Our mission is to give voice to underrepresented, minority, and neurodiverse individuals and artists by offering a space for artistic expression and community-building.
We offer fun, engaging art programs for individuals with neurodiverse conditions; as well as classes for underserved individuals within our community.
We serve children and adults with neurodiverse conditions, as well as other developmental needs. Art is essential to an individual's growth because it is therapeutic, stimulating, and sensory. We have over 30 years of experience as professional artists and art instructors working with students of various learning, and skill abilities.
We are deeply embedded within the Thousand Oaks community and have served students in the surrounding area for over 24 years. Our backgrounds and love for our community inspired us to found our nonprofit ART through ACTION to extend our services to the underserved and underrepresented by providing free and discounted art classes.
Esther and Ali, co-owners of Clay Studio + Gallery, Inc. in Thousand Oaks since 2000, are more than instructors – they're passionate artists. Esther's paintings and ceramics adorn our studio, while Ali channels artistic expression into activism. With 30 years of teaching experience, including after-school programs in Conejo Valley School District, they've become trusted figures for parents seeking a safe, inclusive, and fun learning environment. Esther's education in working with special needs students adds an extra layer of expertise. Inspired by community needs, they founded the nonprofit, ART through ACTION.