5 creative spaces around San Jose, CA

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In a recent survey, San Jose ranked as the No. 9 most creative city in the US — and it’s no surprise. So today, we’re highlighting five San Jose + Bay Area creative spaces where you’re sure to get some hands-on inspiration, no matter your passion.

⚒️ Visual Philosophy Studio + School of Visual Philosophy | 1065 The Alameda

Whether you’re an established artist, or a novice looking to gain new skills — this two-pronged studio + education space has you covered.

  • Classes: Painting, “Strike Night,” screen printing, and more
  • Facilities: Print shop, hot shop, wood shop, private studios
  • Membership: Starts at $225/month

🎥 CreaTV San Jose | 255 W. Julian St., Ste. 100

Lights, camera, action… Make a TV show that could be streamed to public access + web channels.

  • Classes: Video production, studio crew basics, podcasting, and more
  • Equipment: Field camera kits, studios, editing suites
  • Membership: $25-50/year
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Get ready to blast off. | Photo via @makerspaceship

🤖 Maker[Space]Ship | Locations vary

Let the makerspace come to you. The San Jose Public Library’s mobile bus is making stops around SJ to bring free STEAM programming to participants of all ages.

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Learn to safely use lathes and other maker tools. | Photo courtesy of Maker Nexus

⚙️ Maker Nexus | 1330 Orleans Dr., Sunnyvale

Wanna make a guitar, table, or garage door sensor? Utilize this makerspace’s tools + entry level classes.

  • Tools: 3D printers, vinyl printers + cutters, metal and wood lathes, CNC routers, and more
  • Membership: Starts at $150/month

🔥 The Crucible | 1260 Seventh St., Oakland

This one might be worth the drive… This nonprofit offers the widest range of industrial arts + class formats that we’ve found.

  • Class formats: 3-hour tasters, weekend intensives, multi-week courses, private instruction, youth classes, and more
  • Class focus: Ceramics, fire performance, glass blowing, jewelry, leather work, stone working, neon lights, and more
  • Membership: Starts at $90/year
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