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

Little Sprigs offers play and art classes in Canton and Simsbury. In Canton, they have a play…read moreforest in the backyard; in Simsbury, they recently opened an art studio. It's run by Ms. Vicki which is a mom and former educator. The classes are for children 18 months to 6 years old. The emphasis on these classes is to experiment, play, make messes, explore, and create art. I took my toddler to the open art studio in Simsbury. The studio was lovely with plenty for the kids to do. They had sensory toys, art, and more. The play forest was also amazing. I just took my kids there and they loved it. The class is called mud play; there is a little creek with toys. They also had paint and we were able to paint butterfly wings and fairy doors. They offer other classes too. I am so happy to attend these with my kids, they absolutely loved it and can't wait to go back!

Amazing little business! Such fun activities for the little ones,,, between sensory play in the…read moreSimsbury studio or Mud Play at Vicky's house in Canton.... So imaginative& creative!

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.

I came here for a birthday party and it was the first time visiting this farm. It is pretty cute…read moreand the birthday party was held in a small building with its own kitchen. The kids had fun feeding the farm animals. I will have to admit I had fun too. There are all sorts of farm animals, such as chickens, cats, dogs, goats, horses, bunnies, pigs and more. I am a cat person and I enjoy looking for the barn cats. The place is pretty clean for a farm and the kids enjoy the tractor ride. All the employees were nice and friendly. If you're planning a fun kids party, this is a great place for them.

You can't miss the iconic large red barn that has the word EGGS, but backwards on it. Flamig Farm…read morehas been in existence since 1907; located in West Simsbury. First visit, I got there around 4:40 and they were closing at 5; it was a short trip because I just wanted to get some eggs. The employee said they were closing soon and so was the petting zoo when I first walked in; I mentioned I was going to be quick and just wanted to get some eggs. I didn't know they had a petting zoo so I made a plan to go back again another time. The store was your typical farm stand, they had eggs, honey, cookies, apparel, and various of other knick knacks. They were having a sale, buy one dozens eggs ($7) and get one dozen free. The chickens were laying too many eggs and they wanted to get rid of as many as possible. The second time, I got in earlier in the day and purchased petting zoo tickets; $8 per person over 2 years old/under 80 years old and for an additional $2, you can purchase feed. I highly recommend getting the feed, the animals loved it. The petting zoo was bigger than I thought. There's even a playground with benches and picnic tables. The place seemed clean and the animals seem well taken care of. We saw pigs, llamas (my favorite), sheep, goats, alpacas, peacocks, cows, ponies (another favorite), donkeys, bunnies, chickens, and a black cat.Inside the shop, there were baby chicks, birds, and guinea pigs. There were signs explaining what type of animals, facts, and their story/names throughout. They also offer pony and tractor rides for an additional fee. There's a huge pavilion with picnic tables; you can bring your own food in. Also, there is an Airbnb onsite and people book their weddings there. There are many events hosted there as well; children programs and summer camps are popular ones. My kids and I had a blast petting and feeding the animals. I highly recommend!