Xpressive Arts Center

What an amazing place! You wouldn’t know it from the quaint stone building but inside those walls you’ll find masterful artists and instructors. My son has been taking regularly lessons and Jessica has not only managed to build a confidence in his art and himself that I had not yet seen, but she’s opened him up to a world of art and artistry. I cant say enough good things about Jessica and this business. If you or your children are serious about art, or just want to explore a newly ignited talent or hobby, do yourself a favor and make your way to Xpressive Arts Center.

I have been taking the painting class since 2011. I like the teacher, she is awesome! The classmates are very nice. It is a good place for me to explore the arts and relax.

Brought my son here for a Saturday morning art class and we had a great time. The teacher, Jessica, is amazing and very attentive. There were 7 kids total all working on various projects based on their skill levels. That caused a little confusion at the start (with all the kids needing different materials and things from various parts of the center) but it all worked out. Being that my son was a first timer, he got a little more one-​on-​one time with the teacher. She let him choose a template from her personal art portfolio and helped him draw a really cool picture of batman. She was thorough and explained different sketching, shading, and chalking techniques Overall it was an awesome experience and we will definitely be back again! Thanks again Jessica, you’re awesome!!!

My first painting class/​whatever you wanna call it!!! The place is cute and charming, but quite small.
Now… how do I describe my experience… I don’t draw or paint ever.. so I obviously needed help. The teacher/​whatever she is.. was haphazardly helpful. She paid no attention to my friend. She only wanted to play therapist to one customer who was venting about her husband. I didn’t mind the wife venting for the entire 2 hours, but the teacher/​phony therapist put all her energy into giving this lady bad advice and forgetting to help us customers who wanted a nice relaxing night with a semi decent painting. The teacher/​therapist taught more «life lessons?» than painting… which I thought we were there for. I didn’t really pay to hear this. Very very weird experience. I thought we were on some candid camera show.

Such a fun place. The kids were very entertained for a good 2 hours making Christmas gifts for their grandparents. We will definitely be back.

I had an amazing time there, however, there are a few things I need to mention:
The Good:
–even though the class is sold for 2 hours, our instructor Jessica was nice enough to stay with us for another hour. You can’t really finish a painting in 2 hours.
–Small classes. There were only 6 of us.
–You can paint anything you want as long as it is with acrylic colors.
–The instructor helps you with a technique and colors.
–BYOB and food. Very cool! Feels very cozy and welcoming.
The Not So Good:
–the canvases were unframed and only 9“x12″!!! It is so tiny, I don’t even know where to put it.
–the studio is small and not very clean.
–the classes are only offered on Tuesdays 7pm-​9pm in Poway.

Fun classes. Lot’s of different arts and crafts workshops to choose from. Great to do with your kids or just as a creative outlet for yourself. Also check out the adult BYOB painting class. It was fun to do with my boyfriend as a date night.

We had such a great time at the Xpressive Arts Center. Bonnie, the owner, was very accommodating. We had to reschedule a couple times on our end and theirs too, but she was very patient and helpful.
The center is a little cluttered and could use some organization and cleaning, but you can tell there are children who frequent the center.
The painting class is in the evening and is very intimate. The center is closed at this time so our group were the only ones there. Our instructor was patient and extremely knowledgeable with regard to painting. She gave helpful tips on paint strokes, shared the importance of layers and drying your art periodically to get the best out of your painting. She played some casual music and was very engaging. We were extremely relaxed, especially after a couple glasses of the wine we brought along.
Great experience all around. I never knew I had painting skills or interest for that matter. We will keep our eyes open for another Groupon to go back to the Xpressive Arts Center!

A Groupon deal gets you a three hour assisted art session for a group of six. Add wine, pizza, dessert and a very helpful instructor and you are set for a fun and creative time.
The instructor provides lots of «inspiration» for the artistically challenged like me … books, pictures, art clippings. Some instruction is given (hence the assisted art session and NOT lesson) along with help on mixing paint. The finished product is dried, glazed and readied for display.
Art lessons are available for both adults and kids. The place feels a bit cramped though, and is tucked away in the Old Pomerado area. Good thing we had the painting room all to ourselves.
Would be willing to try another art session here. Who knew I could draw more than stick people and smiley faces? :)