The BAA is an association of artists, both amateur and professional, who meet bimonthly at the…read moreInstitute of the Arts in Wyomissing for a demo or other art related presentation. They also have workshops every Thursday including portrait and figure study. Very supportive group. check out www.berksartalliance.com

Dance recital gives preference on stage to favorites. Paid $50 (crazy!) to see our granddaughter…read moreonly to see her in back row barely visible. Other groups rotated dancers so all could be seen. Sad

I booked a drawing class for my daughter. Everything that I booked indicated that it would run from…read morebeginning of June to mid-August. I go to drop her off last week and was told the class was canceled. So before driving her in again I decided to check online and the remaining classes were all canceled. Evidently their schedule runs different over the summer and they just "cancel out" the remaining classes. I would have never booked had I know it was only 4 classes of someone standing there and watching kids draw. My daughter learned nothing and the teacher was just a glorified babysitter claiming to know art. Very disappointed. Be very very cautious when booking. Read every little thing.

Tyler School of Art is a building that is apart of Temple University. It's also a building that…read morehost many public programs throughout the year. Creativity is my middle name therefore I was excited about attended their Crafting Community African Pottery workshop with Yinka. Yinka was very friendly and passionate about pottery. I loved the goal of the workshop which was to participate in building "community pots" which different women over the course of 12 weeks contributed to crafting. After the pots are done. Yinka will donate them to the African American Muesem as an exhibit which promotes Sisterhood and bonding. The display will have the names of each women who contributed their unique energy to a pot. After the workshop was over I felt very humble and knowledgeable about the strength of my ancestors. In Africa the pots are the women's livelihood and they use them to fetch water due to the lack of resources. Some women even carry their baby on their back while building the pot. Overall I'm glad to have learned a new skill of pottery and to also be apart of a good cause.

This review is for their weekend programs for high school students and adult learners. The NMT has…read moredeveloped an interest in metal work, and was SO excited to find out about this program. They offer a variety of classes including glassblowing, printmaking, etc. The NMT and Panda enrolled together. They are enjoying their class - run like a workshop - very much. Both have learned the basics of wax casting, which they loved. The studio is well equipped, with good lighting and ample work space. As for me, I walk around enjoying all the beautiful art and relax on the mezzanine. The building is always clean and well lit. Great program in a beautiful space.

I visit museums without pre-conceived notions, reading reviews generally after the fact. PAFA --…read moreas it's known -- is a good one. Founded in 1805 the academy is the first school and museum of fine arts in the United States. The historic landmark building is closed for renovations with three stories of exhibits now housed in their Hamilton Building (which is NOT named for Alexander!) Several things impacted me: the galleries are wide open, light and airy. A pleasure to walk through. A number of items from the Atwater Kent collection -- formerly the Philadelphia History Museum -- are on display. The diverse collection ranges from baseball, department stores (Wanamakers, anyone?), civil rights ... the list goes on. There is student and alumni art for sale and casts of Greek and Roman antiquity located in an active student workspace. As with most museums, exhibits change. The gift store with its friendly proprietor, is as good as any I've been to. A beautifully curated collection, and after Thanksgiving, I believe everything is discounted 30% for the holidays.

The PAFA collection in the renovated 1800s building is amazing!! We really enjoyed the extensive…read moregalleries

Took a ceramics class and had a wonderful time. Great studio, fantastic teachers and open studio…read moreoptions too! They have events for local artists. This is a great organization!

I have been to the CCAA a few times for events and classes. Their recent renovation has made the…read moreplace look modern and inviting. I really love the style and enjoy working with the employees. It's also a great spot to stop in for a unique, local present!

I arrived on a Sunday at 1:30pm while it seemed the galleries were in transition or preparing for a…read morebig sale of items and art in the week ahead. A lot of artists coming and going with their art and supplies and other donations that appear to potentially benefit the organization and/or the artists. Everyone was kind and welcoming as I browsed what art was on the walls for exhibition or sale, as well as what items were laid out on tables for classes and for sale. I've included a lot of information brochure photos to help offer a sense of what classes and events are held.

Very nice art gallery with 2 separate shows running simultaneously. Great organization to join and…read morebelong to. They have a small gift shop for artists to sell smaller items.

We took a pottery class at Black Sheep Pottery with Nicole. My girlfriend and I had some pottery…read moreexperience, but we had never learned like this before. Nicole teaches in a way that makes you feel grounded, focused, and connected to the craft. Her instruction is clear, kind, and inspiring. We left feeling like we truly understood the heart of pottery, not just the technique. The entire experience felt spiritual and mind-opening. This isn't just a class. It's a chance to rediscover your creativity and fall in love with pottery all over again. If you want a teacher who gives you confidence and a class that stays with you long after you leave, book with Nicole.

My mom and I booked a private pottery wheel class for my birthday. I had never done anything like…read morethis before and had no idea what to expect, but I was just amazed by the whole experience. Nicole took the time to explain things like breathing, body positioning and timing, making the experience almost meditative. She took the time with each of us, individually, during certain parts, and together in other sections making it a truly interactive experience, but also a boding experience for my mom and I. I highly recommend Nicole and Black Sheep Pottery!

Stuck in a time warp. Not much that's interesting to offer. Classes, art, programs, staff,…read moremediocre. Poor communication. Time to close. Go somewhere else.

As a high school student, I had an overall bad experience at Baum. I was awarded a state recognized…read morescholarship for three 10 week teen classes at Baum. I was so thrilled, because Baum was supposed to be such a wonderful place, and I couldn't possibly afford the classes otherwise, so my scholarship seemed to be a prayer answered. I called Baum's office and told them I wanted to register for a course, but the woman there kept insisting my scholarship didn't exist, though I read her the scholarship letter and provided her with proof. Eventually, she somewhat conceded, but then tried telling me my scholarship was only good for a 5 week summer camp course, which was then currently in session and already halfway over! That was NOT what my scholarship entailed. In fact, my scholarship was worth much more. I was appalled at her treatment of me and my parents. My classes were being paid for BY MY scholarship. I have no idea why she refused to recognize that, even after she had proof. After many more headaches, several phone calls, and emails to Baum and the foundation I received the scholarship from, eventually I was signed up for my first course. The class I took was nightmarish. The instructor did not teach, she basically sat back and told us to draw or paint something, giving little or no instruction on fine art technique or process. She wouldn't even let us take home our art, so we could work on it at home. The worst part was, she expected us to have our pieces completed in 1-2 classes! So it felt like we weren't learning or spending much time on a lesson at all! Additionally, even though the course was supposed to be specifically about learning fine art techniques in painting and drawing, the teacher plainly said, and I quote, "I don't believe I should teach you the traditional techniques, because I want you to develop your own." Well, that would be all fine and dandy, except, that's not what was in the course description, and that is also not what my scholarship was paying for. I ceased coming after 5 classes because of the mediocrity of that class and the attitude of the teacher. I expected far better. But considering the baffling, unacceptable treatment I received initially, I should not have been surprised at the low quality of the instruction. I am very disappointed. In the past, I have heard amazing things about the Baum School of Art, but I did not experience any of them in my time there. I have 2 more additional courses available to me, but I am hesitant to take them now. It's almost not worth it if the courses are going to be like the previous one I took. I hate to say that, because I appreciate my scholarship and I came to Baum hoping to learn more about the art I love, but I can't lie. It's such a shame If you're considering taking a class here, or signing your child up for a class, take some time to consider alternative schools. You'll want your money's worth, and I'm not certain you're going to get it at Baum. And trust me, you won't want to deal with their system. It felt like I was catering to them instead of the other way around.