Nearly three years ago I got married to the most wonderful woman in the world. As a result of that…read moreoccasion, some dear friends bought us a beautiful Breville espresso machine, and once setup, I knew I needed some special espresso cups to go with it. I decided I wanted some locally made ceramic cups and I wasn't too picky about their overall look. So I searched for nearly three years, looking in every ceramics studio and art gallery I came across, even asking every local potter I knew if they made them or knew someone who did. All in all, I came up empty. Over the Thanksgiving holiday that beautiful woman I married and I took our folks to visit the Carson Valley. Coming out of McFadden Plaza I spotted this art gallery, so we popped in to look around. We met owners and artists, Robin and Rich, who happily told us about all the artwork in the shop, and Rich even played us some tunes on his phonograph while sharing some history. As we were about to leave I spotted a small blue ceramic mug on a table by a window. It was exactly the sort of thing I'd been searching for over the past three years. I lifted it up and asked Robin about it. She explained it was a piece made to illustrate the cobalt blue glaze. It came out well enough that they put it on this table to sell. Immediately I asked if there were more, explaining the hunt Id been on to find something like it. Robin said follow me, and walked me into the back of the shop where they have their pottery studio, and showed me a peg board with several dozen of them hanging. All samples of various glazed and clay combinations used solely for illustrative purposes. I'd found them! To be sure they'd hold enough liquid we did a quick test, and then I set out to choose a set to bring home. I picked 8 and called to my wife to help narrow it down to 6. When she saw what I'd found she was just as surprised and said "Get em!" Robin pointed out the writing on the bottom of them and commented that I probably didn't want that on there, to which I replied "I do actually. It's just part of the crazy story of how I found them!" Before letting me walk out, she wrote down each combo so she could replicate the samples, and while she did that I snapped some pics. Robin said "It's a mess back there, no one's going to want to see that." I said the photos were really for me, and are part of the story of where these little cups were born. They also happen to show your learning space and that you offer art classes here too. Find your way to this gallery for some really unique and special pieces of art made by locals. The teapots rich makes and the ceramic vessels Robin makes are absolutely stunning, as are all the other pieces in the store!

From the owner: Carson City Pottery is a full clay teaching studio. Whether you are new to working with clay or an…read moreexperienced potter, this is for you! We have short sessions for beginners to try their hands in clay and see if they like it, and longer sessions for those who wish to continue learning or just have a place to work. Robin & Rich McGregor create their Art Pottery on site for sale, and teach anyone who wishes to learn. This is the only pottery teaching studio in the Carson City area with plenty of Open Studio hours and quarterly workshops.

Very helpful owner. Relaxed setting. Friendly clientele. Lots of pieces to choose from and…read morepaints and brushes available for purchase .

6 of my customers from Live Oak Clay and Creations went to Clayworks…read moreon Tuesday, June 10. They came back raving about Sue and the wonderful service they received. She had a great selection of greenware to choose from and was extremely helpful. They highly recommend this ceramic shop

We love taking our ten year old daughter to clay class. The environment is friendly and pleasing…read more The kids have a great time while making works of art.

An outstanding community art studio run by two incredible LTCC art instructors. This is the type of…read morelocal business Tahoe needs--a space that promotes creativity, the arts, and positive social connections.

This business is adorable-located in the cutest bright yellow renovated building-you can't miss it!…read moreThey have a great selection of crafts and the owner Jenn is so friendly and helpful. We celebrated a surprise birthday here and they were so helpful with the planning. Speaking of, its a perfect place for a party and you can bring your own food and drinks. Super fun-try it out!!

From the owner: Hammer & Stain is a Do-it-Yourself Studio specializing in Home Decor. Attend a Public Workshop,…read moreBook a Private Party, or just spend time crafting during the day with us. We offer all types of projects from Wall Signs, Yard Games, Customized Picture Pallets, Porch Decor, Chunky Knit Blankets and Functional Decor. We will walk you through the process step by step, sharing our tips and painting techniques to add texture and visual interest to your one of a kind handmade project. We want you to make something you'd display proudly. If the public setting isn't for you, you can even grab a kit and take it home to craft at your convenience. Everyone can enjoy the experience at Hammer & Stain Sierra Nevada from advanced to beginner, and any and all age groups.

I was so pleased to finally see a working art studio come to Incline. It is fun to watch them…read morecreate great paintings of local scenes as well as wonderful abstracts. Their prices are quite good. The visiting artist monthly features keep the exhibits new and exciting. Their workshops both at the studio and in plein aire are especially helpful and fun for me, a budding artist. Go to their website: wwwcobaltartiststudio.com to sign up for their great workshops in watercolor, acrylic and oil. Get your creative grove on....

I sooo highly recommend anything and everything Art of Gold! Alice and the entire Art of Gold team…read moreare amazing and sweet and kind and incredibly creative. My son talks and talks about each of his classes. Everytime I dropped him off it felt like he was spending the evening with family! The projects are fun and always something new. The boutique store is fantastic! Local and small business products that for adults are gorgeous and for the kiddos are fun, cute and creative.

From the owner: Creative space in Reno offering kids art classes, adult craft workshops, birthday parties, camps…read moreand more! From nostalgic throwback craft nights to kids' art camps with whimsical themes, we curate experiences that are both fun and memorable. Join us at Art of Gold and discover the joy of making art in a community that celebrates imagination and creativity!

Two of our kids recently attended a Kids Night Out at Hello Handmade. It went for two and a half…read morehours which gave my husband and I time to grab a bite to eat and enjoy a concert in the park. The kids had a great time doing 3D doodling. There were enough 3D pens for each of the kids to use their own and Dara led them through how to use them safely. Pizza for the kids was part of the cost which was great because it really gives the class an additional value. I love having Hello Handmade in town as a creative outlet and safe spot for our kids.

Everything. Open space with cheerful & beautiful studio. Creative place to be creative!read more

Open-enrollment classes in painting, drawing, mosaics, jewelry making, photography and collage…read more Taught by Jewelry Artist and Academy of Art University graduate Anne Cook, as well as Photographer Will Mosgrove who was the Director of Graduate Photography at the Academy of Art from 2006 - 2015. Will is a fantastic photographer and accomplished in the artistic and commercial side of the art, no small feat. I have had the pleasure of learning from him and recommend him and his classes highly.

I took my first mosaic class with Anne. Anne is a great instructor, she was fun, informative, and…read morehands on. She had all the supplies and tools you need to create something beautiful.