The Artist Center offers an eight week course throughout Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall Terms. You may sign up at any time on a prorate basis and where space permits. We provide Spring, Summer, and Thanksgiving Camps.  

The After School program begins at 4pm. Home School Art hours: 10am-2pm Monday-Friday.  Teen classes are available 6pm-8pm Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Digital Design courses: Animation and Graphic Design available  on Fridays 6pm - 8pm or can be booked privately.

Drawing lessons begin with quick sketch 2, 5, 10 & 15 minute sketches enable the student to think quickly and focus on simple shapes, long lines and construction.  Once the creative mind adapts to this process, the rendering of form can then be applied.

As early as the artist can hold a pencil they can start learning how to construct the simple shapes. Now they can draw anything they choose using these shapes. Stick figures, animals, scenery and much more.  A time to let their imagination run wild! 

Painting lessons start with the fundamentals of values, color theory and composition. The "Masters" technique is emphasized and taught with a step by step approach with the guidance of a professional artist.

Our Mission

Art Lessons in Castro Valley, Artist Center in Castro Valley, After School Art Program.

Our students receive quality instruction that is sound in structure and unique in its training.

We give the artist an opportunity to explore their skills, ideas and talents and grow throughout each class. They will also benefit by receiving individual guidance from professional instructors in all projects.

Our goal is to offer aspiring artists an opportunity to develop and expand their understanding of drawing and painting and to instruct in the practical application of each age group or skill level.

To participate in this study of art is to put the emphasis on drawing.

If you are a beginner, "Welcome to the World of Art!"

Prepare to be introduced to a wide selection of media. Find which one you like best and begin your learning process.

Our strategy is to encourage and build confidence while adventuring into your art spirit and learn techniques from the "Masters."

We oversee in the organizing of all artwork and either enhance or create a portfolio whether the artist is practicing as a hobby or preparing for a lucrative career.

We provide classes that are not oversized in order to attend to each student equally.

Each class has the spirit of cooperation and the air is thick with enthusiasm.

The desire to learn and create is the motivation into great works of art.

We are here to create, educate and experience the art world.

The Educator

Monica Higgins has been introducing children and adults to the world of art for over 25 years.  As co-founder and director of Art Academy of Los Angeles, she has implemented and coordinated art courses for all ages emphasizing the fundamentals of drawing and design.

Industry experience includes: Disney, Warner Brothers, Universal Studios,  just to name a few.  She has worked with apparel, book publishing, toy design, advertising, marketing and consumer products.

Monica is a Commercial Artist, Illustrator, Instructor, Graphic Designer and Fine Artist.

She developed the Graphic Arts department at Long Beach Trade Technical College and instructed at Palo Alto Art League. Monica implemented the Youth program at Art Academy of Los Angeles Inc. and continues to enrich the younger generation with skills and goals by using their imagination while having fun.

Her education includes: California Art Institute where she studied Illustration, Fashion Design and Fine Art.  Animation studies include: The Animation Union where she studied Layout Design in Animation and Graphic Design at Los Angeles Trade Technical College.

She is currently teaching art in the Alameda School District private and public.  Monica offers Home School children a day program in groups or private sessions.

Art Entertainment include: art parties, art socials, corporate team building, as well as art shows/special events.

Makeups for any missed class are given with a 24 hour notice.