I took a beginner's clay class with a friend back in March- it was taught by the owner, Bree, who…read morewas knowledgeable, funny, and super sweet! The price for a 2 hour clay class honestly felt like a steal. Bree taught us all the basics- how to wedge clay and roll out a slab with the slab roller machine, how to slip and score, how to work with porcelain clay vs. stoneware clay- it was AMAZING how much she was able to fit into 2 hours, and she did it without rushing. She was patient and explained things very well, and gave a lovely tour of the entire studio. Plus, her dog is adorable and well behaved! I can honestly say that this is one of the best values for your time and money, and with the options to come back and choose a more advanced class if you think that you're ready to try something more difficult. This is definitely a hidden gem- support a local business and spark your creativity here! It's SO worth it!

From the owner: We are a fully functioning art studio. We teach weekly ceramic art clay classes and a watercolor…read morepainting class. Our Mission is to create an artist community in Rockville. Being recognized as an artist district by the state is one goal of our community of artistl. We have a full gallery and Studio 467 currently rents space to artist, has clay artist members, and teaches 13 different clay classes a week for adults and children. We also host private events, corporate team building workshops, other activities and events. Studio 467 in Rockville, CT is a 1930s industrial storefront retrofitted retail space, workshops & studios for artists, makers, entrepreneurs, and creative professionals seeking space to create, teach, learn and sell. Offering an oppurtunity to be part of the clay and art community.

You should travel from far and wide to experience the visual fiesta of fair-trade arts & crafts at…read morethe Mansfield Art Center!! This is a truly local, small, family run business and the owners/shopkeepers have quite the tales to tell... The goods and crafts sold at the Arts Center are collected by the owners who have traveled to all these destinations around the world making connections with the artisans . The items here are more unique and vibrant than I see at a lot of boutique craft/jewelry shops and there is usually an interesting story the shopkeepers can tell about where the items come from/who made them. Just perusing the store feels like a trip around the world (or at least Epcot ) and is genuinely fun. Most locals know to come here for their Holiday gifts though I live in Boston and make a point to come every year! The store is typically open only seasonally as owners are traveling much of the rest of the year- so make it happen this Christmas season. Some good restaurants in nearby Willimantic, UConn on the other side, and the subtle beauty of the Quiet Corner of CT makes a stop here a lovely day trip. Check it out!

The perfect place to find a gift for almost anyone. I did much of my Christmas shopping here and…read moreeveryone loved their gifts. This is the place to find unique gifts and jewlery from all over the world. The owners go all over the world and come back with beautiful items to sell at a very fair price. I love the set up of this store also- differant sections for differant countries from India to Mexico to China. Also, the owners are so friendly. You will most definetly be offered free tea and maybe even cookies too when shopping.

This gallery is a first class establishment. I purchased a very unique piece of art last month…read morethat is a one of a kind piece. The variety is great and the customer service is top notch. I will purchase again from this gallery and have shopped extensively in the area. I collect art from various cities and this is worth visiting.

This Art Center includes galleries and exhibits displaying unique and beautifully created works of…read moreart. They also offer various classes and learning as well as monthly Drawing opportunities. The Gallery Exhibits are free and open to the public and feature both local and regional artists works. They have a beautiful building, off street parking, and are handicap accessible. Their volunteers are very helpful and informative.

This art center is a hidden, but easy to find gem! Located on the corner of Rte 30 and Center Rd in…read moreVernon, the actual driveway and parking are off Center Road. The center has regular hours on Thursday - Sunday from 1:00 - 5:00. The website is www.vernonarts.org and will let you know about current exhibits, classes, and other events.

Great art gallery. Amazing artists represented by a curator that is as passionate about the work…read moreas the artists. Not to be missed when visiting Simsbury.

From the owner: Unique original art at Philip Janes Gallery in Granby CT.read more

Don't be intimidated! Yes, this is the real deal, tucked away on the cobblestones of Inn Street,…read morebut even though it feels like I'm visiting a museum every time I go in, I am soon lost in the imagination and creativity of every amazing artist on display here. So far, I only have one tiny but utterly breathtaking painting that I was lucky enough to squirrel away from the Churchill Gallery, but I visit my next new painting in their online gallery often. Even when I'm not buying, I'm always asking questions, and the lovely (Belgian?) woman who tolerates me is always very gracious and polite.

Sawmill is a truly magical place. Located in Montague, Sawmill is located in the mill area that…read morecontains The Alvah Stone. It's a small but mighty and lovely shop that houses products from 15+ local member artists and 20+ local consignors. The artists take turns running the shop and are very proud of their co-op. If you're even so much as nearby Montague, you simply must stop here. It's really hard to describe such a place. Its jam-packed full of expertly curated paintings, photos, jewelry, scarves, knick-knacks, sculptures, cards and more. No two artists are the same. You can get lost for a very, very long time browsing the selections and getting to know the works of each artist. I mean, just look at my photos below. It is too much fun to turn the corner in the gallery and stumble across something new and colorful. I'm really regretting not purchasing a few wearable art pieces and a pen-and-ink art print of an owl. If you need a gift for someone (or you're like me, and every day is Treat Yo' Self day), Sawmill is a no-brainer of a stop. Not only are you getting an exceptional, handmade gift, but you're supporting local artists and keeping this interesting collaboration thriving. The prices range significantly, but everything here is affordable, and more importantly, uniquely interesting. Love, love, love!

From the owner: Collective Art Galleryread more

Attractive 2-floor gallery in Bantem CT (lovely Litchfield County). Featuring many artists…read moreincluding: Richard Pitts (colorful sculptures and oils), Patricia Udell, Paul Steinitz (amazing black & white photography), amongst some of my personal favorites. introduce yourself to affable and knowledgable Artur Matuszewski, owner & curator. Wonderful environment to interact with and acquire contemporary and modern art.

This art gallery is GORGEOUS. The first thing you notice is that the property outside has large,…read morecolorful sculptures scattered all around the building. The Colonial building itself was built in the 1700s and was restored by the owner, Artur Matuszewski. He kept as much of the original detail and wood as possible while turning it into this beautiful Contemporary/Modern Art Gallery. This two story building showcases artists' work perfectly. I went to see Emilia Dubicki's art. The rooms filled with her canvases were nicely interspersed with other artists' sculptures and furniture. If you love contemporary art, go check out this Gallery.

Very nice space for a gallery. It's an old freight house for the New Haven Railroad that has…read moreterrific light and open space for all kinds of exhibits.

It's been almost a full year now, since the last posting about Windsor's Art Center and nothing's…read morechanged- they're not open during their posted hours and all my emails have gone unanswered, as have my voicemails. We've tried numerous times after work to try to get in, but they're just not open. We really wanted to see many of the artists' work the were displaying!! I understand that there are a lot of volunteers working there and that emergencies happen, but there really is no excuse for abusing a patron's time and energy by not being open during posted hours and being so disrespectful as to not answer emails or voicemails. Although this place could be the gem of Windsor, it actually is the bane of this patron, who's tired of the noncommunication and wasting half hour rides to get there. Best we go elsewhere to be treated more respectfully and to actually be able to visit an art gallery that's open when it claims to be. Don't bother trying to get into this place.