The Realm Creative Academy provides arts and crafts, music and cooking lessons to pre-school, elementary and middle-school-aged kids. In addition, it offers homework help sessions and enrichment programs in a variety of subjects including science, social studies, reading and writing. The classes are designed to spark kids' natural curiousity and introduce them to new things, all in a safe and nurturing environment. Kids are guided through hands-on, multimedia lessons, but left with enough room to be creative and interpretive and to learn about their own unique abilities.
Jennifer Joyce Pottery Studio & Gallery is located on the corner of Pico Boulevd and 30th Street. A wonderful place to take ceramics classes. Great for beginners, or experienced potters who need a place to work. A cozy studio and classes usually have just a handful of students. Jennifer offers specific projects or helps students work on their own ideas. Fees include firing and glazes. Jennifer has a lot of tools and equipment.
Precious Metal Arts, located in the heart of Santa Monica's Main Street, is a specialty school devoted to jewelry-making classes in a unique, small group setting. It offers both introductory classes for the novice or hobby enthusiast, as well as customized continuing education for the more advanced student. Workshops are taught by master jeweler Peter Solomon, who is also the owner. All classes are limited to nine students and semi-private and private training is also offered. Studio time is available for just $15 an hour for students who want to use equipment on-hand and further practice and develop their skills. The school is also a fine jewelry gallery and offers custom-design packages, as well as repairs.
This small, charming shop features a variety of carefully chosen and displayed handicrafts. It represents many artisans and offers unique handmade jewelry, gifts and home decor.
Santa Monica Music Center, located at 19th Street, is one of the oldest surviving family-owned music businesses in the area. Offering a wide choice of music classes, it's a musical haven for kids with the performing bug. Private instrumental instruction, singing lessons and performing workshops are offered to young adults. All of the classes are taught in the studio by professional musicians. The store carries a large selection of sheet music, books, DVDs, instruments, keyboards, strings, amplifiers and accessories. There's a Rent-To-Own program allowing virtually all of the payments to go toward the purchase of the instrument. A reason for its long-term success is the warm, friendly atmosphere, combined with quality customer service and music teachers.
Aristeia Needlepoint sells everything you need for needlepoint. It has the needles, threads, and canvases for a variety of projects . The canvases are hand painted and many of them are one-of-a-kind. Aristeia Needlepoint is a big store with a large selection of colorful threads as well as how-to books. You could spend a couple of hours here picking out your canvas and threads. Classes and workshops are held for those who wish to learn this interesting craft. Keep an eye out for special discounts and sales.