Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT ARE THE STUDIO HOURS?
The Berkeley Art Studio is temporarily closed JULY 14, 2024 through SEPTEMBER 2, 2024. We will reopen Tuesday September 3 at 12pm.
WHEN DOES THE NEXT SESSION START?
When will classes be posted? Subscribing to our newsletter is the best way to find out. Winter & Spring classes are posted in late November. Early Fall & Late Fall Classes are posted in mid-July. Summer registration is typically posted in late April.
HOW DO I REGISTER FOR A CLASS?
Go to the course listing you want on our website and click on register. This will take you to Active Networks, our registration system. Community members and faculty/staff/alumni may pay with credit card. UC Berkeley students pay with their SIS account through Cal Central. Students still need to register for the class through the Active Networks system.
Community members & UC Berkeley alumni/faculty/staff can self-cancel their classes. UC Berkeley students cannot self-cancel, and must contact the Berkeley Art Studio via email at artstudio@berkeley.edu to request a cancellation.
Refund Policy:
If you cancel at least 7 days before the first class, you will receive a refund minus a $35 fee. You can switch to a different available class in the same session.
If you cancel 6 days before the class begins until the day before the second class, you will receive a refund minus a $75 fee. You can switch to a different available class in the same session.
No refunds are given starting the day the second class begins and no credits are issued. If a class or workshop is canceled, a full refund will be given.
Here are instructions for how to self-cancel. Please contact the Berkeley Art Studio via email at artstudio@berkeley.edu if you need help cancelling your registration and receiving a refund.
DOES THE STUDIO OFFER WAITLISTS?
You may enroll in a waitlist. You will be emailed immediately if a spot opens up and you are next on the waitlist. After the email is sent, you have 24 hours to accept the spot and if you omit the spot or take no action it will go to the next person. There is no penalty or charge for omitting a waitlist spot.
WHERE IS BERKELEY ART STUDIO WEST?
This facility is located in room 226, 1950 Oxford Street, Berkeley CA 94704. Please enter the main doors at the Helen Diller Anchor House at the Oxford street side. Take the elevator up to the 2nd level or the grand staircase by the lobby.
WHERE CAN I PARK?
2-hour metered street parking is available on Bancroft and the surrounding area. These are convenient for classes beginning after 6pm.
Parking Lots for Ceramics, Photography, Printmaking, & Digital Classes (Art Studio)
• Lower Sproul Parking Lot (underneath the ASUC Student Union). Entrance on Telegraph, just before Dana
• Berkeley First Pres. Church: Entrance on Channing between Telegraph & Dana
• Parking Concepts Garage: Entrances on Durant and Channing between Telegraph & Dana
• Douglas Parking Lot: Entrance on Bowditch between Durant and Bancroft
Parking Lots for Painting & Drawing Classes (Anthropology and Art Practice Building)
• Bancroft Hotel Public Parking: Entrance on Bancroft, across from the Kroeber building
• Bancroft Parking Structure: Entrance on north side of Bancroft, under tennis courts, between College and Bowditch
DO I RECEIVE ACADEMIC CREDIT OR UNITS FOR THE CLASS I SIGN UP FOR?
No, the Art Studio classes are not for units. Our program is a co-curricular offering. Reasons people sign up for our classes: Classes are fun. Classes are relaxing. Classes teach new skills. We are a welcoming, creative community.
What does it mean to pay later with CalCentral? This is the required payment option for UC Berkeley students to pay the class fee through their tuition bill. You will see the charge about 2 weeks after your class begins. The charge will be labelled with Berkeley Art Studio, the class name, and the fee amount.
WHAT ARE THE AGE REQUIREMENTS TO REGISTER FOR A CLASS?
Our classes are for adults ages 18+.
DOES THE STUDIO OFFER CERAMICS STUDIO ACCESS?
No, the Studio does not offer ceramics studio access. Studio access is open only to students currently enrolled in our classes. Access may be limited when classes are in session.
CAN I BRING MY OWN CLAY AND GLAZES TO THE STUDIO?
No, we do not allow outside materials (clay, glazes, etc.). We sell clay in the studio and provide a variety of glazes.
DO I NEED TO PURCHASE ADDITIONAL MATERIALS FOR CERAMICS CLASSES?
25 pound bags of clay range in price from $20-$30. Our recycled studio blend is $10 a bag. Tools sets cost between $10-$20.
DOES THE STUDIO OFFER DARKROOM ACCESS?
You may register for darkroom access without taking a class; however, you must be familiar with darkroom use. You must also bring your own paper and film, which can be purchased at the Studio.
DO I NEED TO PURCHASE ADDITIONAL MATERIALS FOR THE DARKROOM CLASSES? </>
You will need to purchase film and paper, which can be purchased in the Studio for less than $44.
DOES THE STUDIO RENT 35MM FILM CAMERAS FOR DARKROOM CLASSES?
Yes, camera rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please call or stop by the Studio for more details.
DOES THE STUDIO OFFER STUDIO ACCESS FOR DRAWING AND PAINTING CLASSES?
Because most of our drawing and painting classes are held in the Anthropology and Art Practice Building, we are unable to offer open studio access.
HOW DO I GET TO MY DESIGN OR DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CLASS IN 155 MLK?
Digital Photo, Design, & Digital Arts classes are held in the Creative Lab, Room 155 MLK Student Union. If you are a UC Berkeley affiliate, please expect to have your Cal1 card with you after 5pm in the building. If you are a Community Member (non UCB affiliate) please make sure to enter the building through the Berkeley Art Studio to access the Creative Lab. This entrance will be open till 10pm Monday-Friday.
HOW DO I GET TO MY PAINTING OR DRAWING CLASS IN THE ANTHROPOLOGY AND ART PRACTICE BUILDING?
Some of our painting and drawing classes are held in AAPB Hall, which is located at the corner of Bancroft Way and College Ave.
DOES THE STUDIO OFFER GIFT CERTIFICATES?
Yes! Gift certificates for the Studio make a great gift for friends and loved ones. Gift certificates may be purchased through our registration system. Gift certificates are good for 1-year and may be applied to any type of class assuming the class fees are the same, regardless of which class you initially purchase.
DOES THE STUDIO OFFER DISCOUNTS TO BAM/PFA MEMBERS?
Yes! Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive members receive 10% off at the Berkeley Art Studio. Visit the Studio with your BAM/PFA member card to register and receive the discount.
DOES THE STUDIO OFFER SCHOLARSHIPS?
Yes, we offer free art classes to low-income EOP and low-income UCB grad students. Please visit out “New & Events” page for more information.
WHAT COVID SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ARE FOLLOWED?
The Berkeley Art Studio follows UC Berkeley campus policies and guidelines on COVID-19. You can find updated information here: coronavirus.berkeley.edu/campus-access.