I went in for a glass fusing workshop for 2. In addition to the Groupon cost, I purchased large glass plates for an additional $160. A staff member called me a month later and told me one plate fused properly but the other one completely cracked in the kiln. And that when I come back I should get a refund for the one that cracked I called back 1 month later and the owner picked up and I asked what would be a good time to pop by to pick up the 1 piece that was fused properly and how getting a refund works for the other piece. He explained that they disposed off the 1 piece that survived as it had been 60 days (no one mentioned they throw out your work after 60 days...it wouldn't hurt to mention that in the phonecall) and he also said he had no record of anything related to the other plate cracking in the kiln and would not give me my money back. That's basically well over $200 gone down the drain. I can understand the 60 day policy of throwing things out, however if they lose/break your work they should keep record of it and give you a refund. I tried to explain the day I went, a little bit about the staff member but the owner said he had no way of knowing so couldn't process a refund. read more

We bought the Groupon for ceramic painting for 2(good for $50 worth of ceramics) and decided to book in advance for Saturday morning. The shop wasn't busy (we were the only ones there), so we got a tour and explanation of types of ceramic paints and how to paint with it right away. The selection of ceramics were good, but it would have been nice if they had more different sized bowls, and maybe even some crochet yarn bowls as well. We really enjoyed painting our vase and lucky kitty. It took us about an hour or so to paint both items. Their staff is really helpful and attentive, so it made our first attempt in ceramic painting extremely easy and enjoyable. The only thing I was disappointed with was that it will take 2 weeks to get our ceramics back. Overall, we recommend trying out ceramic painting at Artopia. Their helpful staff makes all the difference, especially if it's your first time. read more

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A group of 6 of us got Groupons for glass fusing and went on March 26th. When we arrived, we were handed a list of shapes that we could choose from (the groupon covered a coaster only).They were way overbooked and had about 12-15 people all trying to cut glass at the same table with only enough tools for 4-5 people. We started at 6pm, and were there until 9pm. For those of us that chose bowl shapes, we were told at the end of the night when we went to pay that it would cost an additional $7.00 for the second firing. They only charge this to people using a Groupon. They call you once your item is ready for pick up. 4 of us received our items after 2-3 weeks. It's been 4 weeks and 2 people from my group still haven't received their bowls. When we stopped in, they didn't seem to have any system on who's items were fired first. One of the bowls was still waiting for the second firing, and they couldn't locate the other. Said it may be in the kiln. This could have been a fun evening, but ended up being pricey and frustrating. I was satisfied with my bowl, but would NOT return. read more

- inconsistent staffing (mostly friendly, some outright rude) - parking is sparse - hard to reach by phone at times - finished pieces are not organized and pick-up turns into a 'hunt' - quality of instruction was good read more

We did the pottery wheel and it was fantastic! Chloe was an amazing help and super patient with my mother who has a tendency to get frustrated easily. My complaint is about a gentlemen who I assume to be in upper management or even the owner. The first time we popped by on Mother's Day we had made a reservation for the pottery wheel that got recorded as pottery painting. Well apparently they don't do the pottery wheel on Sunday's and he rudely told us that we should book it asap as the wheel fills up quickly. When we went for our other appointment I accidentally washed my hands in the wrong sink and he rudely told me doing so will clog it and then proceeded to yell at Chloe for letting me do so. Overall the pottery experience was awesome but this individual (bald, larger Caucasian make) needs some better customer service skills and to not treat his staff so rudely! read more

Came in on a Groupon for pottery wheel for 2 people, around $60. In addition, we paid $5 per piece for glazing, colouring and firing of items, which we NEVER DID and did not get a refund. The items that we created were DISCARDED after 60 days, and there was no phone call to let us know they were going to be discarded. When we were called after the firing (2 weeks later) there was no mention of only keeping items for 60 days. No one mentioned at any time about items being kept only 60 days. No where does it say on the website that items are kept for 60 days. We are furious. Terrible customer service to boot. read more

Used a GROUPON discount to do the pottery wheel for two. This was okay but we were only there for a max of 30 minutes (the coupon was good for up to 60 minutes) and that is both of us sharing one wheel. I made a bowl but there wasn't time to explore anything beyond a simple bowl shape. We were told we'd receive a call in one to two weeks to let us know the ceramics had been fired and we could come in and paint them. I was told the coupon did not include the painting and I was told I had to pay for the painting right then, upfront*. After two weeks, we had not received a phone call, so I called the studio and was told that it is not guaranteed that they will be fired within two weeks and that it often takes up to 4 weeks. After 3 weeks, we did get our phone call that the pieces were fired and we could come in (no appt necessary during the week) anytime to paint them. We went to the studio two weeks later and staff could not initially find our pieces and they casually said, "Oh maybe they were thrown away." When they found our items, my bowl was broken. They said I could still paint it if I wanted to. When I said I was disappointed that it had been broken after I had left it with them to fire, and that I wanted the opportunity to make a new bowl, I was told to speak to the manager. The woman I spoke to said flat out, that was not allowed, that I could not make a new bowl, that I could either paint my broken bowl (she said it probably broke during the firing) or paint a staff-made item instead. When I said that neither option was acceptable to me, I was given no other alternative. When I said I would like a refund of the payment I made for painting (as I would not be able to paint anything) I was told that there are no refunds and that I had been given the option to paint "something". There was never any apology made that the bowl I made had been broken, and in fact I was told that I had made my bowl too thin and thin items do not fire well. I pointed out that during the bowl making session, the instructor had finished my bowl for me as my hands were making it wobbly, and she had told me it was suitable for firing. Overall, a poor customer service experience, and for the sake of some clay they have lost a customer for good, and perhaps this review will turn some people away as well. * Now I see why. read more

I've been to Artopia at least 4 times, always for ceramic painting and with the Groupon. I've been to pretty much all the other ceramics painting studios in Calgary and I think Artopia is the best value and has all the cool paints (like the speckled colours and the bumpy pen ones). The prices are, of course, more than what you would pay for a regular cup or bowl or what-have-you but if all you want is a regular cup then go to IKEA! They never rush you so you don't have to worry if you end up spending all day working on your masterpiece! They also do a pretty good job with the glazing and firing; I've noticed few to no chips with my pieces from here, despite putting them in dishwasher (which I think is not recommended). I've also never had an issue with them not having items ready in a timely fashion. Overall I think it's a super fun activity to do with a friend, a big group, or just by yourself! You get to delve into painting something for several hours and then you have something useful to take home and remind you of the great time you had afterwards! read more

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My mom and I rather enjoyed the experience of making the pieces on the pottery wheel. however I received no call back for when I could pick up my pieces. I called the studio today and they said they only hold the pieces for 30 days. I told the manager Mckenzie, that I did not receive any phone calls from their studio and she says that it is not her fault and that I should have a voicemail. Overall they had extremely rude customer service, seemed unorganized and unreliable, not to mention I paid $50+ for them to throw away my pieces without notifying me. read more

We did glass fusing and found the choice of colours very minimal. If you are wanting to match a colour or decor you don't have much chance with the selection provided. The project was fun and we enjoyed our time there but it is pricey even with the groupon we used. The man who answers the phone and takes reservations really needs some customer service training, he is abrupt and off putting. read more

I purchased a Groupon for the ceramics and quite enjoyed it. It's a good deal, so me and my friend purchased a few more. The ladies there are always friendly and helpful. As others have stated, the gentleman there (who I assume is upper management) is quite rude to customers and staff...but it doesn't seem that he does much on the customer service side. As I enjoyed the Groupon for ceramics, I purchased one for glass fusing also. I enjoyed it, but the Groupon only gets you a coaster. We ended up doing bowls, so it is a bit of an investment. I was surprised that I received my pieces earlier than told as they are quite busy. read more

Horrible establishment. Owner is rude and dishonest. We went August 29th as a family. The owner was so rude in front of my children I had to have a talk with them on the car ride home explaining that not all people in the world are good etc,.. It was shocking and disappointing. This is first review I have ever written because people should be warned, do NOT buy the groupon he doesnt honor them. He adds surcharges etc,. and came out after we were halfway through our project and had already showed the lady working there it and told us he would not give us the full discount. He is a crook and likely gets away with it all the time because he waits until people are invested in their project. They don't even deserve the one star they are getting. Avoid Avoid Avoid read more

This might be the worst business in Calgary. Went for glass fusion, but they had almost no colours to choose from, and only clear glass bases. No glue, either, and judging by the dozens of empty glue bottles on the supply shelf, they haven't had glue for months. Staff tries to be helpful, but it's hard to do when they have so few supplies. Owner is shockingly rude, confrontational, and didn't honour Groupon appropriately. I wouldn't send my worst enemy there. Will never return. Guy deserves to go out of business. Spend your money elsewhere. read more

Let me start of by saying if you don't care about customer service and friendly staff you'll be just fine here. I painted my piece and got it a week later and it looked good. So if that's all you need then go for it! However if you want to enjoy your experience with friendly staff and good customer service, this is not the place for you! I booked in some time for a friend and I to go paint (i had a Groupon) and unfortunately her baby wasn't feeling well and she couldn't come. I had asked if I could purchase two pieces (one for me and one for my friend) since she couldn't come and I still wanted to use my Groupon, but I was told rather rudely that there must be two people to redeem the Groupon and there was absolutely no way to use it without a second person. (Even if I bought two pieces as if there were two people!) So I gave the second half of my Groupon to another customer in the studio, not wanting to waste it. Not only that but the staff seemed very unenthusiastic about being there. It's a art studio for Pete's sake! Chat with your customers and at least pretend to have fun. I've been to color me mine so many times, I go probably 6-7 times a year and have used a Groupon or two there too. And I've always had super friendly staff and great customer service! I'll chat with the staff and they are always so nice! They also have a much larger ceramics and paint selection! Anyways, I'm disappointed with my experience, I did end up with a nice piece but I could do that anywhere. read more

Not worth your money. The workers there can't even make a simple art piece. Pretty disgusting seeing as my art piece has bits of hairs ranging from different colours. Also they are overpriced, even my kid can do better. If would be best fitting if there was a lower rating than 1 star. read more

I wish there was a rating lower than one star... Terrible customer service, rude staff and constant "that is an additional charge" leaves me not wanting to go back. read more

We had a terrible experience with the owner - he was extremely rude. We had purchased a Groupon for Artopia and wanted to do glasswork. We arrived on a Saturday, it was busy and we asked if we should come back, the girl said we will find a spot - so we sat at the end of a small table and chairs with 8 others. We were told we couldn't do the glasswork because of the Groupon (I did not see that written on the coupon). So we chose plates because we didn't want tacky rabbits, butterflies or gnomes. After we painted the plates we went to pay. The owner told us we had to pay an extra $22 dollars because the plates we chose were more expensive. I paid the extra $22. 3 days later he phones my friend and tells her we have to pay another $25 because the Groupon had expired (we didn't know that) or we won't get our plates. If we had known that at the time of purchase we would not have chosen items over and above the coupon. I am not upset over the money as much as the rudeness of the owner. I now know why he doesn't accept credit cards as people would be able to get their money back. I'm out $47 an he said "you can leave the store now". NEVER support this business. read more

I don't even want to give this place 1 star!!! I have never been so disgusted with a business in my life. This place is so unprofessional, and absolutely could care less about having happy customers. I had purchased a groupon for an hour long pottery wheel class for my son and I at Artopia. At the :55 minute mark, she practically kicked us out of there. She clearly was eager to have the class be over. We were told we'd get a call when our pieces were ready to be painted. I never received a call AT ALL. Fast forward to 60 + days later...after a busy summer holiday. I just happen to remember that I had never heard from anyone at the studio about our pieces being ready. I had honestly forgotten about them. I call the studio, and am told that they had been donated!!! I asked why I was never contacted in advance, and was told by John (who apparently is in charge), that they always call customers to follow up before they donate the items. I said I never received a call, and even checked my phone records.. There was no apology given, and when I asked what they were going to do to rectify the situation, he said "nothing"...I asked if I could at least get a free pottery wheel class to make up the money I had spent there and he said "no". I obviously was frustrated and it showed in the tone of my voice..at which point he said he will tolerate no more "abuse" and hung up on me. Don't waste your time and $ on this place. Now I need to explain to my 9 year old son why we can't paint the vase he made for me. on the pottery wheel. Big disappointment!!! read more

I agree with an earlier comment about he groupon. You aren't getting that much of a deal by the time you've done a second firing. To get anything decent like a bowl or something your looking at $65+. You can use as much glass as you want but still it's expensive for scrap glass. My daughter and I got the groupon for $25. Then we picked two different bowls, each needed a second firing which is an extra $7 ea. so in the end 2 bowls worked out to $141.00. We had fun doing it. I didn't realize we couldn't collect the bowl the same day which was disappointing. But she called today to say it's ready so I'll I pick it up tomorrow. It's been 10 days. Hope they turned out good (for that price I hope so). The young girl in there was helpful though and showed us the glass blowing that someone else was doing. My daughter and I were the only ones doing the glass fusing on the day we went (Tuesday daytime) so we had the whole area to ourselves. read more

When you go into and inquire about classes and gift cert. The owner is absolutely clueless on what he offers. And you phone the day before signing up your child for art classes he hasn't spoken to the artist yet and has no idea if there is space available or not. I had to call back later that day and I get told rather rudely that they are open till 9pm. I'm sorry but if you are offering classes the next day you should already now the day before if you have space available or not when people are calling to find out. Then I was told that I should take my business elsewhere and I informed him that I would be in the morning to get my money back and he hung up one me.. I went in the next morning to get my money back and he informed me that I was the one that hung up on him and when I told him no I didn't he did he argued with me. I asked to speak to the manager and he told me that he was the owner and I asked him why if he was the manager how doesn't he know what classes he offers and about GC? He sat there and just looked me. He told me where I could find the door. Every time I asked how is it that he is the owner and is totally clueless when asked about programs he offers and every time I get a blank stare. He informed me that there was a video camera with sound behind him. I would say I'm not the only one that has issues with him. So now my daughter is out of a Christmas gift. read more