Laguna Gloria is one of the most beautiful and inspiring locations in Austin. The combination of…read morehistoric architecture, waterfront views, sculpture gardens, and Mediterranean-style details makes it feel truly unique. As a brand and lifestyle photographer in Austin, I've photographed several sessions here and it consistently offers stunning, versatile backdrops. The natural light is especially soft and flattering, and there's so much variety throughout the property that clients can get multiple looks in one session. Beyond photography, it's also just a peaceful place to explore art, walk the grounds, or bring visitors. The atmosphere feels calm, creative, and timeless every time I visit. https://www.camilleadrianephotography.com

So my plan was to originally visit for free because I heard they had an event on the weekend but…read moreThe Contemporary has TWO locations and it was free for the downtown museum only that day. This is Laguna Gloria, and it features sculptures all outdoors. We ended up paying since we were already there. BUT Laguna Gloria is FREE on Thursdays. Other days is $10 pp and if you didn't pay in advance online, they can take payment at the gift shop. Though, I'm not sure how they enforce it because it looks like you can just pass by the gift shop and enter the park. As a former art student, I just wasn't that impressed or intrigued by the art. You have to walk a ways away to visit the next sculpture. They provide a map at the gift shop, but since I'm not good at geographic directions, I just allowed my husband to plan the walking route for us. We got to see all the sculptures (there aren't a lot...15?) In total, we were probably there for less than an hour. I didn't understand some sculptures. I saw a lonely, abandoned light pole covered with spiderwebs and joked to my husband, "look at this artwork!" It turns out, it was actually art because there's a sign next to it introducing the art piece and everything. Awkward. Anyway...appreciated walking around the grounds. My favorite is the crying Miffy fountain, which is one of the first things you see when you enter the grounds. Street parking only (unless you are an art student or staff there).

We had a private birthday party for our daughter and it was perfect way to spend a couple hours…read more They went way beyond our expectations. Zoey and her daughters have a really passion for the art and the house in W. 6th is a great spot. Filled with a lot of heart the team there really enjoyed it as much as the kids did. Probably one of the best hidden gems still left in Austin!

Austin Creative Art Center is a long standing educational space that inspires all who walk through…read morethe door! If you want to be a better artist look no further than ACAC!

Our daughter has gone to Art Amore for a couple of years now and I would say we are beyond grateful…read morefor the owners and their studio. We have seen some great progress in our daughter art skills. Beyond that the ladies that run the studio are amazing teachers and really foster creative work. Art Amore is a hidden gem! Thank you

My 6 year old son loved it. The teachers are so nice and kind and make all kids feel welcome…read more Great place to nurture a child's creativity.

I just finished taking all 4 courses that ASOP offers. I had pursued quite a bit of photography…read moreeducation before I started these classes, so I was already frustrated with how challenging it was to fill my gaps in knowledge. From the very first Photo 1 class, Andrew positioned the material in ways I'd never heard or read before. All of the curriculum has been shaped to gradually level up a student's potential. By the 24th class, I was bursting with excitement about what I now knew how to do. I can now go out and talk with long-time professional photographers and contribute to the conversation. I've been encouraging Andrew to start publishing articles and a book. Until then, photography enthusiasts in Austin are super fortunate that ASOP is available for all of us.

I just love Andrew! Be prepared, he cannot sit still at all and walks around all class. So, if…read moreyou're looking for a person to sit down right in front of you and just talk about a camera, that's not his style. He is hands on! "Everyone get your cameras out." "Ok, what kind do you rock?" "What kind of photos do you currently enjoy taking?" "What kind of photos do you hope to take one day?" "Let's discuss this." "Now what are we shooting for?" "Is it time? Is it it Light? How much distance is involved?" At first everything is very stright forward, learning the mechanics of the computer in your hands. Because, let's face it, it's a computer. Unless you're that one person in class rocking an old school film camera, which is amazing - please be that person and make the rest of us jelly. He gives homework, well thought out and explained. He sends follow up emails after every class explaining the homework assignements again. And he loves for people to print out their photos so we can all discuss our photos and learn form one another. Also, he seems to know every camera so very well. He can figure out opperating systems super fast. I've had my camera for over a year and still get frustrated trying to find somthing. Hence the reson I stick as much stuff on my Favorites tab as possible. Not Andrew though, he can find anything on anyone's camera in under 30 seconds it seems. Trust me, once you see how many cameras he must work with each and every day, this is impressive. I've only taken level one class, but already paid for level two. Before too long I plan on taking all of his classes. He really challenges me to get outside of my comfort zone, understand my equipment better, and really wants me to succeed. If it weren't for Andrew's classes I would be stuck taking only classes at ACC that do not fit into my schedule. I'm so glad Andrew started this School. Go and take just one class - you won't be disappointed.

I live in San Antonio, which has been enough distance to keep me from this great school. However,…read morethe guest workshops got me there this month and I loved it! The school is super clean and organized thanks to founder/owner Heather and everyone was friendly and kind. I loved getting to see smalti in person along with the wonderful three day workshop I took. Thanks, I will be back! :)

This is a fun place! There's always something new going on. The teachers and mosaicists are very…read moretalented. For classes, people get around a big table and focus eyes and hands on making something beautiful from the variety of glass, beads, tiles, etc. It's such a stress-releaser, sort of like I imagine the old quilting bees were (or new ones still are.) Everyone is supportive and appreciative of each other and our shared love of beauty, however differently that's defined.

I've been coming here for two years now to paint pottery. The prices are well priced compared to…read moreother places and the staff is super helpful if you need any help or advice on your pieces! They fire the pottery pretty quickly too, I wait about a week for mine to be done and it always comes out great.

We adore this place and the people that work there! Such a fun selection of pieces to paint and we…read morealways make new friends!

My teen is in their second year at Griffin and we feel so grateful for this school. The staff is…read moreamazing and have been so supportive. I feel they genuinely care about my child and they are very responsive. It is also really wonderful to have a place where kids are encouraged to be themselves. The education is also top notch - challenging, but not overloading kids with homework and busywork. Class sizes are very small and teachers get to know each child.

You know how sometimes you think it would be fun to try a new hobby but then decide it's equally…read morefun and less trouble to have drinks with friends instead? Art+Wine night provides a solution to this dilemma. Show up with your favorite wine and whatever art skills you do (or don't) possess and Natalya will provide all the supplies and knowledge you need to paint something worthy of displaying in your home. The website shows the project that will be taught on each date so you can pick and choose which nights you want to sign up for. The classes are small which allows Natalya to give everyone individualized instruction. I've been to four Art+Wine nights and I see SO much improvement since my first painting! I had never used oil paint and after taking a 2 session oil class I left with a legit fruit bowl painting. Artists of all skill levels come to Art+Wine night and everyone learns something new or improves their technique. It's a great way to spend a Friday night and accomplish something while drinking!

The Studio's painting instructor, Abraham--who demonstrates an amazing capability of adapting and…read morespecializing in multiple types of subjects and styles--expertly broke down the painting process with even-paced classes and created learning moments to help ease me from acrylic to oil using a mix of mediums. I've learned a great deal about starting a painting, properly mixing color palettes, color theory, and proper brushes for certain techniques. Each session progressively improved my skill set and over several weeks, using these methodical college-level processes, I was able to accomplish an oil painting at my own pace.

My 9 year old was looking to learn how to sew. She had such a great experience. There aren't many…read moreplaces that teach classes for kids. I was impressed by the instructors patience and skill. Will definitely sign her up for more classes.

Yesterday was my first time trying the Vino al Arte class and I loved it! It was surprisingly…read morerelaxing and therapeutic. Miguel, the instructor was very kind and did a great job and discussing the artist along with different types of paintings. I am in no way a a good painter but felt comfortable and confident throughout the class. It was a down to earth atmosphere which is my favorite, and the instructor everyone was met at their own pace respectfully. Who wouldn't love some painting with a little wine. I plan on going back and will recommend it to my friends and family as well. Fun times!

Love love this class.. I go to the byob adult evening class that happens on Fridays.. It's a…read morebilingual paint class, Spanish and English, totally awesome. The paintings are more complex and still easy to follow.. thank to the amazing instructors. It can fill up quick so make sure you're on the guest list and that you've rsvpd! Overall though 5 star place. Place where you can get comfortable and make new friends!

Fabulous school, where the children's needs come first! The teachers are dedicated to providing…read morequality education with an emphasis on community and achieving goals. Love this school!

Exceptional education and commitment to student growth and self-advocacy. My dyslexic son thrives…read morehere and doesn't feel the pressure of learning differently being in a school of children who are also dyslexic.