Announcing Kala's new Sculpture Lab!

We're excited to share that Kala's Sculpture Lab is now open to artists-in-residence and fellows! Starting in July, we will also be offering a variety of classes and workshops in the space. Thank you to the generous supporters of the Fund for the Future who made the build-out and equipment purchasing possible. We hope this space will become a great resource for Kala's community as artists continue to push boundaries and experiment across disciplines. 

Main Features:

Woodshop: miter saw, drill press, portable table saw, hand drills and tools

Textiles Lab: sewing & embroidery machine, serger, and sewing & quilting machine

Ceramics: slab roller and electric kiln

Specifics linked here

Learn more: Join us during the West Berkeley Community Print Festival this Saturday to see Kala's Sculpture Lab and for hands-on textiles (1-3pm) and ceramic projects (2-4pm).

Teach with us!

Kala is looking for a Lead Teaching Artist for the Teen Studio: Screenprinting Camp this summer! The camp is for teens ages 11-17 and will run from July 21 - July 25, 2025 (Monday through Friday, 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM daily).

To apply, please review the full job description on our website and submit the required application materials to [email protected].

Upcoming Adult Class Highlights

Intro to Watercolor Painting

6 Thursdays, April 24 - May 29 (6-8 pm)

Instructor: Jill McLennan

San Pablo Community Classroom

Explore the basics of watercolor painting!

Participants will learn fundamental concepts such as brush strokes, color theory, composition and watercolor techniques (wet-on-dry, wet-on-wet, etc.) through guided painting prompts.

There will also be room for experimentation as participants are encouraged to embrace spontaneity and the playful dance between water and color. No skills required, all are welcome.

Register Today!

Drawing Now

2 Saturdays, April 26,27 (10-4pm)

Instructor: Theodora Varnay Jones

San Pablo Community Classroom

Designed to push the boundaries of traditional mark making, Drawing Now will open advanced creative paths of process and materials while expanding the language of drawing.

Work with a variety of conventional media and unconventional materials, such as Plexiglas, vellum, cold wax, and natural pigments, as you focus on experimentation and produce complex artworks. Explore various ways of seeing—both perceptual and conceptual—as you play with abstraction, work in a series and incorporate scale and layering techniques.

Register Today!

Intro to Monotype Printmaking

6 Thursdays, May 1 - June, 5 (6-9pm)

Instructor: Tomoko Murakami

Heinz Printmaking Studio

Monotype, also known as the painterly print, is one of the most expressive and freeing among printmaking techniques. Whether you are new to printmaking or have worked in the medium before, this class offers a wonderful opportunity to create fun and unique images. We’ll also be experimenting with the process of chine-collé, a technique where (typically) Japanese/ washi paper is “collaged” onto the print using the pressure of the press and an adhesive. Monotype results can be surprising, subtle, dramatic and painterly – all depending on how you work with this adaptable and exciting method of image making!

Register Today!

Intro to Letterpress: Linocut & Type Setting

3 Saturdays, May 3 - 17 (10am - 4pm)

Instructor: Mary V. Marsh

Heinz Printmaking Studio

Join us for an immersive introduction to letterpress printing! Students will learn to hand-set lead and wood type, carve an image in linoleum, and print them together using a Vandercook proof press. We will also cover how to ink the press, lock up the press bed with type, set up for printing and clean the press. Students will work together on the press as we print and learn multiple troubleshooting techniques. By the end of the workshop, everyone will print small editions of their two-color prints to take home. No experience necessary – all are welcome!

Register Today!

All Adult Classes

Accessibility – Please email [email protected] regarding any accessibility needs prior to enrolling so we can assess if we are able to accommodate you safely and efficiently.

Friends of Kala Members receive 10% off classes and workshops. Learn more here. 

Scholarship tiers are available for all classes. Learn more about scholarships and assistance.

More News... In Brief

-  Kala's Auction Exhibition and Benefit, Art KALA 2025 is up + running - bidding is underway online and in-person at the Kala gallery! 

-  Saturday, April 26, 6-9pm - Art KALA 2025 - 51st Anniversary Party w/ live auction and short program. Tickets are available here. 

-  Gallery Route One is seeking to fill the following part-time positions: Development Manager, Executive Assistant/Sales Associate, Finance Manager (temporary contracted). more information available here

Connect With Us!

- Join or renew your Friends of Kala membership and receive 10% off all art classes and workshops and more!

- Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Kala's annual fund to support Kala's mission and work! 

- Follow Kala?s new IG account, @kalagallery_berkeley, to see work from Kala?s gallery and art sales program.