Founded, owned, operated by artists
Jessica Abbott Williams (Jessie) is an artist and the owner of Brushstrokes. Brushstrokes was founded in 1995 by the ceramic artists Nancy Selvin and Kevin Nierman (of Kids ‘n’ Clay). Two years later, Jessie bought the business from Kevin and Nancy. Jessie is a graduate of the Ceramics Department of the California College of the Arts in Oakland. She has maintained her own studio practice in both ceramics and painting and has exhibited and sold her work at the SFMOMA Museum Store, MMClay in San Francisco, the Gardener and Erica Tanov in Berkeley. Jessie’s paintings and pottery are on display and for sale at Brushstrokes. You can read more about Jessie here and here.
Brushstrokes is proud of our team of talented and inspiring artist-teachers. Over the years we have had kids attend our camps, become CITs (Counselors in Training), join our high school work training program and then work for us into their college years and beyond. We see ourselves as a place for teaching and learning and are proud that we have served as a good first job for countless young people as well as a career path for working artists. If you're interested in our CIT program, Job Training Program or working for Brushstrokes, please reach out to us or drop off a hand-written cover letter and a resume with references. We also appreciate referrals, feedback and suggestions.
Brushstrokes is proud of our team of talented and inspiring artist-teachers. Over the years we have had kids attend our camps, become CITs (Counselors in Training), join our high school work training program and then work for us into their college years and beyond. We see ourselves as a place for teaching and learning and are proud that we have served as a good first job for countless young people as well as a career path for working artists. If you're interested in our CIT program, Job Training Program or working for Brushstrokes, please reach out to us or drop off a hand-written cover letter and a resume with references. We also appreciate referrals, feedback and suggestions.
Our mission is to create an atmosphere that is beautiful, inspiring, relaxing, and hospitable where visitors can express their creativity. Our aim is to be a place for teaching and learning through our youth art programs and work training programs. We strive to contribute to our wider east bay community by being involved in schools and other civic organizations and by being a drop-in storefront space where the community, friends, and families can connect through the process of making art.
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“The art class I took at Brushstrokes encompassed so much more than I had anticipated! I always left with not only creative inspiration, but often knowledge of a completely new medium. It was so wonderful to connect with artists of all levels, share work, and have great feedback.” –Tam
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“Going to Camp Brushstrokes as well as being a counselor and a staff member of Brushstrokes has taught me invaluable lessons and skills and created great memories. Brushstrokes has had a huge impact on my life as an artist, strongly influencing me to become a Studio Arts major in college.” –Dina
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Brushstrokes partnered with the Alameda County Community Food Bank to work with children at local schools to paint over 500 bowls per year for the annual Empty Bowls ACCFB fundraiser. Brushstrokes donates time and materials to the Food Bank for this project. Brushstrokes is a member of Buy Local Berkeley — we encourage you to shop local and support the businesses that make Berkeley unique.
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