Berkeley Art Club

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About the Club

The Berkeley Art Club is a social club and third space primarily for millennials and gen-z in Berkeley, CA. Organized by artist, Janet Richardson, for artists with the goal of connecting with and uplifting creatives in the Bay Area. Join us for an event! Berkeley Art Club events are always free or sliding scale. Make art and community!

Potluck at our figure drawing session
Drink & Draw
Couple browses Berkeley Art Club art market at Donkey and Goat Winery

Our regular events are twice a month, consisting of a figure drawing session and drink & draw! Both events are held in Berkeley, CA. Our figure drawing events are typically Wednesday evenings at Open Doors. Find out more about Open Doors check them out on Instagram @opendoors.home for other amazing events! These are NOT classes, but art salon style events. Please bring a snack to share! 21+ only.

Drink & Draws are either in the evening at local Berkeley breweries, wine bars, or at a park with coffee during the day. Weekday events are typically 6pm – 9pm to make sure people can attend after work. Drop by anytime within that timeframe. 🙂

Our latest event is the Art & Business Meeting, a virtual forum where creatives looking to sell their art IRL or online can discuss topics like marketing, vending, taxes, and more! Whether you are an experiences seller, or just looking to get started, all are welcome. Come willing to share and learn from others! This event is free and all ages. NOT a class, but a place for discussion.

Follow Berkeley Art Club on Instagram!

About the Organizer

Hi, I’m Janet! I’m a zillennial artist born and raised in Berkeley, CA. I started this club in January, 2026, to meet more artists and be the change I want to see in the world. I’ve been met with a resounding “yes” from the community and am so excited to organize affordable events in my hometown! I started really working towards my artistic career in 2022, and I’ve learned so much and am still learning.

To learn more about me follow me on IG @forestxfriends where I show my art all about California native plants and pollinators.

Who do I think I am? Just someone with the audacity to start this club and keep it going! 🙂

FAQ

  • I am not gen z or a millennial, can I still join the club? Yes! However, some of our events are lower capacity (like our figure drawing sessions and some drink & draws). If you are not gen z or millennial, I ask that you let others sign up first for events with limited capacity. Some events like our business meetings, markets, picnics are open to all!
  • How much do events cost? Drink & Draws are free to attend! However, if they are at a bar, please purchase something from the business (even just a snack) so that we are good patrons. Figure drawing events are sliding scale ($10-30) with the suggested donation being $15 to help cover the model fee. I hire the model for the evening, so I’d appreciate your help covering that cost. Models are happy to receive tips as well! If you are not able to pay the minimum, please reach out to me at @berkeleyartclub on Instagram and we will figure something out. No One Turned Away For Lack Of Funds!
  • Is this a class? No, none of our events are classes. Please bring your own art supplies and a snack to share. No instruction provided.
  • How much does it cost to vend at an art market? Art market vendor fees are sliding scale ($20-50) to hold your spot. This is not free to prevent no-shows (sorry, organizing these takes a lot of time!!). Vendor fees are then donated to a local non-profit organization, such as the Berkeley Humane Society. I do not keep any of the fees, but you are welcome to contribute more to help with advertising costs! I always vend at the markets as well, so it’s just as important to me that there is a great turn out.
  • How do I RSVP to events? Message me on Instagram @berkeleyartclub to RSVP for any event! If your profile shows nothing about you, I will ask you some questions as these are small events and I like to know who is coming.
  • What if I don’t consider myself an “artist” yet? Can I join? Yes!!!
  • I’m a knitter, ceramist, etc. can I join? YES. Bring your project to the bar idc if it’s impractical I’m happy to support you, just let me know how.
  • Can we collaborate? Yes!! Click here to learn more: Collaboration
  • Are you affiliated with the city of Berkeley or the Berkeley Art Center? No, this club is not affiliated with the art center or the city in any official capacity. This is a private club started by a Berkeley resident!
  • Can I bring my kid? It depends on the event but please feel free to send me a message at @berkeleyartclub on Instagram