I heard about 4Cats opening on facebook but wasn't sure what to expect. At first I thought it was a…read moredrop in creative space for kids. I've been down ever since J'taime Eco Art space suddenly disappeared from the Hydrostone last Spring and was hoping 4Cats would be something similar. I attended the open house and was surprised to learn that they host art-themed workshops for kids and adults. Some workshops are one offs and others are over several sessions. The workshops are based around a different artist or subject and they teach a variety of art mediums. They even do camps for kids. And you can host art-themed birthday parties there. My daughter had a blast at the grand opening. The highlight was the Jackson Pollock room where kids get to throw paint on a canvas. Old t-shirt included. How often do you get to tell a kid "Make as much mess as you like. In fact the messier the better." That alone was worth it. My daughter also went to a clay sculpting workshop and was invited to tea where she got to go back and show off her artwork; in full princess costume of course! Having just opened, the owner and staff are still getting their business legs under them and sometimes things can be a little disorganized. However they are nice and great with kids. They really seem to be having a blast at it and that really shows in how positive they are with customers. I am really glad to see a different type of business open; especially one that promotes creativity in kids. I wish them all the success.

Fun place for kids, but they really need to do a better job keeping the place clean between…read moreparties/groups. Perhaps cleaning surfaces or even the bathroom (which looked vile, and had no paper towels) would make it more enjoyable to visit.

Now here is a huge, somewhat overwhelming art and craft store. This place seriously has everything…read moreyou may need to tackle a craft or any sort of art project. Deserres has everything from scrapbooking items to a rather large framing center. They've got a diverse selection of paints and colours, as well as a lot of different canvases to work with, in all shapes and sizes. There's even a kids section with fun projects for children of all ages. What I really liked about Deserres is that it's nicely mapped out. There are large signs above head indicating what is in each section. Everything from the fine arts to graphic arts is conveniently labelled so you know exactly where to go. I had a couple of questions about products and the nice salesman was very eager to help. He told me everything a I needed to know and even gave me other options to choose from. I was very grateful for his help. I really enjoyed just browsing through this store at all that they have, even if I wasn't interested in buying most of it. I thoroughly enjoyed how organized they were. It made it easy to be in there.

'Deserres' is currently located where 'Loomis Art Store' used to be. I'm not entirely certain that…read more'Deserres' didn't just absorb this smaller art store chain, since the interior doesn't appear to have changed very much. Whether you're a professional or simply a crafty weekender, Deserres caters to every level of artiste. They truly have something for everyone! I was impressed to pop in last Saturday and find pink pipe cleaners. (A naturally integral component of my Halloween costume) Deserres also carries those stick on wall designs that you've probably started noticing. These are super funky and a nice alternative to sponge painting your bedroom, etc. They also come in a chalk board variety so your grocery list can be a tad more noticeable 2'x3' tacked to your wall. Definitely recommend trying this art store out! Lots of great gift wrapping paraphernalia too!

Love, love, love this store. If your looking for that 'special something' for yourself or a friend,…read moreneed paint/supplies or have the desire to be creative, need inspiration or advice for a project, this store provides all of that and more! Nichla has years of knowledge and experience with creativeness and her goal is to empower others to do the same. I especially adore the upcycled and re- loved furniture pieces in this store. You have to see them to believe it. Ohhh, did I mention ' I love this store!"

From the owner: We specialize in DIY workshops and projects for your home. We carry Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, the…read moreoriginal upscale furniture paint. We also carry a selection of ReDesign with Prima decor transfers and decoupage papers. We'll help you create beautiful decor for your home.

I was a student of the centre for arts and technology. Not the one in Halifax so I can't speak…read moreabout that campus but I can speak about the Fredericton campus. I left half way through. If you do go to the centre for arts and technology make sure you only pay by quarter because getting a refund is a nightmare. The first three months of my animation program was made up of Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. No animation. There was an insane amount of professional development. I guess that's cheap to teach. Most of the instructors seem to be right out of school or out of their element. And VCU, don't get me started on trying to learn animation by VCU (Video conference unit). They seem to be moving more toward VCU becasue more of my classes were being taught from another campus. My advice, for any college you plan to attend not just the centre for arts and technology, talk to current and former students. If the college doesn't let you - walk away. I paid alot for my year there. It was an expensive lesson. Ronald Reagan said it best, and this relates to recruiters, "trust but verify"

I can only speak for the Animation course in which I say you'll be met with brilliant, funny,…read morecaring teachers, who have a passion and interest in the industry. When students come back after graduating to visit they are greeted like an old friend who they generally are interested to hear from and curious to see improvements. I suffer with dysthymia and generalized anxiety disorder in which I worried.. naturally, but they are respectful and flexible with my conditions. This is a wonderful course if you have the drive and persistence for animation.

Excellent daycare. The staff are attentive and nurturing, and my child looks forward to each day…read more Communication with parents is great, and the environment feels safe and welcoming.

As a parent I am an observer and keep myself attentive during the drop off and pick up time and…read morechanges my time of pickup to find whats happening behind the closed doors. You don't want to leave your children where they isolate crying and terrified children and shout at them to sit at one place. You are leaving the most precious part of your life to them and they would make sure to scar them for life. The teacher are so overwhelmed with work that they behave frustrated with children. I have encountered teachers shouting and leaving the classrooms with children alone( I wont believe anyone but I have seen it through my own eyes and heard teachers shouting) complained about it and feedback taken poorly owner saying it might be parents shouting when there were no parents inside when I arrived late to drop off my child. Can't believe my own eyes and ears.I am not sure on what basis government are providing them licenses to play with the little ones life. If I had the time to take them for a ride I would have strongly revolted their practices and complaint to the authority to close all the locations. Disheartened and frightened for the little ones lives. Complaint has been registered but as a parent I should inform you all. It is just not me there are other parents with same concern. Additionally, teachers are frequently engaged in cleaning tasks during critical playtime, which is essential for a child's development. This diversion of attention may limit meaningful interactions that foster growth and learning. There are significant concerns regarding the current practices at this daycare that could impact the well-being of children and the experiences of parents in the future. Reports of teachers raising their voices at children have been noted, suggesting a potential pattern that may continue. Parent feedback appears to be inadequately addressed by management, which could cultivate a growing frustration among families.

I discovered this place after a friend told me about it and my friend and I have made it a weekly…read morestop recently. Attached to the historic brewery market. Part craft/art supply store, part teahouse, combined equal perfection. I think absolutely everything about this place is adorable. The art supply area of the store has cute postcards, stamps, stickers, journals, planners, pens, jewelry beads, tea sets and so much more. The teahouse portion offers hot beverages, as well as, vegan and nonvegan light food fare. Vegan options include a rice, seaweed and mushroom soup (doesn't sound like much but it's actually delicious), a fruit breakfast bowl with rice, green onion and seasame pancakes and candied walnuts. They also offer soy milk for drinks or to bring home. The gentleman who has always been working when we have gone (I believe he's also the owner) is very nice as well. They have a nice seating area and my favourite spot is the window where there are stools. There's a little rock garden with adorable plants and cacti. It's simply heavenly. Prices are also very reasonable. It is probably my new favourite place to relax.

Disclaimer: I haven't experienced the tea house portion of Yu Yo yet. I was drawn in for the crafty…read morebits, and oh boy are there lots of crafty bits! The room is divided between the craft section and the tea house, where there are tons of different types of tea and lots of places to sit and sip, or craft away to your hearts content. The art/craft section sells just about everything you could want from washi tape to brushes. I really need to make a point of going in again and having a more thorough look because I got so excited about the washi tape that I didn't look as closely as I wanted. I bought a couple of tea samples to take home with me as well and the green tea is delicious! Man...this is really reminding me that I've got to go back and have tea!

Another promising gallery to display the work of Canadian artists. Studio 21 stands as an extremely…read moreprestige component of Halifax's art houses, as its been open for more than 20 years. I've always left feeling just how one should feel after leaving a gallery-- inspired. No word of a lie, the work going through this spot is consist, fresh and always seems to offer a new vision; a new perspective; a new body of fundamentals. The owner of the gallery appears extremely passionate and artistically perceptive. From Holland and studying Fine Arts at OCAD, its obvious that she integrates an international and local eye. Her various living experiences seems quite suiting for new and interesting art for our fine city. I'd highly suggest stopping into this gallery. Currently hosting shows for Mark Grantham and William Forrestall, its work to stimulate and inspire.

It's a true shame that Studio 21 is under new ownership (has been for about four years). Ineke…read moreGraham was dedicated to making the artists and clients happy. The new owner seems much less concerned. I've twice gone in and found absolutely no staff - just a dog (the owner's) barking insanely in the back. I don't know if Studio 21 can succeed without that personal touch. Were it not for Mark Grantham's work I doubt I would ever go back. A shame.