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

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.

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.

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