We were staying in the Des Moines area and looking to kill some time before heading to the theatre…read moreon a Saturday, and a quick Google search brought us to Painting with a Twist. We were intrigued by the idea of painting and pouring a candle, even though we aren't artistic by any means and felt a bit out of our element. We were "walk-ins" and when we arrived, they set us up with paints and materials, and showed us the books to choose a design with step-by-step instructions. Beverages were available for purchase - we had cans of soda (2 for $3, very reasonable!). The vibe is creative and welcoming, and the staff are friendly, encouraging, and make you feel artistic even if you're not. There's space for both scheduled sessions and walk-ins, as well as painting classes (one started after we arrived). Everything felt very organized and cohesive. Once we finished our paintings, a staff member guided us through pouring our candles - we even mixed scents, and they smelled amazing! After pouring, we left and returned about two hours later to pick up our finished candles. We had a fantastic time. This was a fun, creative, and inexpensive experience - just $63 total for the two of us to each paint and pour a scented candle, plus two beverages. Highly recommend! Disclaimer: I said I'm not an artist, so go easy on me when you see my pics! :-)

Great experience! Had a blast for a birthday party…read more They let us bring in food. They offer drinks! Super fun atmosphere. Staff was lovely. Would definitely go back with friends!

Had the best experience! Wanted to have some fun with clear instructions on how to throw some…read morepottery on a wheel. The entire family at Kunzler and their awesome shop/studio was just above and beyond my expectations. Well worth every penny of class. 12/10 stars

A friend and I decided to take a pottery class here without any experience whatsoever. We had a…read moreblast. There are only four people in the class because the instructor stays in the middle of four pottery wheels so she can assist. She did not take the project over she just verbally instructed with one or two instances of having hands on to shape or repair the clay. I was shocked at how wonderful our projects came out. It was one of the most therapeutic things I have ever experienced . My friend and I are both in the nursing field so this was greatly needed. We want to take another class so we can get even better but we are waiting till cooler weather since we are both outdoor girls. I would highly recommend taking this class at least once.

Update. 3rd time here. Another company outing. They middle…read moreof a work day and we reserved the time to make our projects. We had the whole shop to ourselves and all the help we could want. From start to finish, this is a well organized production. If you do groups, they send you links ahead of time to pick out projects. They work with you for payments ahead, so you don't have to worry about that the day of. Excellent email communication so that everyone is set up. Lots of time to shop online and figure out what you want to do. Team bonding experience that puts you to work. Like I said,don't be fooled. You are going to work for your project! You walk in and are warmly welcomed by the staff. She directs you to your table. They have all the projects that you pre-purchased laid out. Snag a drink, they are available for purchase. The individual assigned to you goes over all the details. You throw on your work apron and get going. Pick out your stain. Sand your project. (Hope you picked a smaller one) Stain your project. Decorate your project. Paint your project. You can easily spend a couple of hours working on your project. Sanding, staining, painting, detailing. You do it all. If you want to have take-home projects too. They are there through the whole process. It was a lot of fun, work and recommended.

Had such a great experience!! I am not artistic and this made me so confident in my artistic…read moreabilities!! Will definitely be back!!

Between her passion and love of art, coupled with her love for teaching children, Jana offers the…read morebest art classes in the Des Moines area.

From the owner: The Art Spot on 25th art studio in West Des Moines offers After School Art Classes, Art Workshops,…read moreand Spring and Summer Art Camps for Preschool through 8th Grade. We also offer art classes for adults. Painting, Drawing, Mixed Media, Ceramics, and Fibers taught by experienced art teachers who are also practicing artists. Serving Waukee and Urbandale as well as Clive and the surrounding Des Moines suburbs. Find us at artspot25.com and on Facebook/Instagram.

This is a unique artesian homey/crafts store for and about Iowa, with local artists. As you can see…read morein my pic of their sidewalk sign, they offer a variety of classes. The classroom is in the rear of the store - all set to go. As you can see from my inside pics, there are tons of Iowa items - locally made and sourced. The store has been around for several years, but has recently moved to this location. It's a great local addition for browsing.

I had a rough idea of a project to make for my granddaughter and the staff was thoughtful in…read morelistening to my questions and very helpful in creating my design. Big kudos to Matthew for taking an interest in bringing my vision to life.

I was looking for something to do, and I found this potter painting shop! It was a relaxing way to…read moreget out my creative energy! When I walked in, they showed me where to get the pottery, how to use the glaze paint, and an instruction card with how to paint it! I chose a mug, and painted potted plants all along the bottom. I may not be a great or even good artist, but it was nice to try something new! You pay for the time and the piece, so prices will vary and they are labeled under the pottery pieces. I painted a regular mug, and for spending an hour and half, I only paid less than $30. Highly recommend!

Really had a great girls day here! Pricing is reasonable, staff is friendly & helpful. They have a…read morehuge stock of available pottery for painting. From what we were told they get regular shipments allowing for a diverse range of projects to choose from! I can't wait to see my finished piece. They also ship, if you're worried about how you'll get your project after completion.

Beautiful space - like a dream version of your elementary art classroom…read more Dina and her team are so fun and welcoming, and there to help you every step of the way and have everything you need to get "fired up!" We joined a fun school event here and the families had a blast! This is a great place for families - especially for holiday entertainment experiences, birthdays or just for fun!

Where is the line between art and not art? Usually the…read moreframe. -The above is a joke, and yet, sometimes the frame really does make a piece. Frame works is wonderful! We had a couple important photos that I was really worried about getting framed. One was a big 24 x 30. I was stressing about what to do with it. Their service is fast, easy, and simple. We stopped in and they made things way easier. Walked us through all the steps and helped us in what were looking for. This location has been around for a long time. We will definitely be using Frame Works in the future for all framing needs. The communication on the time and price was upfront and honest. Got to pick up my pieces and see them before I took them home. They were perfect and love them.

Frame Works has done a number of significant framing projects for me. Tom's frames, matting, and…read moredesigns are best in class and combined with his creativity, he develops pieces that are unique and special. They can often become family heirlooms. You won't be disappointed in trusting him with your framing projects. Ed Brown: West Des Moine, Ia.

Amy's Virtual Sip and Paint classes are fun, even via Zoom, and with each class I was surprised by…read morewhat I could achieve by following her guidelines. She methodically breaks down a painting into easy to follow steps, while explaining basics of technique. All while encouraging each participant and offering tips specific to each person's challenges. Try it - you'll surprise yourself!

From the owner: I am no longer teaching wine and paint classes but will do private ones if you are interested. I…read morewill travel. I do commissioned art work in either acrylic or oil paint, as well as charcoal and pastels.

I attended a work event at the Nature Lodge today. The room we used was able to access a very large…read moregroup (over 50) comfortably. Large windows brought in plenty of natural light. There was a large rolling rack for coats by the door. The entrance was welcoming with large seasonal planter. Parking was convenient and seemed to manage our group. Forgot to take pictures but will add some next time I am there.