5 creative spaces around San Jose, CA

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

🤖 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.

• Equipment: Laser cutters, robots, microscopes, and more
• Upcoming events:
  
  • Thurs., Aug. 11, Doerr Park, 6-8 p.m.
  • Wed., Aug. 17, Brigadoon Park, 6-8 p.m.
  • Thurs., Aug. 18, Biebrach Park, 6-8 p.m.
  • Fri., Aug. 19, St. James Park, 6-8 p.m.
  • Mon., Aug. 22, Dove Hill Park, 6-8 p.m.
  • Wed., Aug. 24, Hillview Park, 6-8 p.m.
  • Thurs., Aug. 25, Cataldi Park, 6-8 p.m.
  • Wed., Aug. 31, Tully Night Market, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

⚙️ 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