Sandra LawsPersonally, one of the fondest bonding moments with friends or coworkers is an experience. From pottery classes to full-on art classes, there’s something endearing about releasing your inner creativity on a canvas.
These art classes are safe spaces where everyone can simply create beloved art pieces to cherish for themselves or to gift to loved ones.
I’ve personally gone to quite a few and have my choices for some great art classes in San Diego. They’ll teach you the basics and can make anyone fall in love with the arts.
How much does it cost to enroll in an art class in San Diego?
Enrolling in an art class in San Diego typically costs around $70 to $100 per class. Other factors that may influence the price include the type of medium used and the artist leading the class.
1. Art Wheel Studio
Address: 133 Elder Ave, Imperial Beach, CA 91932
Contact Details: +1 619-920-6864
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Art Wheel Studio, led by Jeff, a skilled artisan, uses tea and ceramics to create memorable experiences.
They have three services here: the Clay and Tea Experience, the Pottery Wheel Journey, and the Tea and Wellness Retreat. These are available daily and can be availed through fixed or mobile experiences.
Classes here are mobile and can be done at any location. I’ve met clients who’ve used their services for parties at home or for team-building activities. Some have even used them for date nights, which are intimate and fun.
Students need a delicate touch when using the pottery wheel, or they can test their sculpting skills. Either way, students will experience loads of fun.
And because the studio comes to you, experiences here can be personalized to serve your specific tastes.
Still, while sessions here are $85, there are enough inclusions, such as gift sets, that make the price worthwhile.
It was a really nice experience to bond over
“Jeff was great! He came and gave a hand build pottery class to me and my family for mothers day. After you’re done, he takes what you make and glazes and fires it. It was a really nice experience to bond over and we each got to make a cup/mug that we will get to keep and use. Such a cool experience! Thanks Jeff!”
– Cali S, Google Review
Highly recommend this outdoor activity
“My husband and I decided to take a two hour pottery class as an activity for our anniversary. The class was made up of five other individuals, and the time flew by. We were given an introduction to pottery; taught basics; provided with several demonstrations; and then were able to get our hands dirty practicing, failing, and eventually creating a couple items. Bonus: if we were not happy with any of our own creations, we were able to take home a creation made by a pro.
Highly recommend this outdoor activity! It was relaxing, interesting, and fun.”
– Stephanie Davidson, Google Review
2. Studio ArtHaus
Address: 12265 World Trade Dr # I, CA 92128
Contact Details: +1 858-333-5172
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Studio ArtHaus focuses on teens and kids (yes, as young as 5). They’re also a low-stakes school, offering a free initial class to those who want to try them out. However, they don’t offer any adult classes yet.
Nonetheless, it’s nice that their main offer here is weekly art lessons. The most notable of these is the Creative Art Jr and the two Studio Art classes.
Creative Art Jr is for kids and teaches the basics of shapes and colors. Advanced classes introduce them to different media, like watercolor and acrylics.
Meanwhile, the Studio Art 1 and 2 are for teens, helping them hone their artistic skills. Many students adore these because they receive constructive criticism for improvement.
Studio ArtHaus also dabbles in different media, from traditional watercolors and acrylics to digital art, using applications such as Procreate.
They even offer top-notch sessions here. These include pottery and sculpting classes, best suited to those who want a more practical art form.
The teachers are very professional and know how to work with children
“My kid really enjoyed this place, he was here for about two years. The teachers are very professional and know how to work with children.
The staffs are very friendly, helpful and responsive. Kids enjoyed very much. They have art show usually in summer which is fun and some activities for kids too. Very good environmenta for kids to grow, highly recommended!”
– Son Doan, Google Review
So supportive in developing our daughter’s continued love of art
“Our daughter has been going to the Studio for over a year and the teaching staff and extended team have been so supportive in developing our daughter’s continued love of art. They are very responsive with all of our questions The studio constantly assesses our daughter’s skills and makes recommendations to advance. They are even helping her build her portfolio for future art school applications. I cannot say enough wonderful things about the Studio. We are so lucky to have found them!”
– Tina Liu, Google Review
3. Leo Angelo Art
Company logo here
Address: 8575 New Salem St, CA 92126
Contact Details: +1 858-243-5461
Operating Hours:
- Open 24 hours
Leo Angelo Art offers classes for all ages, teaching the basics of drawing, painting, and illustration. Leo is a beloved artist in San Diego and has taught dozens of classes since 2014.
These classes can be done anywhere, which students enjoy since they’re given the freedom to choose.
Children’s and adult art classes are priced at $55 to $75 for private classes, while public ones are priced at $20 per student. Both teach students the foundations, helping them blossom into artists on their own.
These have a limit of 12 students and require registration, which I’ve heard was fairly easy. However, please book on the website, as bookings on other sites have resulted in the revocation of their class tickets.
Leo also offers great one-on-one classes to intermediate and advanced artists. Students rave about his great teaching skills and knowledge of most media, like acrylic and oil paint.
Leo was incredibly accommodating, friendly, and welcoming
“I recently celebrated my birthday at Leo Angelo’s Paint & Sip event, and it was such a memorable experience! 🎉
From start to finish, Leo was incredibly accommodating, friendly, and welcoming. He made sure my friends and I felt comfortable and taken care of, and he guided us through the painting with such patience and knowledge. His passion for art and teaching really came through, and he made the whole evening both fun and relaxing.
We laughed, painted, and created special memories together—it was the perfect mix of creativity and celebration. My closest friends and I are still talking about how much fun we had!
Highly recommend Leo Angelo’s Paint & Sip for anyone looking for a unique, fun, and well-hosted event. Perfect for birthdays, girls’ nights, or just a chance to do something different. 🎨🥂”
– Joyce Antonette, Google Review
Leo was patient and knew how to make directions simple for the kids
“We just had Leo host my daughter’s 9th birthday at his studio in Mira Mesa this weekend. It was a relaxed and wonderful experience for all. We had kids ages 3-9. I was initially worried about the kids losing focus for a 2 hr session, but most followed along the majority of the time. My daughter was able to pick a painting for the class to follow along with and she was even able to request a few alterations like adding other colors. Leo was patient and knew how to make directions simple for the kids to follow. My daughter is a previous student of his at her school, so I knew she would be comfortable and that he had experience with children. I loved how he taught and explained specific techniques as if we were in an art class. I would recommend him 10x to anyone and any age interested in doing a paint party or lesson.”
– Dianne Reuben, Google Review
4. The Artist Outpost
Address: 4934 Voltaire St, Suite A, CA 92107
Contact Details: +1 619-228-9653
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 3:30 PM to 9:00 PM
- Thursday: 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM
- Friday: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM | 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
The Artist Outpost offers experiences for kids and adults, allowing them to shine in whatever medium they’re comfortable in.
Experiences here are split between adult and kids’ classes.
Adult classes are scheduled, and students can learn art through different media, such as watercolor or pastel. Additionally, these workshops are one-time, perfect for those unable to commit to a weekly class.
Kids’ classes, on the other hand, are weekly experiences that help them hone their craft. Classes are split between ages 4 to 12, assigning them to the art level they’re currently at.
Students can even hire their teachers for private parties for a fee of $400. I’ve seen them hired for baby showers and even corporate events. The best part is that they provide all the materials needed, so students can just draw to their hearts’ content.
Even though their private classes are great, I found them a bit overpriced.
The atmosphere is welcoming and inspiring
“The Artist Outpost is an absolute treasure in Ocean Beach! Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just looking to tap into your creative side, this place has something for everyone. The atmosphere is welcoming and inspiring, with a laid-back OB vibe that makes you feel right at home.”
– Bill DeWitt, Google Review
Can’t go wrong in taking any type of class here
“Would add additional stars if Google let you. Artist Outpost and its fantastic owners are incredible. Can’t go wrong taking any type of class here – adult, children, one-session or multi-session drawing, painting, pottery et al! – because they’re all great and they have such a great array of classes/topics/times to dive into. Incredible owners, space, community and teachers. I had never taken a excellent, fun art class before and thanks to the amazing team at Artist Outpost my skills and creativity have never been higher. Cannot recommend enough!! So glad to have this space/community in OB.”
– Rebecca Jaffe, Google Review
5. Art on 30th
Address: 4434 30th St, CA 92116
Contact Details: +1 619-894-9009
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM | 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Art on 30th is for those who want to take art seriously. Led by Kate Ashton, each instructor is a local master of their craft, and I’ve learned much from the classes.
The Getting Started with Art is for those who want to dip their toes into the craft. Taught by Maureen Kerr, one of the instructors, this fun and informative one-day workshop introduces students to the basics of acrylics.
Classes here are limited to 5-week courses and cover different media, such as watercolor and acrylics. They also teach different art styles, like realism and abstraction, which I found unique compared to other classes.
I like that they also host exhibits here for local artists, providing a safe space to share art.
Still, I wish they offered classes to teens and children, since their basic classes are quite comprehensive.
Really made me feel great, and I was able to explore my creativity freely
“If I could give this place 10 stars I would. I took a workshop over the weekend and was so surprised at the attention that I received. My teacher Jen was so supportive and insightful. Really made me feel great and I was able to explore my creativity freely. Will be taking more classes here!”
– Rebecca Acuna, Google Review
Instructors are so passionate about what they do
“I can not say enough nice things about this place! I recieved a gift certificate to Art on 30th for Christmas which lead me to take my first class in April, Abstract Art with Ann. Tons to learn & so much fun along the journey!! I left with a renewed passion for art, new skills & lifelong friends.
What Kate has created here is nothing short of amazing! Her and her entire team of staff and instructors are so passionate about what they do it shows and they willingly share their techniques with the students & their love of art with the San Diego community; its enriching for the community. Such a wonderful supportive envirnoment for everyone from the seasoned artist to the absolute novice. Its much more than a class room or studio space, it is a community. When you take a class there you feel the sense of community & love of art. I highly recommend taking a class or at the very least come to one of the Art openings and see for yourself!”
– Michael Woodward, Google Review
