Pacific Art League — Attraction in Palo Alto

I am surprised as to why so many people have left mediocre reviews on this place. I am an artist myself and I wanted to maintain my skill set, as well as try some new classes. You get what YOU put in here - If you want to make the class important and if you want to learn and improve - then YOU have to want that. No teacher in the world can make anyone a great artist, chef, doctor etc. You have you put your hard work and desire into achieving your artistic goal.

So for someone to come here expecting the teachers to just make you talented is fooling themselves. The teachers here are volunteering their time to inspire and motivate, but under no circumstances will they sugarcoat things or "give" you all these skills you think you can just learn after 10 classes. Talent, takes years. Art takes time. Be proud and thankful that this place has withstood the rent costs of Palo Alto, and support this community place.

I have been hearing that numerous students complain about the teachers, and the thing is, to be an artist, means to deal with critics. If you don't like what someone says about your art, then you don't have a tough skin for life. And trust me, you'll need one. Do not be offended with critiques. They are there to improve. Teachers are there to motivate, not give you some unobtainable ideal of "knowing art" in 10...

Beware of the art classes. I’ve tried two. The first was okay, not great. They are very light on actual instructions. Mostly they are open studios for intermediate artists who just want to paint, EVEN THE INTRO CLASSES. They say vague things like, "Just work it some more," with absolutely no guidance on which brush, brush technique, how to mix colors, how to do a rough sketch to get started. And they are very serious - not the place for fun or creativity at all.

The second class with Halcyon Teed was truly awful. No introductions, no welcome, no,”here’s the project” or “here’s what the class is about.” Just, “there are the easels” and hand waving towards the wall. With some still lifes set up at the front. And then some vaguely agro, “well I have two people coming later who are painting those, so I might have to move you...” After 30 min I just decided to just leave. Nobody even noticed I was packing up and walking out.

Does Palo Alto just have so many bored wealthy people that they don’t even have...

As a member, student, and volunteer at the Art League over many years, I've had the pleasure of studying with talented instructors, working with some amazing volunteers, and interfacing with passionate staff. I really like the direction it's been going in this past couple of years. They are really nurturing their relationship with the community (children, teens, and adults) through classes, exhibits, and special events. I especially support their community oriented programs that bring art to under-served...