Just finished Metalsmithing II and love this school. This is the most professionally run business…read morein the world of art classes I have ever experienced. Everything about the school is organized, ordered and first-class, especially the instruction. (Re: the negative review: It's not called attitude when it's true accomplishment. This is so rare that amateurs can't recognize it.) For the investment in the class fee + tools/supplies, I appreciated having such a structured environment in which to learn. Darlene Armstrong, owner/artist/teacher emeritus, has a definite point of view about craftsmanship. And, yes, it is her way or the highway. But who wants to take a class from a teacher who always says, "Sure,you can do it that way if you want; it's your art," when you don't know what the hell you're doing?? So if you are not a serious student of metal work or are just looking for something fun to waste a few hours, don't waste your time/$$ or the school's. But if you want to get better with your art (and learn how to make pieces that are commercially viable), this is the place to learn it the way all apprentices used to--doing it over and over till you get it right. I have been on an ongoing quest for good metalsmithing instruction for the past 10 years and use my vacation time to travel around the country taking classes. On a scale of 1 - 10, I've taken classes that were advertised as 10s that were barely 3s (one last year by a "name" artist who hated to, thus couldn't, teach.). I've also taken classes that I'd rate as 7-8 because they were super fun, but not all that special in my goal to "further my art." DSMA is an 11 because it hit the mark on excellent instruction, excellent venue, excellent design selection (ie., we worked on pieces you'd actually want to wear in real life). This is the only course I have taken in 10 years that had a teaching assistant because there were 11 of us in class (a large number for learning anything with a torch.) That told me that Darlene really cared that every student maximized her knowledge. In fact, Mary Ann was a great bonus to have, because besides the teacher, you always learn from other students who are better than you. Frankly, I over-estimated my own ability, based on my past experience with mediocre teachers. If it hadn't been for Mary Ann, I would have been left behind (something that Darlene did try to emphasize to me before I registered). Part of how I judge the success of my class experience is whether I am inspired to continue to the next level. With Metalsmithing II I was inspired to lower my self-assessment and go back to Metalsmithing I...with DSMA. Sort of a "not knowing what I didn't know." I love that. The only reason I didn't give 5 stars is because I felt I was not well enough prepared for the teacher's expectations ahead of time. It was a big personal value of Darlene's that everyone show up on time and come prepared. I suppose it was up to me to ask more questions about what to expect (and Jennifer who handles all the admin did a super job of sending me tool lists and answering the questions I did have). But when you are from out of town with no prior experience with the teacher or school policies that are so specific, I would have benefited from more of a walk-thru in advance. A simple page on the website of "What To Expect if This Is Your First Class" would have helped. Or a checklist for out of towners, too, like where to stay, how to order lunches, starting/ending studio times, etc. For ex., at other multi-day workshops, lunch is usually provided or easy to procure. Because the school is in a business park in an industrial area, there are no good options for lunch to be ordered over the weekend, and everyone is on their own. I had to spend a lot of time figuring out how to find my own food for lunch (without a car), until Darlene recommended Whole Foods. The lovely people at the Hilton/Doubletree Westminster happily accommodated a quick stop for me with their free shuttle service. But had I known that ahead of time, I could have made those arrangements at the same time I set up the shuttle service, and had one less thing to worry about in an unfamiliar city. Not sure if DSMA wants more out of town students, but, if so, more hospitality would mean a lot. I know I'm not the only traveling class taker. That's an easy fix, tho, and so I highly recommend this school.

Took one class and I will NEVER go back. Attitude galore and they seem to think you are a Pain and…read morethat they are doing you a favor by being in your presence. The lady teaching my class said she was not going to share any of her secrets with us. What???!!! So much for teaching. Don't go here unless you are a tortured artist type and you already know what you are doing. The skills they teach are no better than you can find on YouTube videos.

Always welcoming, been going to this shop for years. One of the first places I go for the holidaysread more

We came in for "Drop in and Paint" and it was so relaxing and fun! They have so many ceramics to…read morechoose form and diff price ranges.. super fun! My six year old enjoyed it so much! Can't wait to come back

This place is a gem! They have a great selection of art, jewelry, and pottery by several different…read moreartists. Their prices are actually affordable for original art.

Discovered this lovely gallery and garden while attending a woman's circle and equinox ceremony…read more The gallery was easy to find and had a few parking spots as well as plentiful street parking. The event was held in the garden which was such a welcoming and relaxing space. Soft and lush grass, fragrant flowers and sculptures. The gallery features a plethora of items made by local artists. Wild-sourced body oils, watercolor paintings, cards, handmade wreathes - truly something for everyone. They host a variety of events from wine and watercolor, to equinox ceremonies, and soon yoga. Social distancing is in full effect and there was plenty of hand sanitizer to go around. There were also two restrooms that were available to use during the event. I highly encourage you to explore this gallery and check out an upcoming event!

Something drew me to Michelle Baker's Facebook ad, but I had my doubts. I signed up for Wild Women…read moreSilver. It took a few sessions and doing the work before I was totally sold! It takes real commitment and the willingness to be honest with yourself and share with others. Now I have only a few sessions left, and don't want it to end, and have made friendships that I deeply value. Art is a language of the soul, and listening to one's soul takes some practice. It's a self-discovery journey that one's art reveals. Thanks to Michelle and Kc, our facilitator. I'd do it all over again, and would love to take more classes!

So thankful I found this amazing art studio!!! Shannon is outstanding at instruction while…read moreencouraging your own expression. This is not my first drawing/painting class but it is the best. We use different mediums and a variety of challenging subjects. The other students are great, too! If you have been thinking about pursuing art sign up!! You will enjoy it and learn a lot!!

Not just for bachelorette parties! We did this for a birthday party and it was amazing. All staff…read morewere friendly, professional, and catered to all needs.

What an awesome idea for our dear friends bachelorette! So much fun and yet so tasteful. Natalya,…read moreFrancis and Brandt made it so the best!!

This art gallery and the group that runs it (SWAG) have been in this building for over ten years…read more In that time, I've visited numerous times and attended the Orchard Festival which they help to organize every year. Unfortunately, a small group of disgruntled former members have teamed up with some City of Westminster employees to circulate lies, rumors and hyperbolic half-truths about this art gallery. Those lies even got published in an official city memorandum (I wouldn't want to be that guy when he has to defend those lies in court). Now the city is trying to evict this art gallery from the building they have been using for over ten years. Very sad.

From the owner: The Rodeo Community Art Center is committed to bringing creativity to the local community. We offer…read morefine art monthly exhibits along with figure drawing, creative writing & kid's art classes. The Rodeo also hosts a monthly Open Mic Night.

This locally woman owned business goes above and beyond in repairing a very special filigree mirror…read moreI have had for many years. They did more detailed work then I expected. I am so impressed with there work and how helpful they were in delivering and hanging this large piece for me. Unlike there name, they don't just do little art, they do very large pieces also. They also hold super fun stained glass art classes. New experience for something different to do with a group of friends. Love them so much!

LOVED the Intro to Tiffany method with Joe--he was a knowledgeable and patient instructor, with an…read moreinfectious enthusiasm for the art form! What an amazing place, I'm looking forward to taking more classes!

Pros-was easy to get in right away without having to take a bunch of prerequisites…read more The program was faster than community college so you did finish more quickly. The program was challenging enough and we did learn a lot. Cons-Way too expensive still trying to pay back the student loan after 10 years while unable to find a full time job. -Be very very careful about which program you go into in regards to how many job openings there are in your field. -Do your own careful and complete research first the staff will not tell you if it is hard to find a job in the field you are studying. -They will promise tons of growth and job opportunities even when it's not true.

What a waste of my time!!…read more Here's the long story, in January 2025 I went in to talk about the X-ray tech training because I saw the advertisement outside the building. I talked to the advisor about the program and was told the next opening doesn't start until January 2026. I thought that's a long ways away but was told that will give me plenty of time to get ready, ok fine. A month later I had to take a test on the computer (I forgot the name of it) to get a good enough score. I got a 23 first time and then was told I should do it again so I had to come back a week later and I got a 25.I was told I got a good enough score and should be fine. A couple months later I went back in to see my advisor if I'm on the right track, at this point, I was now told the X-ray program won't start until March 11th, 2026. I thought that would've been nice to been told that sooner but whatever. So the next step was a face to face interview with the X-ray tech "head-lead" person. I had the interview on October 31, 2025 and I thought the interview went well. I was specifically told that I would know if I got in the program or not and that she would email me by the end of the first week of December, great. The end of the first week of December comes and no response, I wait another week, no response. I emailed my advisor, who in the past would get back to me in a timely matter, about whether I got in the program or not, no response!! I never heard back from this place. It's honestly so bizarre and I'm counting my blessings that I didn't just pay them $55,000. What gets me mad is the fact that I wasted a year dealing with this place and not doing something else that values my time. I knew the ratings for this place were bad, but I'm the type who still likes to see because maybe it's not as bad as people say. Well sadly it's true for me.