I took a Friday night workshop of Sign making. I was impressed on how knowledgeable the artist was…read moreabout the subject, the history and the materials available to choose from. My friend and I made both a nice sign using technique that could be quite intimidating as we never did anything like that before, using just basic technique...and considering the low price for 2-3 hr of workshop. It was a meditating experience. I highly recommend.

From the owner: The Farmington Valley Arts Center (FVAC) is a vibrant arts community that enables visitors to…read moreexperience the entire creative process from seeing artists at work to viewing finished creations in a gallery to learning the skills necessary to create works of their own.

Navigate your way along a contoured backroad off of a main highway, and find Expressions Pottery…read moreWorkshop. I visited during the Workshop's open house, getting to meet the artists and see their creations displayed in a small area out front with pots and perennials for sale. I then ventured into the studio, where I have been wanting to take a pottery class for some time. The studio is beautiful and cozy. There is a slightly awkward half-step down in the main door and then two small steps up into the main work area, where classes are held or pottery is thrown. Right inside the main door is a square-room where pieces from artists are displayed for purchased, anything from pots and mugs to ornaments and trays. Each piece is crafted with love and care, with endless amounts of creativity mixed in. These pieces are one-of-a-kind. I purchased a flower pillow--yes, a small pillow with holes for flowers to poke out of--with delicate flowers already placed carefully in by the artist, who walked by and saw me looking at the piece and told me I could have the flowers as well if I purchased the piece. I was able to chat with her a few minutes and she described to me how she made it. I love open houses just for that--I meet and chat with the artists right there!! I also purchased a gorgeous ornament with outstanding detail and a tiny hanging mirror with a beautifully crafted sun ray-like frame. It is amazing to see all of these works of art, which are crafted right there in the studio. The Workshop offers 9-week classes during each of the seasons, one class in the mornings and one in the evenings. The price for these classes is rather high, about $325, and it seems as though you need to buy your own bag of clay for $20 on top of that, though I do not know for sure. There is a special discount for summer classes, which are $290. My student budget cannot really afford that at this time (as well as my hectic school schedule), but it seems like you will be taught by skilled instructors and work in a nice comfortable place, covered in this "tuition." I spoke with Kathy, who runs the classes; she told me all about the classes and suggested an instructor as I am a beginner. She was extremely kind and helpful, not to mention very welcoming!! Each individual I met at the Workshop was very friendly and helpful. I am very impressed by this small studio!! From the comfortable atmosphere to the kind artists, I will definitely be returning--and hopefully for a class--to Expressions Pottery Workshop!! It is a wonderful hidden find!!

Good variety of the work of local potters at reasonable prices. Friendly and welcoming. Fully…read moreequipped studio would be a great place for classes.

I attended an event where Paint the Town lead a painting class. The class was about 90 people of…read moreall ages. All materials were provided. The instructors moved at a reasonable pace. They offered painting tricks and tips as needed, and they were very friendly and supportive of all dofferent skill levels. While there was a general instruction, painters were encouraged to use their own creativity as well. It was a great experience, and I would definitely do it again!

I have done two events with Paint the Town and both have been well received…read more These were with my business clients. Each time the instructor was excellent, patient and talented. To add to the experience, I brought a blue-tooth speaker to play music and supplied wine to sip and a charcuterie board to snack while painting, I would highly recommend Paint the Town.

I decided to take a sewing class this summer because I already had an interest in fashion and had…read morebeen gifted a sewing machine, but I had no idea where to start. Nerissia made sewing accessible and fun. The environment was very friendly, and I felt comfortable asking questions. We had multiple fun projects, including making a sweatshirt and a skirt. All the things we were taught have helped me do my own projects and have given me the confidence to take on my own sewing projects. Since the class, I can now read patterns, easily follow sewing videos on YouTube, and troubleshoot issues I may run into with my personal sewing machine! If you've ever thought that sewing may be something you'd love, give it a try!

From the owner: Life's too short to sew alone in a corner. Welcome to SiaDezigns and Workroom, where you don't…read morehave too! Our design studio is filled with sewing tools, awesome design books, and friendly faces. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, young or old, everyone's welcome. No experience required—join our community and take a class today

We are proud to own about 6 of Catherine Elliot's paintings. She is an award winning artist and…read moreshe captures the essence of life (as we would like to to be) here in the Farmington Valley and beyond. For two very special wedding presents, Catherine created paintings from some photographs of some very special landscape scenes. The results were stunning and will be treasured for generations.

From the owner: original oil paintings and commission work, plein air workshops and sell work through galleries…read moreacross the nations and Ireland.