Spending time at Kelly Gau studio is one of life's best gifts. She is hilarious, sweet and patient…read morewith adults and kids a like. Many have found her studio as a place of healing. Fun classes and fun pieces to purchase as well.

This was a fantastic museum to stumble upon in Mason City. We could have spent longer here looking…read moreat everything (but we were pressed for time). Bil Baird's puppets were my absolute favorite permanent collection. Such a variety of puppets - you'll even get to see some of the puppets featured in The Sound of Music from 1965. (If you've seen the movie, you'll recognize them immediately.) MacNider has the most extensive Bil Baird puppet collection anywhere in the world; I suspect it's because Bil grew up in Mason City. The museum resides in a Tudor-style home, previously a private residence and a convent. The house has gone through several renovations over the years. The original staircase is beautiful. The art outside the museum between it and the library is neat, too. If you're going to Mason City, take advantage of MacNider! Free admission.

Such a great museum. A must see when visiting Mason City…read more It's FREE, so no worries if you've just spent all your money at the local ice-cream shop. Donations only. Full of rich history and great exhibits. They even have a small gift shop with items made from local artist. Upstairs the Bill Baird puppets are on display. If you don't know who Bill Baird is, he's the guy who created the puppets for the movie.... The Sound Of Music. They have an Imagination playground for younger children and even a few local exhibits from artists all over the Mid-West. Some of the local exhibits change monthly. They also offer art classes like painting and pottery. Fun place to visit.

This shop has one of the best selections of Quiltworx's patterns and kits. Ana is very knowable and…read morevery willing to help you. If you stay at her barn for a retreat, she is a wonderful cook, ie. gluten free meals. Check her website to see how many meal she has during a retreat. I attended my first retreat there this year. I had a great time and got a lot of my project done. It was great fun, and you meet new people!

From the owner: Iowa's first and only Certified Instructor for Quiltworx - foundation paper piecing. In the last…read more10 years I've made over 500 quilted items for people, many being T-shirt quilts and other quilts on commission. I also do custom and Edge to Edge long arm quilting.

I LOVE Art Heads Emporium, especially with the new name and the beautiful interior! I especially…read morehave enjoyed the weaving and sculpture classes. Very comfortable and welcoming and I have never felt intimidated or judged. You can go with friends or meet some new people at your table, everyone is friendly and there are lots of laughs to be had. As a bonus there is a little shop that is great for picking up gifts.

Amazing!! What in expecting something not out of the ordinary, was very surprised to see an amazing…read moreplace. Very cool set up set up and employees are amazing!! . Instructions are super clear and easy to follow for all ages!! Very open and free lesson to do whatever colors and styles you want. Service is amazing! This place is so cool!! Would highly recommend if your looking for fun on a rainy or sunny day!! Awesome!!!

This is Austin's hidden gem. At Austin Artworks, you can shop for various types of artwork. There…read moreare collections of handmade items from cards to jewelry. Artists from across the nation can sell their items in this beautifully curated main floor space. I loved the handmade cards and stickers so much that I purchased a few for friends. The location also provides several art classes and events. If you want to take a clay class or try new art techniques, be sure to stop in to learn more.

We were in town walking around. We walked by and the store looked like it had nice items, as we are…read morelooking for a few pieces for our home. We walked in at 4:52, and without even saying hello the girl working the counter told us - 'we close in 6 minutes.' After that, we no longer felt welcome in the store so we turned around and walked out.

New small Business for sewing, quilting, crafts. They give classes and have a children's area to…read morekeep your kids occupied! They also have vacuums for sale.

From the owner: Here at Creating Sew Much we are dedicated to instruct you on new techniques and introduce you to…read morenew and exciting projects, while providing quality service and repair on your sewing machine and vacuums. We also offer many models if you're looking to find a new machine to love.

This is a great gallery with a variety of mediums to capture your creative interests. From clay…read morepottery and glass blown art to paintings and stonework, there is something for everyone. I also found prices to be reasonable and affordable. The owner, Mark, is a delight, and the artists are quite personable. I had the pleasure of meeting a few of them and even walking away with a beautiful piece from one of them, Chris Sell. There is a parking lot right outside the door and a ramp to support accessibility. They make good use of the space they have, displaying pieces at every turn without making you feel like you are going to bump into something. I recommend checking it out if you haven't yet.

From the owner: 22+ Regional artists displaying all medias of art from oils, acrylic and metals to glass, stone and…read morewood. Owner Deb has a working studio. Classes are taught from age 4 to advanced. We do all styles of art parties/events for kids to teen classes to adults. We help with family therapy and team-building for businesses. We also do limited restorations. On Saturdays 2-5PM, we have an Artist Forum open to all artist, all mediums, all levels. A free for all chat session for motivation and sharing of spirit and ideas. No program, no fee, just camaraderie and fun for anyone.

Wright on the Park is actually a not for profit corporation that was founded to restore the last…read moreextant Frank Lloyd Wright designed hotel. The Park Inn Hotel was part of a structure designed as a law office and a bank. The project was started in 1909 and opened in 1910. Wright on the Park offices are kitty-corner from the hotel, across the plaza and next to the bandshell. While it is technically a part of the hotel as the management office, it isn't really a part of the hotel. The corporation was formed in 2005 to save the structure that had fallen on hard times. After a $20 million renovation, the Park Inn is now a 27 room boutique hotel. Wright on the Park also functions as a most interesting gift shop along with the executive offices. In the gift shop, you will find a myriad of Frank Lloyd Wright themed merchandise, clothing, FLW designs on socks, jewelry, glassware and unique Frank Lloyd Wright books and ephemera. Be sure to pick up souvenirs of your visit to the Park Inn Hotel. While you're there, ask about a tour of the hotel. There's a nominal charge for the tour, plan on a couple of hours. You'll get a detailed look at the hotel and the many touches that are uniquely Frank Lloyd Wright.

This satellite gift shop that serves the Frank Lloyd Wright designed Historic Park Inn and City…read moreNational Bank Historic sites. It now at 17 South Federal Ave. And has an art display that is fantastic. #Franklloydwright