south bay art department
adult classes
kids classes
reminder of our attendance policy:
no same day cancellations
If you don’t show up and we haven’t heard from you 24hrs in advance, you’ll lose that class credit.
Here’s what people had to say about us!
“If you’re looking for art classes that can have a big impact on your work, this may be your best little discovery. I came to this local studio 5 years ago. I was not a painter and couldn’t mix the same colors with any real confidence. Now, I can’t imagine life without painting. Terri is a fantastic teacher - in unassuming ways, she gently pushes the paint to bring out the best in you. I’ve seen her in action with students of every ability and inclination. Steadily, through astute observation and personal guidance, she works to nurture each individual’s creative practice. There’s no overt class structure or rules to follow. The more you put in, the more you get out. Some might find that confronting and prefer quick YouTube hits. Discovering your own unique style of individual expression is not a paint-by-numbers exercise, or something easily downloaded. It’s an exploration into a part of you you’re always getting to know, through each painting you do. Honestly, I’ve come to appreciate that painting might be one of the hardest things in the world to teach - to help people see the potential in their work, learn to push themselves and find the painter within. That been my experience of South Bay Art Department. I’m truly grateful for the huge impact Terri has had on my journey. Sure, I still have a long way to go, but I now understand that is the best bit. It’s the process of painting that’s the real joy. Terri and the South Bay Art Department can help you discover that too.”
— Paul B.
— Paul B.
The SBAD has exceeded our family expectations! A year ago we were just looking for an art studio to take our 6yr old girl to art classes. We picked this studio simply because it was close to our house. However, we have been pleasantly surprised on how professional, loving and talented they are! Our daughter loves the classes and looks forward to them every week. This place has definitely inspire her art in so many ways! I would also highlight how respectful and sensitive they have been during these pas difficult months. My girl has not stopped creating art for one day despite the situation we are living thanks to the Studio and Sarah, her amazing teacher that inspires her everyday.
-Maria M.
-Maria M.
“When I decided to allow our 7 year-old daughter to take art classes, I had her take trial classes at four studios in the South Bay. I started her at a place that focuses on drawing skills. She did indeed produce some impressive art, but she complained about being bored and soon became critical of her own work.
It was clear that she needed an approach that was more child-led and focused on process, not product. I switched her to SBAD. She began to have fun, her creativity was nurtured, she regained her confidence as an artist, and, more importantly, her natural passion for drawing and creating returned.
Three years later she is still taking classes and is just as passionate about art as ever. SBAD grows artists — not technicians. (Although students do gain technical skills as well.) It’s about creativity, expression, perseverance, dedication, love — not about sending home a piece to show off to your friends at dinner parties. I’m am grateful to SBAD for taking my daughter’s innate desire to create and helping it to blossom and grow.”
-Jessie K.
-Jessie K.