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After School Studio – Thursdays (Spring 2026)

After School Studio (Thursdays)
During the week,  participants engage in skill-based instruction,  hands-on structured projects, and open studio time to explore and experiment. Our instructors are practicing artists who create a fun, responsive, and supportive studio environment for all young artists to share and celebrate art. Monthly themes and project activities incorporate drawing, painting, sculpture, textiles, and mixed media art inspired by the art of local and contemporary artists of various intersections of identities, cultural experiences, and backgrounds.  Participants’ projects may include textiles, collages, photography book arts, clay/ceramics, bookmaking, and puppetry. On the last day of the program, our young artists celebrate and share their artworks in a mini-exhibition with families and friends.

Other class activities may include visits from guest artists, storytelling, gallery tours, games, movement, and conversational and written reflections to help build an appreciation for art and the role of art(ists) in our community. We take a break once a day to snack and socialize.

Spring Semester (19 Sessions): Thursdays, January 8th through May 21, 2026 (Prorated Open Enrollment Through Semester)
No Classes: BUSD Spring Break (March 30th – April 3rd)

General Tuition: $1120
Pay-It-Forward Tuition: $1220
Reduced Tuition:  $920

PLEASE NOTE: The tuition is a flat fee regardless of participant arrival/departure. Visit Learn More- Program Info for more details, COVID-19 protocols, tuition assistance, and payment and cancellation policy. ***Limited Reduced Tuition is available on first-come-first serve basis for families who otherwise may not be able to take part in our programs. For inquiries regarding additional tuition assistance, please contact youtharts@kala.org.

 

Follow this link to sign up for the Spring Tuesday Session 
10% multi-session / sibling discount. Payment plan options and tuition assistance are available.

  • Tuition: $1120
  • Location: Kala Gallery and Classroom
  • Instructor: Natalie Palms
  • 19 Classes
  • Thursday, January 8, 2026 — May 21, 2026
  • 2:45 PM — 5:30 PM
  • Materials included in tuition

Register

About the Instructor:

Natalie Palms (she/her)is a multidisciplinary artist, working primarily in textiles. She studied Art and Social Behavioral Studies in her hometown of Los Angeles before moving to Oakland. She received her BFA in Individualized Studies at California College of the Arts in 2015.  Upon graduating, she began teaching K-8th art in numerous schools throughout the Bay Area. As a multiracial woman, creating a classroom environment focused on social-emotional learning, anti-racism, and sharing culturally diverse artists is important to her. She has recently launched her own business creating accessories she hand-dyes and prints while curating and leading textile-focused workshops for children and adults throughout the Bay Area.