For an art-filled day, Créatif Art Studio in Pleasanton offers families an inviting space to make, learn and create. Créatif combines tech and art, a feature that sets it apart from other paint-your-own art studios and makes it worth a visit. The studio offers drop-in options for painting and decorating a variety of surfaces, plus instructional videos or inspirational photos via its ArtPad app to help you create a masterpiece.
Our Experience
Upon entering the modern studio, you’ll be greeted by Créatif’s helpful staff. There’s a variety of painting surfaces to choose, including canvas, pottery, ceramic, unfinished wood and stone. There are two walls of choices and lots of completed artwork on display to stimulate ideas. Making a decision on what to paint may be the most challenging part of a visit—it was for my kids!
We landed on painting canvases because the experience included a video tutorial. The intersection of technology and art is a fantastic offering at Créatif. Painters receive tablets with step-by-step directions on how to complete a design of their choice on a canvas. It’s like a modern, personalized take on The Joy of Painting. Each artist can move through the tutorials at their own pace, learning new techniques as they go. If you’re not working on a canvas, the app also provides images of finished pieces to spur ideas or introduce new approaches to art.
Créatif’s team got us all set up at one of the tables in the colorful painting room. We each received a smock, canvas, set of brushes, pencils to sketch before painting, and paints based on our design. One of my kids also received a handy stencil. The staff walked us through the basics of the tutorial and provided some tips. I appreciated their patience, support, and encouragement when dealing with my kids. They seemed very knowledgeable and available if we needed assistance.
My kids (6 and 3 years old) really enjoyed their painting experience. One used the tutorial more than another, but each child was treated with respect and given a chance to create in their own way. I appreciated that the staff didn’t limit my preschooler in paint choices or tools because of her age or skill level. The painting took about 20-30 minutes. There are no studio fees or time limits, so my kids didn’t need to feel rushed. After saying “I’m done”, we went to the drying station to dry our works of art enough to make them less messy for our travel home.
My kids didn’t want to stop so we decided to paint some unfinished wood pieces. Both experiences were really relaxing and it made my art-loving heart so happy to see my kids create in a fun, clean, and inspirational studio. My kids had the best time and have been asking to return!
Getting to Créatif
Créatif is a drop-in studio, meaning families can visit any time to participate. Larger groups of 6 or more can also call ahead to reserve a space. My family visited on a weekday afternoon. It took us about 40 minutes to travel from Berkeley. The studio just down the road from downtown Pleasanton, which is very charming. It’s easy to make a whole afternoon out of your trip by adding on a visit to a playground, BMX park, ice cream shop, or restaurant. It’s also not far from some spectacular holiday lights.
Find more Drop-in Art Studios for Families >>
Créatif a good place to consider if you’re searching for a fun activity on a day off of school, on rainy day, or even a hot day because the studio has air conditioning. If you’re seeking a more structured outing, consider the studio’s workshops, camps or classes. It’s also available for birthday parties and has a beautiful party room.
Plan your visit to Créatif Art Studio
Drop in to paint canvas, ceramic, rock, unfinished wood, and pottery items for a creative family outing. Use the tablets for step-by-step art lessons and images of painted samples for inspiration. Créatif staff is helpful and welcoming to a variety of ages (2+) and skill levels. Pricing starts at $15, including materials. There’s no studio fee.
Location: 5480 Sunol Blvd Suite 2, Pleasanton
Hours: Tue-Thu: 12 pm – 6 pm; Fri: 12 pm – 7 pm; Sat-Sun: 10 am – 7 pm; Closed Mondays
Phone: 925-500-8315
