Hot Mess Studios is one of a few great pottery studios in the Wilmington. They have group and…read moreindividual private lessons and parties for on wheel pottery, canvas painting, and piece painting. They have 3 speciality nights you can sign up for in advance. On Thursdays they do Ladies Night Sip & Spin where you get one hour 1 pot, throw as many as you like, keep what you like for just $10 more + wine. Fridays are "Filthy Fridays" where adults 16 and over can sign up for a 7 pm or 8:30 pm time slot and get 1 pot + 1 ball of clay with the option of more at $10 each. On Saturdays they do the same thing but it's family friendly sessions (ages 7+) from 1 - 6pm, and 16+ reservation only from 7-8 pm. They're closed Monday - Wednesday with an exception of private reservations in advance. If you have special time and group number requests I'm sure they can accommodate if you call ahead and plan. They're very responsive, professional and easy to schedule with. I did all my scheduling through email and received prompt responses. The gal running our lesson, Emma, was also so professional and sweet. She's great at what she does and I'd recommend any beginner taking lessons from her. When we arrived Emma greeted us at the door, walked us through the studio, showed us the process and helped us whenever we needed throughout the activity. I had a certificate for 2 hours, 2 people, and 4 pieces each. It was plenty of time and almost too much clay for two first timers, which is a good problem to have. I'm not sure if that special is still running but check their website to see active discounts - they run great deals, often, and are super affordable for what it is! I would highly recommend trying it out or giving as a gift!

Awesome studio, highly recommend that date night package. Fun place to take my wife on a date. Good…read moreatmosphere!

He Said: A bar on this side of the island? Yes please. This is a great spot where you can sit at…read morethe bar, sit at some tables, or sit with your toes in the sand. Good selection of beers and I'm pretty sure they had liquors. We're staying nearer by next time to take advantage of this great spot. She Said: We don't stay at this end of the island very often, but we'll need to remedy that going forward because Tiki Bar is a Topsail treasure. Now that I've found it, it'll be impossible to stay away when we visit family here! Potty Points: 3/5 - functional and clean for what it is. You're not here for luxury potties.

Brian or Byron or some ignorant moron there was selling beer to my 12 year old and got him all…read moreparanoid and freaking out and when I came looking for him he hid him and his brother and they ran off and were gone half a night. And Brian then stood there lieing to me about everything.

So much fun here. We have done a painting class and resin ornament class and had a blast at both…read more The instructor was so lovely and encouraging of our attempts at being artists. Great activity to do with friends or family. Everything you need is provided, even wine and cocktails.

So much fun! Took my grandma and my friend and it was such an amazing time! Bring your own cups…read morethough! Can't wait to go again!

Absolutely loved this gem of a place. I wanted to do something for my birthday that was active…read moreand something that everyone could enjoy. The best part of this creative studio is they have MULTIPLE options for each person to pick what they want to create. When you walk in you are greeted by the wonderful owner who checks you in and then they show you their bar/drink menu They then will go through the process you will be going through to create your project. You do each and every step which is super cool. You start with deciding if you want to add some character to your board, then you pick stains and or add on some white wash or paint techniques. Next up is your stencil and paint. It is all so much easier then you think but is a little time consuming. After the paint they even help you seal it with wax so that your creation lasts! Really enjoyed this experience and really cannot wait to go back (possibly with my little one for one of the family nights!).

From the owner: Bb is a do-it-with-us art studio, tailored to suite the artist and non-artist alike. Porch signs,…read morewall decor, charcuterie boards, planters, corn hole, glass etching, tea towels, doormats, and tote bags! Update your decor, make a gift, catch up with the girls, DIY with the kiddos, and support local all at once while enjoying great music and a tasty drink!

I love the new location and the aesthetic! The owner is funny and engaging. We had a great time for…read morea girls night out!

Great staff and studio, Josh and his team took great care of us. Open studio we picked from large…read moreselection then the artist gave us a canvas with a light sketch to work with very fun. Highly recommend

My second visit and they have increased one star. The stinky dog couch is gone, but watch where you…read morepark. Dog poop everywhere when you park on the street nearby, don't walk on the grass! Beers out of the cooler are super cold! Bartenders and owners are hard working and friendly.

A great place for drinks, arcade games and friends. I cant believe it is rated so poorly. I'm…read morefrom SF and this would be a hit on the West Coast.

I highly recommend Art and Soul Expressions to anyone in Jacksonville NC and surrounding areas…read more They are so professional, the atmosphere is warm and fun and inviting. You will definitely have fun. Manica Walker is very talented and she exceeds expectations on gifts that I have ordered and if there is an issue she keeps you posted and the gifts the artwork are A-1 beautiful I go to Manica Walker for everything she has the space to host some of my events like birthday parties, I have gotten shirts made from Manica, diaper cakes for friends having babies black art and other artwork in my house and I cant not paint. and she doesn't make you feel like you can't do it she always gives us a picture but says art is your own creation you do not have to paint your painting like the picture she makes you feel like you can paint I started doing paint classes with her and I am excited to be working with her. Thank you, Manica Walker, for everything

We had our daughter's 14th birthday party here last week and it was a blast! The girls had so much…read morefun painting, the artist/teacher was wonderful with girls, encouraging them, helping when they needed it, and was energetic enough to keep a group of giggly girls engaged. They had lots of space to have a table for food, cake, and sodas and juice for the girls. I most definitely would book another party here.

We did a corporate team building here that was super fun. Mike is a great instructor, skilled and…read morefunny! He made the experience great. I think I will try it for a birthday party next. Check it out!