Every Child Has an Artist Inside
The Creative Lab is Santa Barbara’s fine art studio for kids. We help young artists discover their creative voice as practicing artists guide them through the fundamentals of clay, photography, and mixed media. Each structured session builds on the last, and every piece becomes part of a growing portfolio that reflects your child’s skills and confidence.
At The Creative Lab, kids learn the fundamentals of fine art in a supportive, studio environment. Guided by practicing artists, each session builds on the last and adds to a portfolio that reflects your child’s skills, creativity, and confidence.
Our Approach
🎨 Fine Art Fundamentals
Clear instruction in core techniques across clay, photography, and mixed media.👩🎨 Practicing Artists as Teachers
Kids learn directly from artists who share their craft and expertise.📂 Portfolio Outcomes
Every project contributes to a growing body of work your child will be proud to share.
Why The Creative Lab
What we offer
After school program
Our flagship program for ages 5–12. Structured sessions in clay, photography, and mixed media, guided by practicing artists. Each cycle builds skills and adds to a growing portfolio of artwork.
Birthdays & Events
A celebration with a creative twist. We host birthday parties or private events at the studio, either as part of our packages or customized.
Kids Night Out & Pop-ups
Unique art experiences, offered throughout the year. We offer monthly and seasonal sessions such as Kids Night Out, themed pop-ups, or family workshops.
Our Core Disciplines
Photography & Visual Arts
Inspire your child’s creativity through the art of photography
Our hands-on Photography & Visual Arts classes introduce young artists to the magic of visual storytelling. With fun, interactive lessons, they’ll learn to capture the world around them using cameras, phones, or tablets, exploring lighting, composition, and creative editing along the way. No experience needed, just curiosity, imagination, and a love for discovering new perspectives!
Clay & Sculpting
Sculpt, shape, and bring imagination to life!
Our Clay & Sculpting class is all about getting creative with your hands! Kids will mold, shape, and craft their own clay creations from scratch, focusing on sculpting techniques instead of the usual kiln-based methods. They’ll dive into different materials and textures, bringing their wild ideas to life with fun, hands-on projects. It’s a great way for young artists to build confidence while exploring the exciting world of sculpture in a relaxed, encouraging space.
Crafting
Craft, Create, and Make It Your Own!
Our Crafting class is where kids get to roll up their sleeves and let their creativity run wild! From colorful paper projects to mixed-media masterpieces, they'll experiment with all kinds of fun materials, learning new techniques along the way. No experience required – just a love for getting messy and making something amazing!
Whether they’re creating personalized gifts or just crafting for fun, kids will leave with a big smile and a unique piece of art they can proudly show off.
All-Inclusive Materials & Tools: All prices include high-quality materials and tools, no hidden fees. We provide everything your child needs to create their masterpiece.
Personalized Attention: Small class sizes (max 12 students) ensure personalized guidance. Plus, all of our teachers are supported by an assistant when classes exceed 6 kids, so every child gets the attention they deserve.
Unique, Completed Projects with a Spotlight: Kids bring home one-of-a-kind projects, whether it's photos, pottery, or other creations. They’ll also have the chance to present their work to an audience, practicing public speaking and boosting their confidence.
