Seattle Artist League Art School

"I've had a great experience at SAL. Just wrapping up 16 weeks of intro to pottery classes. Instructors are excellent and the atmosphere of creativity, exploration and supportiveness is so much fun to be a part of."

"I’m so grateful to have found this gem of a place to explore artistry. The classes are thorough and instructors are super helpful. You get free range to be creative and make special projects. I definitely recommend taking a class or two!"

"I have loved taking Catherine Lepp’s online Painting & Drawing the Head class. It was just what I needed—I’m self-taught, and also in a period of too much change & loss, and had pretty much stopped painting. Listening to Catherine’s keen takes on a range of artists—how they imagine the head, the techniques they use, how they observe and employ light and color—while repeating and demonstrating the proportions and relationships of the features, the architecture of the head—has been exactly the engagement and inspiration I’ve needed. I’ve found it challenging and rewarding to apply this information in a range of exercises, using a variety of tools and materials, most unfamiliar to me. It’s also been informative and comforting to be in the virtual company of other artists, to learn from their work and to absorb their responses to mine. After most classes, I’ve taken off on additional exercises on my own, using the principles and cues Catherine provided. I think I had really lost the joy of painting, and I’m almost embarrassed at how throughly it has been restored through this single class. But boy am I grateful. Also want to note that SAL gave me a sliding scale option, which made it financially possible to take this class. This assistance program rocks, and SAL rocks for making it available. Thank you! Some of my “extra credit” exercises—some in progress, some done—attached."

"I’ve taken many art classes in my life and the oils painting class here was one of the best. Lendy is a gem, you can tell she really cares about everyone in the class, she gave everyone in the class lots of individual feedback to help them discover their unique talent. The prices are extremely reasonable for the quality of instruction that you receive. I will definitely be taking more classes here!"

"I thought I had no business signing up for Intermediate Wheel Throwing, but figured since I had done ok at it in college, it would be fine to skip the beginning level. During the demonstration for the first class, my instructor Scott made it clear that he was not going to judge anyone’s skill level or ability. He was there to help, and he had a ton of knowledge and tips to catch me up with the most experienced potters in the class. My favorite part of ceramics at Seattle Artist League is open studio. If you want to accelerate your abilities, go as often as you can. I often joke that I abuse the system, as I’m there just about every day. Whether you want to be social and swap pointers with other students and staff, or whether you want to put on headphones and play with mud alone, you’re welcome. The feeling is collaborative and friendly. In six weeks I went from not knowing how to wedge clay to being able to throw just about anything I want on the wheel. I can’t recommend this place enough. No judgment from anyone, just acceptance and encouragement to do my best. A great place to learn."