gateway arts is one of the best art programs ever of all time I first went here back in 2017 and I…read morehad a blast making stuff and having some of them being sold and make money from them while there is a part of me that's wanna go back I know there are times were you have to go to other places but I do go back and visit once in a while but I still come over to the events at times I have met so many awesome people at the place stuff, artists and even interns I have seen some of them go but a few are still there, gateway arts you are an amazing place now and forever.

Gateway Arts in Brookline, Massachusetts is where adults with disabilities make artwork and sell…read moretheir artwork in the Gateway Arts store, Gateway Arts was founded in 1973, and this October 18, 2023, will be Gateway Arts 50-anniversary Congratulations to all the Artist's and Staff and Vinfen for helping to make Gateway Arts grow what it is today.

Ask the question, got a nice answer, they have some really beautiful items, even some great art. A…read morenice time to spend a few minutes.

I *love* Kolbo--such a wonderful resource for the community. They manage to have an impressive…read moreselection of unique Judaica--and yet lay it out such that it makes for a lovely browsing experience as well. Their staff provides some of the best customer service I've *ever* encountered. During my last shopping experience, they not only made gift suggestions based upon the occasion I was shopping for, but also gift wrapped it with a beautiful blue bow, held my baby while I paid, and offered me up some quality content suggestions for the greeting card I'd purchased upon request! (Note: I don't usually impose upon folks in this way, but the staff is so great, the place feels like you're with family.) Street parking can be a pain in the tuchus though...prepare to scout around a bit for a free metered space. There's some metered parking behind The Israel Book Shop if you can't find anything on the street.

This is a cute concept, and since this is the reason I dropped by, I'll review this highlight…read moreinstead of the Dorchester Brewery. It is more like a collection of art around the brewery, but the signs are funny and it's interesting to note paintings that were donated vs. found in a thrift store vs. found in the garbage. It ranges from funny proportions to some truly bizarre. It's a great activity to giggle at with friends or make up fun commentary on a date. It's a fun little concept, free, and open late, so it's a funs stop in. The brewery features a full bar, arcade and board games and BBQ food as well. The owner even showed us an old cigarette dispensing machine now filled with chocolate packs. There's a lot going on and it is apparent a lot of thought and creativity went into the space. It's certainly not like a traditional "museum" but sometimes you need to see some bad art to really appreciate some good art elsewhere. You'll end up laughing at something.

Okay, so museum may not be the exact right word. This is kind of like a gallery in a brewery. I had…read moreseen an ad for this place on Instagram, and filed it away in my brain. I pulled it out of the file and went to see bad art. We walked in and the guy at the bar was very nice and pointed out the "route" of the paintings. The art was so fun--some worse than others. I really did understand what some of what the artists were thinking, and in other cases I just laughed and scratched my head It's small and we weren't there more than 20 minutes, but it was fun. Btw--it's free!!!

They did a great job printing photos on short notice high quality archival ones too!…read more Talk to Tom he is great!

What a fantastic experience I had with this shop and the owner, Tom. I brought in a poster from a…read moreFrench museum that featured the paintngs of my great- grandfather with the hope it could be enhanced in size, framed, etc. Tom guided me through the various options and within 15 minutes we came up with the right combination. I ordered four for family members as gifts for my children and a nephew. Yesterday I got a call from Tom saying the finished product was in and ready for pickup, which I did today. Tom expertly shrink-wrapped together the four pictures for easy transport and brought them to my vehicle. I left the shrink-wrap on since it's a gift, but you can get a sense of the quality of the frame and reproduction. Tom is the epitome of a small shop owner who cares about his workmanship and his customer service. And a great story teller.

This was a great day spent viewing the collection of Isabella Stewart Gardner. So many great pieces…read moreall over the museum, floor to ceiling, and the most beautiful courtyard that I couldn't stop taking pictures of. There were 13 pieces of art that were stolen back in 1990 and still haven't been recovered. As you're walking around, you'll notice that some places have empty frames where the works are art were displayed before they were stolen. The museum is housed over 3 floors of the "palace", the newest wing on the ground level has the gift shop, a cafe, a coat check, and the living room with comfy seats if your dogs are barking. Well worth the visit if you're in Boston!

I liked the museum, but I wish there had been a clearer overall explanation of what was going on. I…read morealso would have appreciated more info about each art piece, even though it did feel more authentic having everything displayed across the walls. The space itself is a beautiful building to walk through, but I did feel a bit lost at times even with a map, since I wasn't totally sure what I was looking at or the full context behind it. They also offer a temporary exhibit but it was completely different than the rest and was a photography exhibit that was not appealing to me. They also have a small gift shop that is very expensive. Still a really interesting and unique visit overall.

One of the best art galleries in the USA. Highly recommend! Excellent staff to help with satisfying…read moreyour interests in collecting art that is exceptional.

This gallery shows a combination of paintings by living and deceased artists, as well as a few…read moresculptures and antiques. The style is definitely traditional overall, with a combination of Impressionist, Academic, and Boston School artists represented, to name a few genres. The gallery itself is in an old townhouse that is furnished to look like a home. Don't think they're closed -- you have to be buzzed in to enter. And yes, that's because the work is just THAT valuable. I've said this in other reviews, but I prefer going to galleries over museums when I want to see traditional artwork. The admission is free, and if you ask the staff politely you can probably learn about how the artist painted the work, etc. There are always free flyers you can bring home for your art notebook, too.

We had a wonderful First Friday evening in the SoWa district and I wish that we had more time as…read morestores & studios wrapped up fairly early in my opinion. It was so nice to spend time in our son's friends studio and see how the artist created his works, displayed them and greeted all of the visitors. Each studio was unique and impressive. This visit was 10/3, but I am eager to return again in the early spring to explore further. I will say, while most artists and shop people were friendly, a few were a bit standoffish. Maybe it is exhausting hosting so many people who are flowing through all day & evening. I loved the whole concept !

I came here for an evening and was blown away by the amount of raw talent in our city. I checked…read moreout 2 full floors but was unable to see everything because there were so many studios to see. This is a really special piece of Boston, and it almost feels magical to witness so many creative minds in the same building. It's worth your time to check it out. Apparently they also have a parking lot filled with food trucks so it's a perfect date, romantic or with friends.

I did a class in early November and have been reaching out to ask how to pick up my pieces and…read morethere has been no response to my voicemails and emails.

My son and I were treated with profound disrespect by the teacher and administration at BAC. They…read moreclaim to be an inclusive and supportive environment, but it seems all they really want is your money. They are unavailable by phone, and then they ghost you when you try to communicate with them by email. I have never posted anything negative in my life, but I am so profoundly upset and distraught by my experience, that I had to make certain that I do whatever is possible to spare someone else the same horrible experience.

Great framing resource with high quality products and reasonable prices! Peter, the owner, is…read moreexcellent at providing input on frames and matting. He is very dedicated to ensuring that your artwork is protected and that it looks fabulous when finished.

From the owner: Representing over 60 artists and artisans for over 14 years, we have quality original art, hand…read morecrafted pottery, glass, jewelry and much more as well as custom picture framing. Art consultation available for home or office. New items arriving daily!

I gave 2 starts because I believe in their mission but found the staff to be disorganized and…read moreunprofessional if not downright rude. I offered my time and services as a volunteer. I came to the center and interviewed with the volunteer manager. After the interview she left me with another volunteer so that I could tour the facility. And when I say she left me, I mean she LEFT me. Like didn't shake my hand (Actually, she never gave me a handshake at all which, again, I find unprofessional), offer any explanation as to what the next steps would be, walk me out, etc. I don't think she even said goodbye. She handed me off to the other volunteer, walked away, and that was the last I ever saw or heard from her again. After the tour both myself and the other volunteer were confused as to what to do next. I just stood there while the other volunteer went to the manager's office. She knocked twice but there was no response so, totally confused, I just left. Never heard back from the manager despite her initially telling me they needed consistent reliable volunteers. At the end of the interview I asked for reasonable accommodation for a disability and I wonder if that has something to do with her ghosting me. Either way I think it's an incredibly unprofessional way to represent the organization and a rude way to behave towards ANYONE who is offering to volunteer their time and energy. While I understand they are understaffed, there is no excuse to ignore basic protocol of professionalism. Ultimately I decided to volunteer elsewhere.

The Women's Center in Cambridge has lots of interesting free groups to attend. I have gone most…read morerecently to the Spanish/English conversation group and the singing class, and to a few others over the years. There is also yoga, sewing, beading, songwriting, healing through arts, discussion for survivors of child sexual abuse, women's narcotics anonymous, feminist book club, and lots more. Any woman can propose to set up and facilitate a group. The house, on Pleasant Street, indeed is a pleasant place to hang out, use the computer lab (there are plenty of computers) or the library, or prepare yourself a snack. You can meet other women from all walks of life. There is a small restful patio in back with a garden. And, what I particularly like, everything there is free! This is partly because most of the staff are volunteers. And it's only a few blocks from the Central Square MBTA station.