Berkeley, California, 94702
(718) 440-5674
Berkeley Painting Club is an art studio founded by René Smith, offering thoughtfully designed art classes and workshops for teens and adults. Our programs combine strong technical instruction with creative exploration, encouraging students to develop their skills, confidence, and individual artistic voice in a welcoming, supportive studio environment. Please visit our instagram for more images of the space and student work.
The studio is located in Strawberry Creek Park, in the same building as Hidden Cafe, providing access to both indoor and outdoor spaces for making art. Youth programs take advantage of the park setting, with time built into each full-day camp for outdoor exploration, observation, and play.
René Smith received an M.F.A. in Painting from Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia and a B.A. in Painting from Bennington College in Vermont. She has taught painting and drawing at every level, from beginning undergraduate courses to MFA programs, at institutions including Tyler School of Art, Moore College of Art & Design, St. Thomas Aquinas College, Temple University Rome, and Chiang Mai University in Thailand. Her teaching emphasizes close observation, material exploration, and the development of each student's unique artistic perspective.
In addition to teaching, René maintains an active studio practice. She recently presented a solo exhibition of pastel drawings at Et Al Gallery in San Francisco, and her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally.
Location
Our gate is just south of the main 2121 Bonar St entrance - please see photo.
Contact: rene@renesmith.net
Future Class Interest Form