Best Art Classes for Kids in the East Bay

I’m excited to share these resources for getting your child started in art classes in the East Bay. From drawing to cartooning, animation, sculpture, and collage, there are so many wonderful studios hosting classes for budding artists. In addition to session-based classes, after-school programs, and seasonal camps, many studios host drop-in classes as well.

Thank you to our sponsor for underwriting this guide to art classes for kids in the East Bay.

Pro tip: I keep sharpened colored pencils and a small notebook in my child’s backpack so he can draw when the mood strikes him.

See our round-up of drop-in art studios for great places to make art together!

Art Studios with Classes for Children Under Age Five

Messy Makers (Alameda)

Classes start at 9 months old for “Baby Messy Makers” and continue through age 5.
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Corner House Studio (Oakland)

A newer art studio that offers classes for Little Makers, ages 4-7, and older kids, ages 8-11. Hands-on and high-end materials, as well as camps and party options, make this a great option for your little Picasso. Website>

Junior Center of Arts and Science (Oakland)

Interactive, hands-on workshops for all ages (including little kids) are offered by this local favorite non-profit in Oakland by Lake Merritt. All of the workshops support CA Common Core and CA Visual and Performing Arts Standards and encourage creative exploration and artistic thinking.  Website>

Kids ‘N’ Clay (Berkeley)

After school, home school, and Saturday wet clay programs (wheel throwing and hand-building) for kids 4 through 18.
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MOCHA, Museum of Children’s Art (Oakland)

Offering Friday open studio hours and frequent library drop-in classes at libraries in Oakland and Berkeley, MOCHA is a favorite of the 18-month to age 9 set. Birthday parties and camps are also available. Website >

Piedmont Recreation Department (Piedmont)

Sign up for weekly creative art classes for ages 4+.
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Art Classes for Elementary-Age Kids (K through 5)

Albany Recreation Department (Albany)

Sign up for weekly creative art classes for ages 6+ with sewing, painting, and filmmaking on the menu.
Website then click over to catalog>

Brushstrokes Berkeley

Brushstrokes Studio offers camps and after-school classes in pottery, clay, glass, mosaics, and ceramic painting beginning at age 6.
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Ceramics After School

Kids in grades 2 through 8 build with wet clay and explore glazing techniques. Check website for updates on upcoming classes.
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The Crucible (Oakland)

The Crucible offers hands-on education in the industrial arts via workshops, classes, and camps starting at age 8. Ceramics, electronics, print-making, and woodworking begin at ages 8 to 11.
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The Dancing Paintbrush Studio (Berkeley)

A great option for art camp during spring and summer breaks. Located on Solono Ave in Berkeley.
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The Junior Center of Art and Science (Oakland)

Create and explore with the Junior Center after school. Classes are engaging hands-on fun for young artists, makers, and inventors aged 6-15. Classes are small, student-centered experiences where youth can build skills, experiment, and connect with their creative selves.
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Kala Art Institute (Berkeley)

Kala Art Institute offers summer camps and after-school art programs for grades 1 to 5 with a teen studio for middle and high school.
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Kids ‘N’ Clay (Berkeley)

After school, home school, and Saturday wet clay programs (wheel throwing and hand-building) for kids 4 through 18.
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LIV & CHIU art studio (El Cerrito)

LIV & CHIU art studio offers art classes and camps for children and adults. Current youth classes begin at age 7 for animal drawing and painting.
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Mannequin Madness (Oakland)

Mannequin Madness offers weekly wearable art workshops on Sunday afternoons for children 8+. Website to register >

Piedmont Recreation Department (Piedmont)

Sign up for weekly creative art classes for 4-18+, including clay, crafts, drawing, sewing, knitting, and carpentry.
Website then click over to catalog >

Richmond Art Center (Richmond)

Register for weekly classes. Sculpture, stop-motion animation, and drawing classes are offered to children ages 5 to 18+.
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Studio One Art Center (Oakland)

Studio One offers after-school artistic enrichment (K through 5).
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Sticky Art Lab (Berkeley)

Traditional after-school hours with group activities, homework supervision, and lots of time for art exploration with upcycled materials (age 6 through high school).
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Twirl (Alameda)

Twirl offers artistic kids’ night out for ages 4 to 9.
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Art Studio Classes for Tweens and Teens

See the elementary-age section above for the many places that offer classes for youth up to age 18 and beyond. The Crucible is noteworthy for adding legitimate firepower to classes for older teens.

The Crucible (Oakland)

The Crucible offers exciting industrial art programs for older kids and teens. 12 to 18-year-olds can begin glass flameworking, metal jewelry, welding, and gigantic kinetic sculptures. Once youth turn 14, they can begin blowing glass, welding, and using power tools.
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Perspectives Photo School (Emeryville)

Tara Layman offers photography classes for teens and adults.
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Art studios and the artists who run them frequently change their offerings. Though this post is constantly fact-checked, please reach out directly to the class directors to find out current details. Drop a comment here so we can all learn from your efforts.

Thank you to our sponsor for underwriting this guide to art classes for East Bay kids. Please support them by checking out their youth art classes!