It was a great experience. It feels like a community of people coming together to make or learn art.read more

I saw this place pop up in Berkley a few years ago and was intrigued. I don't consider myself an…read moreartist by any stretch of the imagination. I hadn't attempted anything creative since the last art class I had in grade school. But I was interested when I saw they offered a Zentangle class which promised the only artistic ability you needed was to draw a stick figure. I took the class and ended up really enjoying it. It is essentially structured, meditative doodling. I came back for several more Zentangle classes when I found it was a great way to relieve stress and get out of the rut of logical, left-brain thinking. I never intended to create great art, but rather to get in touch with the creative part of my brain and to enjoy the meditative qualities of creating art. But I enjoyed Zentangle so much that I eventually branched out and tried several other classes that included things like intuitive painting, sculpture, and traditional Japanese Sumi-e black ink painting. Each class was fun and informative, and I was surprised to find sometimes I actually liked some of the art I created, too, and not just the process. The owner, Debby, and the instructors have all been great. They clearly love helping people learn and get in touch with their creativity. Articipate offers a wide variety of events, classes and lessons. It seems like there is something for everyone - regardless of age and whether you consider yourself artistic or not. It seems like a glut of places have popped up in the past few years offering private "paint parties". I have been to a couple of those and while they can be fun, this place takes an approach that is much more fun and engaging than a one size fits all "paint by numbers" approach - regardless of artistic ability. I encouraged anyone interested to check out what they offer and let the friendly owner and instructors help you get in touch with your creative side.

I found this hidden gem tucked away on an industrial drive by Googling "art galleries near me" when…read moreI was eating Thai food in Royal Oak. My expectations weren't much; I've lived in the Detroit metro area my entire life and had never even heard of this curiously spelled Habatat. These galleries, both stories of them far exceeded them. Let me say up front the exquisite glass works contained within these walls are far out of my price range. Base price for anything seems to be 10 grand with certain pieces going for as much as 8 or 9 times that. The few things I saw in a 4 figure price range stuck out like a sore thumb in how unimpressive they were. Something going for $6500 looked to me like it should be $650 while anything up in 5 figures had the intricacy and craftsmanship for me to see why it commanded a price of more than twice my 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. So I'm essentially reviewing HG as a free museum cause that's how I looked at it. If there was a donation box that I spotted I probably would have put a fiver in it but none presented itself to me. The employee or proprietor who walked in shortly after me seemed to sense I was simply a sightseer, too, and showed no irritation with it. I think she was coming back from lunch break. I saw her out in the parking lot. So maybe she was just happy with a full belly of good food. Or had sold hundreds of thousands of dollars of glass work that morning. Most of the walls are black or very dark gray with multiple lights focused on each individual glass piece and they pop out beautifully. So many different artists represented as well. I usually try to keep track, at least somewhat, but I'm not too familiar with this medium and with the creators constantly in flux I didn't even bother trying. So go look yourself if you want to know who is behind all these shimmering delicate whats. I'd be cautious about bringing any young kids here though. I shudder to think of the damage some rugrat running around could do in the Habatat habitat. The second floor isn't as extensive as the first but I wasn't expecting it to exist in the first place and there is one spot where it provides a good overview of one of the ground floor galleries. At least a couple of rooms have white walls as the blonde lady who checked back in with me explained some of the pieces just look better with a white background. Some rooms have cubicles stacked layer upon layer with fascinating and fun multi colored glass art. Not an all day affair, unless perhaps you're an aficionado looking to drop serious ducats on multiple pieces for display and investment, but for a curiosity seeker like me you can easily while away an hour or perhaps more here. I walked out thinking that if I hit the Mega Millions I'd definitely buy a piece or three from Habatat Galleries.

The most breath taking experience. The talent is unsurpassed .feels more like a museum than a…read moregallery

This is a unique store here in downtown RO. It's off 4th street, west of Main Street, just a bit…read moreoff the beaten path. There's such a hodge podge collection of items here. Some fun toys for kids, adults and the adult kids too. Stuffed toys, old school or retro toys. Some clothing items too. I do enjoy taking a gander here and there when we walk around downtown. If you are in town, do check it out, you might find a unique memorabilia item you just have to buy.

Ever since discovering the wonder that is Dunny Bunnies, I have had an obsession with vinyl & plush…read moretoys. I was really excited when Lift changed location and focus from primarily shoes to toys. They've got a great selection of Kid Robot, Tokidoki, Gloomy Bear, lots of Custom Dunny's, Munny's, Frank Kozik...just generally a great selection of work. Lift has custom shows pretty often, so if collecting is your thing...be sure to check out the events. The owner is really down to earth and knows his stuff. The show openings usually involve food and drink and a raffle giveaway of toys from the store. I went to the recent reveal of the custom Doktor A toy that was made for Lift, it was phenomenal. What a talent! He's out of the U.K., I believe so they even had him on a webcam in the corner so you could ask the artist about his work. Other goods they have at the store: Skateboard decks, Hoodies, Tshirts and shoes.

Its been a solid 7 days since I ordered and they haven't shipped. They sent me tracking 3 days ago…read moreand it still shows only the label has been printed. I've emailed twice and no reply. Awful service for almost a $200 order.

I love this store, I always find something cute for a gift. Not everything is Michigan themed…read moreeither, so no matter the type of gift you need you'll be able to find something. I visit during the Arts Beats and Eats festival, they participate in the Royal Oak $ program. I have spent my $$ here the last 2 years!

I wish there was a 10 star rating. Had a surprise annv. party for my husband this weekend. To say…read morethat this place is great is an understatement. Great party and and absolutely FABULOUS host. Goes above and beyond your requests and expectations. Would do it all over again without a single change to the night.