website: http://www.brushstrokestudio.com

I went to Brushstrokes to make a fathers' day gift with my 14 year old and once again found it to be a place of endless inspiration. Jessie,the owner has positive energy for everyone and her staff are always gracious, thoughtful and seem happy to be there. They also always have great advice on where to take a design if you are stuck, or how to cover a mistake. The camps are well thought out and the groups for adults are a great way to catch up with friends while tapping into once's creativity. I can't recommend it enough. Daniella

Re: Looking for art class for 8 & 10 yo
There's a great drawing class for kids ages 8-12 at Brushstrokes Studio. A new session starts in January. It's called The Art Loft: A Classical Drawing Program for Kids. We've had great experiences at Brushstrokes with many camps and classes. My 8yo daughter will be in this class, too. (She's been very anxious to turn 8 because of it!) Maybe we'll see you there. brushstrokestudio.com Megan

Re: Dancing Paintbrush Studio vs. Brushstrokes Studio
No knowledge of Dancing Paintbrush, but my shy, clingy 9-year-old just did an all-day Veteran's Day art camp at Brushstrokes and LOVED it. Alex, the teacher, is very good with the kids, patient, calm, and doesn't talk down to them. The kids were 7-9, and she was able to address them all intelligently so no one felt lost and no one felt the class was too babyish. A close friend, age 9, just finished an 8-week (I think) 2-D art course there and is hooked too. A very mellow, calm, mature atmosphere reigns at Brushstrokes. Even toddlers step up to the plate (excuse the pun), and are quiet and engaged while working on artwork or pottery. Brushstrokes is a gem in Berkeley. heidi

Does anyone have any recent feedback about Brushstrokes Summer Camp? We have 2 girls that are currently in 3rd and 4th grade that are considering it. JJ's Mom

Re: Full day art camp for elementary aged child
Brushstrokes Studio (http://www.brushstrokestudio.com/) in Berkeley has a great art program for summer camp. The owner Jessica is truly gifted. Brushstrokes is a pottery painting studio, but the camps are varied and include things like mosaics (which I believe Jessica has won an award for a public mosaic work.) The space is amazing and they just expanded to the second floor. The upstairs can be rented out for parties. The staff is amazing for parties and camps. I brought my three- year-old there for a private party. I thought she might be a bit young. Anyone who has painted with a three-year-old knows the challenge and potential mess. The staff kept our area so clean that she was able to move from project to project without feeling overwhelmed. She painted three peices and was captivated for over an hour straight. They really do take care of all age groups. There is even a changing table and comfortable nursing chairs for mom's groups. tracy