeks she went was about bridges. They taught her basic engineering (large bases, triangles create strength, etc.) Then taught her to draw covered bridges, suspension bridges, walking bridges. The week ended with the kids drawing the Golden Gate Bridge and a t-shirt being made of the drawing. It was very cool.
MonArt uses very high quality materials and the class sizes are small. My daughter attended the Telegraph Avenue/Oakland camp, but they also have a camp in Alameda. My Kid LOVES MonArt!
Try Monart in Oakland or Alameda. My daughter has been taking weekly drawing classes there since she was 4 and loves it. They have classes for all ages and summer camp. Their site is http://oakland.monart.com. Janice
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
2004 - 2006 Recommendations
Art classes for 9-year-old
Oct 2006
I'm looking for art classes for a 9-year-old who really enjoys art and wants art lessons. The recommendations I find are suited for children of different ages, or concern the Berkeley School of the Arts/Monart program which seems to have closed. If you know of good classes or teachers anywhere in the Bay Area, please update us Artless
Definitely worth checking out the offerings at the Richmond Art Center . http://www.therac.org (then click on education) They offer quarterly classes aimed at different ages . We've loved them and given it is a fine art community-based center with a gallery, it feels very ''alive.'' I think you'll like it Berkeley Mom
Children's Art Center in Fort Mason in SF. This is THE BEST place for art for kids. Really, really gifted teachers who take the time and encourage true creativity Ariele
Art classes for a 3 year old
June 2006
We are looking for more interesting music and art classes for our nearly-3-year-old daughter. We do lots of art at home, but I am not an artist and can only teach a limited amount. It would be nice to start her in ''real'' art classes where she could start playing with paints and clays and working on longer projects. It seems to me that even young kids are naturally drawn to music and art, so there must be teachers out there who allow them to follow that interest!
For art classes, check out Children's Art Studio in Alameda (on High Street at Santa Clara). They have a class for 2-5 year olds that you can just drop into, Tues - Sat mornings. There is an organized project the kids can work on with the instructor, or just explore the various art stations set up in the studio on their own. My daughters love it!
(Editor Note: As of 2011, Children's Art Studio in Alameda has closed)
I would like to highly recommend the classes offered at The Richmond Art Center . My son has been taking the ''I Love Art'' class with Lisa Di Prima, a teacher he adores, since he was three and asks to sign up at every new session. We took a break and tried dance, soccer and t-ball, but it's the art classes he always comes back to. I think it's because of Lisa as much as the activity of making art. She's very engaging for the little ones. And, in fact, offers classes FOR ALL AGES.
It's not a long drive if you live in Oakland, Berkeley, Albany, El Cerrito (or Richmond, of course) and so worth it. http://www.therichmondartcenter.org (Click on education). Classes are quarterly Happy Art Kid's Mama
2003 & Earlier
Drawing class for talented 6-year-old
Nov 2001
I am looking for a good drawing class for my almost 6-year-old son. He has been drawing enthusastically since he was almost four, and he is quite prolific and, I think, talented. I am looking for something that focuses on drawing itself, for that seems to be his primary interest. We live in the Berkeley/Claremont area, and he goes to school in Oakland near Lake Merritt. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Pam Recommendation received:
- Monart School of the Arts Berkeley
Art class(drawing) for 3 years old
Nov 2001I would like to take my son to an art class. I really appreciate if you could give me some information regarding art classes for 3 years old in East Bay besides Habitot (Habitot sounds good but the schedule doesn't work for us). I have checked the UC parent website, Berkeley Child Art Studio sounds really good but I can't find the phone number anywhere. fei lin
A very friendly and approachable art teacher started an art program at Totland, the Berkeley City Park at McGee and Virginia(?). I actually am not sure if it is still happening. It was called YAWS - Youth Arts Work Space. They did have studio time for young kids. If you go there, you will find out if it is still happening and your child can play at the play ground so it wouldn't be a wasted trip. With kids input, the art teacher painted the wonderful mural on the exterior of the building, which make the place so inviting and invigorating.MOCHA has a drop in Little Studio for creative expression and exploration in the arts. It is open during the day Tues - Sun. for drop-in. (check hours at www.mocha.org). Preschool groups can schedule field trip visits. The Little Studio will not teach your child how to draw, but will provide materials to explore and create and support children at their developmental levels. It costs $3 per visit and kids are not turned away for lack of funds. Lissa
Try your local rec center. The Montclair Rec Center in Oakland, for instance, seems to have a lot of art classes on various days for kids this age. Leah
Check out Kala studio in Berkeley, Cass Ceramics in Albany and UC has a summer camp in Media Production for teens
The Junior Center for Art and Science runs these types of classes after school during the school year—they are temporarily off site (summer programs have been in Temescal and DTO) but I believe their main building on the lake reopens for the fall.
Biggest hits for my three building/crafts oriented kids over the years (besides Studio One):
Junior Center for the Arts after school Carpentry - longtime teacher is amazing, last year was at temporary site in downtown Oakland
Kids n Clay - near fourth street Berkeley
Hello Stitch - had good experiences with in person camps
You might check Piedmont Rec department offerings too if you haven’t.
Hope you find the right class for her!
Second Kala in Berkeley!