best art-crafts programs in Alameda, CA

What began in a humble New York City apartment with just a single student, Spark, has since blossomed into an enriching program impacting thousands of children. Our unique educational approach combines the elements of art, yoga, meditation, and nature to create a holistic learning environment. This distinctive blend is what sets Spark apart, allowing us to reach and inspire a multitude of children in truly meaningful ways. With an array of offerings to accommodate various schedules and needs, Spark has something for everyone. Our services extend beyond the standard after school and weekend classes to include holiday and summer camps, birthday parties, portfolio preparation, private classes, and custom pods. We also welcome homeschool groups and are thrilled to announce the recent addition of a forest school program to our repertoire. You can find Spark on-site in various schools and at our main studio located in the Upper West Side. But we're not stopping there - we're also planning to expand to the Upper East Side and Brooklyn. For our families in Pennsylvania, we run the program from our family studio there. And if you're not in close proximity to any of our locations, don't worry. We offer in-home instruction and virtual options to ensure that Spark can reach you, no matter where you are. We invite you to explore all the ways you can experience Spark and look forward to helping bring our program to you.

At Twirl, we believe in nurturing the creative minds of all ages. Our mission is to bring out the inquisitive inventor in all of us through the joys of making and play. Drop in for open studio, where you can explore our space and tools at your own pace, or sign up for one of our classes or art camps. If it's a Friday night, let us handle the babysitting! Parents can sign the kids up for Kids Night Out, and take a well-deserved break. Twirl isn't just a place, we also bring the party to you! Reserve our "Twirl Art Cart" and we'll bring all the supplies and creativity to you. Host a party in our space and we'll do the planning, guided making, and even the cleaning up. All you have to do is bring the guests and enjoy! So come Twirl with us and let your creativity take flight.

Welcome to Alameda StudioTime! Our home studio provides ambitious fine art classes for young artists ages 5 and up. We understand the importance of creating a relaxed, non-competitive environment for our students to nurture and inspire their creativity. Our artist-teachers work hard to create exciting projects for our students to engage in. In order to protect our families, StudioTime follows the strictest CDC and City of Alameda health and safety guidelines. This includes daily temperature testing, masks, social distancing, sanitizing, and hand washing for all staff and participants. We appreciate every family’s commitment to their personal safety. StudioTime offers a variety of programs for our students, including an After-School program, a Homeschool program, and a summer workshop series. We invite you to come take part in our creative and inspiring classes!

At Studio 1.6*, we believe in the power of art to enhance learning and personal growth. Our classes, private lessons, and special programs are designed to meet the individual needs and interests of each student. With personalized attention from a professional artist, our curriculum is tailored to each student’s interests and goals in order to maximize learning. In a creative environment, our skill-based instruction is rooted in historically-proven training methods. We serve beginners to advanced students of all ages, including homeschooled children. We provide a wide range of classes and special programs that are both fun and educational. Our art classes include drawing, painting, and sculpture, as well as art camps, workshops, life drawing sessions, open studio time, and portfolio preparation. Art history is also an important part of our curriculum. Students have the opportunity to explore their creativity and develop their skills in a safe and supportive environment. At Studio 1.6*, we have a passion for art and the belief that it can be used to promote learning and personal growth. Our classes are held in an active artist’s studio, and our skilled instructors provide personalized attention and guidance. We strive to create an enjoyable and inspiring learning experience for everyone who visits our studio. Our goal is to help students reach their highest potential.

Color Me Mine of Alameda is the perfect spot for a creative date night. Located at Alameda South Shore Center, the paint-your-own-ceramics studio provides a unique and exciting experience for couples looking to express their love in a creative way. Pick out a piece of pottery, grab some paints and brushes, and spend a romantic evening painting a one-of-a-kind gift for each other. Families looking for some quality bonding time will find Color Me Mine of Alameda a great spot to have some fun. Create a lasting memory by picking out a piece of pottery and painting it together. With a wide selection of ceramic pieces to choose from, each member of the family can paint something special that will be a reminder of the joys of family time. Calling all artists! Color Me Mine of Alameda is the place to go to unleash your creative spirit. The inviting atmosphere and helpful staff will have you painting your own pottery in no time. With creative tools and vibrant colors to choose from, you can create a unique masterpiece in a few easy steps. Get your paint on and let your artistic talents shine!

Bay Language Academy is a new and exciting foreign language program for children and adults in Alameda. We offer after-school classes in French, Spanish, Mandarin, and Cantonese, and strive to provide a fun and innovative learning experience. Our center aims to celebrate cultural enrichment in one of the most ethnically diverse regions of the United States. To do this, we host thematic workshops and events to emphasize our rich multicultural community. At Bay Language Academy, we understand the importance of diversity and respect for different spiritual beliefs. Our goal is to promote international awareness and peace through education. We also want to help combat the dwindling foreign language teaching in our area and improve language curriculum by integrating culture into instruction. If your family is looking for a new and exciting way to learn a foreign language, look no further than Bay Language Academy in Alameda. Our staff is dedicated to providing an enriching and enjoyable experience that celebrates diversity and encourages peace. Come join our growing family and embark on a fun and meaningful journey of discovery!

At our sewing and fashion classes, kids and adults alike can join in on the fun. Our instructors are carefully selected for their expertise in the needle arts and their ability to teach. Our classes make sewing an enjoyable and educational experience. We offer a wide variety of sewing classes, workshops, and camps to suit everyone's age and skill level. We’re proud to supply top quality Baby Lock Sewing Machines and PGM Professional Dress forms. We also have a wide selection of fabric, as well as patterns from indie designers like Bonjour Teaspoon, Tilly and the Buttons, Sew Demented, Violette Field Threads, and Alice Frost Designs. Our sewing room is open during classes, camps, and workshops, as well as by appointment. Come join us and start making your own fashion masterpieces!

Yuki-sensei is the founder and owner of this unique space in Alameda. After 16 years in the corporate world as an accountant, Yuki had a dream of creating a nurturing environment for children and families. She followed her passion and earned an AA in Childhood Education from American River College in Sacramento. Yuki has also taught Japanese at Port Sacrament Japanese School and various private schools in the Bay Area. Originally from Japan, Yuki calls Alameda home where she lives with her husband and two children (16 and 12 years old). She opened Blue Moon in November 2013 to bring her vision to life and has been providing a safe and enriching environment for children and families ever since. Blue Moon Learning Center provides a play area and a variety of classes for children ages 2 and up.

At Yu Ying Learning Center, our mission is to provide a safe, supportive and stimulating environment to meet the educational goals of our students. Our after school focuses on structured academics as well as a two-way immersion Mandarin Chinese program that teaches language through educational and interactive methods. To ensure our students excel in math and reading, we use Accelerated Math & Accelerated Reader to give each student personalized learning and differentiated instruction. This allows teachers and parents to monitor and assess academic progress online and make data-driven decisions to guide each student to success. In addition, we offer a variety of elective classes and fun activities such as Ballet, Karate, Jazz, Chess and private one-to-one enrichment classes. At Yu Ying Learning Center, our team of dedicated teachers strive to create an inclusive learning environment that meets the needs of all our students. We offer a safe, supportive and stimulating environment that encourages learning and academic success. Our after school program focuses on structured academics and a two-way immersion Mandarin Chinese program that teaches language through educational and interactive methods. By utilizing Accelerated Math & Accelerated Reader, we can give each student personalized learning and differentiated instruction. This allows teachers and parents to monitor and assess academic progress online and make data-driven decisions to guide each student to success. We also offer a variety of elective classes and fun activities such as Ballet, Karate, Jazz, Chess and private one-to-one enrichment classes. At Yu Ying Learning Center, we are committed to helping our students reach their academic goals. We provide the necessary resources and support to ensure our students succeed. Our after school program focuses on structured academics as well as a two-way immersion Mandarin Chinese program to teach language through educational and interactive methods. To ensure our students excel in math and reading, we use Accelerated Math & Accelerated Reader to give each student personalized learning and differentiated instruction. This allows teachers and parents to monitor and assess academic progress online and make data-driven decisions to guide each student to success. We also offer a range of elective classes and fun activities to keep our students engaged and motivated to learn.

It all began in the late 1930s when this area was part of a booming resort community boasting bathing spas and a fun-filled amusement park. Then, during and just after World War II, the U.S. Maritime Service Officers School, used to train Merchant Marine commanders, was stationed here. The Visitor Center, now standing tall, was the infirmary of the base. Take a stroll down the “Memory Lane” self-guided trail and learn about the history of this place – from the California Indians who lived here first, to the Victorian era and military past. Download the guide to your phone, or pick up a brochure in the Visitor Center itself.