I visited this lovely art gallery to attend an event : The "Art to the Rescue" fundraiser for…read moreSecond Chance Pet Adoptions. It was their 2nd annual art exhibition to benefit homeless animals and many were there to support the animals as well as the artists. The artwork was beautifully displayed at ArtSource Fine Art Gallery at North Hills , which was the perfect venue to host the closing reception on Thursday, 6/30 from 6-8pm. The Exhibition featured over 30 pieces of art provided by over 20 well-known local artists. The artwork reflected a variety of themes as well as different mediums. There was great wine courtesy of Bottle Mixx , music, fantastic artwork, and adoptable animal guests at the  closing reception! Flights at the Renaissance and Rocky Top Hospitality provided tasty hors d'oeuvres and desserts! I thought the gallery although small in size showcased art wonderfully and provided the perfect intimate setting for this event.

Yes, you did offer to fix it in shop, like I said in my first review. When I explained that we had…read moremoved and it would not be convenient for us to go to your shop, you did not offer any other options to remedy the faulty frame job. We asked if you'd be willing to at least help cover the cost of fixing the frame and you did not respond.

Perhaps the time to stop by here is during SPARKcon when presumably everyone will have their best…read moreon display. It kills me to give this place a low rating since anyone who can do what I cannot -- create art -- deserves all the kudos she or he can get. VAE was disappointing. The venue itself is perfect, well organized, good lighting, and with the art thoughtfully displayed. With the exception of the oil paintings of birds on wood, with the corresponding feathers in jars below; the crayon bunches spelling vandal; and the clay slab with hammerheads embedded within, there was really very little else that captured attention in such a way to make you feel the emotion of what the artist was attempting to capture. Still, I freely admit what was displayed showed a talent beyond anything I could do, but I cannot give this a higher rating without minimizing the other incredible art available in other galleries in the area. Timing is everything, and maybe my timing was off. I'll try again another day and perhaps then be able to change my rating upward.

I really enjoy stopping by the VAE (Visual Art Exchange), although I admit, I usually go by during…read moreRaleigh's First Friday Art Walks. I really enjoy that VAE changes their exhibits, sometimes by extreme measures, with the different artists they bring in. The large space is divided partially by a wall and they also have an area in the back called "The Cube" that always features one exhibit. The artist that ends up in the cube is usually a little more "modern" then those in the larger space. I've seen a whole variety of works, everything from puppets to hanging pieces of brush to animated short films, the list goes on. I love that VAE rotates their galleries monthly and is always bringing in a variety of artists. I've seen a lot of photography, mixed media and oils, it's definitely always unique, beautiful and covers a spectrum of work. I truly think that each gallery change provides something for everyone, but even if you aren't a fan of the work one month, I HIGHLY encourage you to return and give it another try the next month. The works of art are usually all for sale, plus they'll sometimes have local pop-up shops in the gallery. Their website is a wonderful source too for all things happening. Plus, if you go early enough on First Friday, they'll have wine and sparkling juices, a nice treat to sip on while you enjoy the gallery. VAE also helps put on PBaRt every year, a once a year event that benefits Raleigh's SparkCON. Unfortunately, if you're reading this review and it's current, you JUST missed it (it was last weekend!) But definitely put it on your agenda for next year, it is a AWESOME event! VAE is definitely more of a "traditional" art gallery then DesignBox next door [not that the pieces are always tradition]. If you're looking for more artistic ideas and gadgets, I encourage you to check out the studio next door!

Vanya's is a wonderful art store. It's specialty seems to be African and African American Art and…read morecustom framing although I did see a few items that looked to be from the southwest US. The prints and the art intrigued me for some reason. There was something very personal about the images that were captured on the canvas. Amazing and beautiful prints and lithos of people celebrating and just living life. I was especially intrigued by what looked like hard carved pieces, but ran out of time before I could ask about them. But now I have another reason to go back. It's worth a trip.

John and Sharon Stein have painted furniture and restored family pieces for me. I discovered them…read moresix years ago, after a housefire. They completely restored and badly damaged piece. Their "magic" even removed all traces of smoke and soot. Everything they did has held up. The paint and finishes are as beautiful now as the day they were delivered. Sharon has a keen eye for design. Her guidance and expertise were perfect. During the process, communication was always open. I highly recommend!

I am not one to leave reviews, but I feel compelled to do so after my disastrous experience with…read moreStein's Furniture and Lacquer Studio. In early November I brought in chairs to be lacquered in a high gloss finish. After nearly 3 months I stopped by the store to see what the delay was. I was told that they would be finished "soon". After another 2 weeks I again called to follow up and was told that the chairs were finished. When I went in to pick them up I was shocked at the sloppy and unprofessional work. The paint was blotchy and dull in some parts, shiny in others, and the paint had an overall "orange peel" look. I had asked for a high gloss finish. The fabric on chairs, which I was assured would be removed was still on the chairs!. When I pointed this out to Sharon the owner, she agreed to fix the problem. I took her on her word, and dropped off fabric for her to give to her upholsterer who was to pick up the chairs when finished. Two and a half months later I received a call from the upholsterer informing me that the chairs could not be upholstered as they were not fully painted and had white under primer showing through on all of the edges. The upholsterer could not cover the parts that were not painted because Sharon DID NOT REMOVE the initial fabric as promised, and just painted around the fabric! All of the edges had white primer showing through and blotched paint! When I spoke to Sharon I told her that after close to 7 month of waiting that this work was unacceptable - both to me and her upholsterer as well. She told me I was "picky" and took no responsibility for her unprofessional behavior and horrendous work! She also said that I was supposed to remove the fabric - a bold faced lie!!! If that were true, she should not have accepted the chairs upholstered in the first place! And should have told me as I visited the studio several times asking when my chairs would be done!! In classic Narcissistic style she denied any accountability, lied, and put all the blame on me and the upholsterer! To ad insult to injury, she double charged me without my permission.Which last time I checked is called theft. Thankfully pictures don't lie!

Bottom line: LaMantia Gallery is a nice and intimate gallery displaying art of the owner as well as…read moreothers, a great art resource for our area. The Deets: I had the pleasure of accompanying my friend Carley W. to a private event here at LaMantia Gallery recently. This location of LaMantia Gallery is located in Village District (formerly Cameron Village) near downtown Raleigh, with the first gallery being located in Northport, NY. This intimate gallery has a curated selection of not only artist/owner James LaMantia's art but other artists as well. I loved the art displayed here during the event, some of which I did take pictures of with the permission of the artist. I also got to meet Mr. LaMantia as well, and he was very welcoming and pleased in the interest in the gallery/his art. I had a great time discussing each item of art with my friend at that event, what we each saw in them and what new things we could discover together. It was a great experience, and I love this intimate gallery being available in our area.

It's a bit pricey, we went as a group to do a Galenintine event to paint ceramics. We had to pay…read morefor a ticket AND for the ceramic of our choice. Each piece is individually priced. After you paint it, they take your piece, glaze and fire it. I am picking mine up tomorrow! It took about a week for them to text and say it was ready. This was fun and relaxing. Would do this again!

Mad Splatter is a great place to go with a group. The service is friendly, the atmosphere is fun,…read moreand there are a variety of things to do. They have fun events, camps, drop-in studio time, and private parties. So far I have hosted two private parties there, one for adults in a splatter room and one for kids painting ceramics. Everyone had a lot of fun and the staff were very helpful. I also attended an event there and it was really fun. Mad Splatter is fun to go to with friends or family.

I took in a poster to be framed. What should have been an easy job took them nearly 2 months to…read morecomplete . For nearly $200, I got an ugly, cheap-looking frame that I probably could have bought at Marshall's for $15. Very disappointed. I will not be back.

I needed a print framed and the Frame Warehouse was able to make a frame that accented the print…read more It is well built and good priced.

Jeff provides top level service with quality results. He did a fantastic job in restoring a family…read moreheirloom with sentimental value. He was patient in working with me to make sure the result would be to my expectations and delivered above and beyond. The amount of time spent on the piece is reflective of his attention to detail and passion for his craft. A+ work.

You may have been where I was 2 weeks before Christmas. After an exhaustive search for the perfect…read moregift for my impossible to shop for brother, I am so excited to open the box I got from Etsy. I found the perfect vintage poker set. Imagine my horror and disappointment when I open and find it damaged in shipment! Luckily the honest seller refunded my money and I set out to find someone who would repair it. I found most antique places want bigger jobs, bigger furniture. When I found Jeff Johnson's website and read the reviews I thought.... I have nothing to lose.... Flash forward to the after photos (I uploaded so you can see for yourself) and it is beautifully restored. Not only is the chip fixed but he refinished everything so it looks better that ever. I would not hesitate to bring even my most prized antique to Jeff. Quality work, fast. tips - he seems to communicate best via email. This works for me but heads up if you are used to a voice on the phone. he has an arrangement with another company so that if he is out of the office you can leave things or pick up things. This is super convenient but struck me as a little odd. I guess I am just a cynical transplant from the north and I worried about security but it seems to be de rigueur here so I guess I just need to chill out and adjust! Excellent experience, honest talented and fast. See pictures for proof!