Berkeley, California, 94702
(718) 440-5674
Berkeley Painting Club is an independent art studio founded by René Smith, offering thoughtfully designed art classes, workshops, and studio programs for teens and adults. The studio is rooted in the belief that meaningful art education should be both technically rigorous and creatively open-ended. Classes combine strong instruction in drawing, painting, mixed media, and other studio practices with opportunities for experimentation, helping students build skills while developing confidence, curiosity, and an individual artistic voice.
Programs are intentionally small and hands-on, creating an environment where students have the time and attention to work through ideas, take creative risks, and develop their practice. Whether learning a new medium or working toward a more sustained personal project, students are encouraged to approach artmaking as an ongoing process of looking, experimenting, and making. The atmosphere is focused and supportive, with an emphasis on thoughtful instruction, genuine engagement, and the pleasure of making things by hand.
The studio is located in Strawberry Creek Park, in the same building as Hidden Cafe, with access to both indoor and outdoor spaces for making and exploring. The setting is an integral part of the studio experience, particularly for youth programs: full-day camps incorporate time outdoors for observation, exploration, and unstructured play, giving students a chance to step away from the worktable and engage with the surrounding environment. Berkeley Painting Club serves students from Berkeley, Oakland, Albany, and El Cerrito.
For images of the studio, classes, and student work, please visit our Instagram
Location
Our gate is just south of the main 2121 Bonar St entrance and is only open for registered students at class times. Please see the email you receive prior to your class with the subject “Directions for Entry” for details.
Contact: rene@renesmith.net
Future Class Interest Form