Potential students beware. It seems to be all about the money!…read more I registered and paid for a stained-glass class at Studio 34 through the Rochester Brainery for $295. The class was supposed to have been taught by a world-renowned glass artist, and the class description read that it included all the glass and all materials except for protective eyewear. On the first day of class, the instructor, who was not the professional glass artist listed in the course description, had us look through bins of glass scraps after we'd decided on a pre-approved design. While I found some pieces I could use, I could not find green or blue glass that matched and/or were large enough for the design. The instructor looked too, couldn't find any, then brought out some sheets of glass for me to choose from. At no point was there a mention of having to pay more for the glass. When I showed up the following week, I was told that I had to pay for the green and blue glass I'd picked out the week before. I objected, and the instructor said I had to call the owner, who said that the bins had copious amounts of glass for the projects. They did not. They were inadequately stocked. I was not the only one having difficulty finding glass. Every student had trouble. The owner said that my options were to pay for the glass or take a refund for the class. I will not be forced into paying for glass that was supposed to be included in the class cost so I took the refund. If there was an additional cost to the glass, that should have been said upfront when the sheets were brought out by the instructor. And it turns out that this class does not even provide the finishing piece so we couldn't actually hang our stained-glass projects. We could only leanthem against a window. The finishing piece is part of another class and this was not mentioned in the course description. Another class and more money to finish one piece. When a course description says we're going to be instructed by a glass master, I expect that it will be unless I'm notified in advance that it's not the case and offered a chance to opt-out at that time. When a course description says the class includes the materials, I expect to be able to find glass that I can use to create an integrated piece, rather than random scraps that result in a mismatched mess. The only other option offered was to open my wallet and pay more.

I have not taken any of the classes but I have worked with the owner and met a handful of the…read moreinstructors. I have also sat in on a class to see how it works. The studio is located on the second floor of a multifunctional historical building in the Neighborhood of the Arts. When you come to the studio don't be afraid to knock on the door... just walk in. They keep the door closed because of the a breeze that can sometimes effect the art work going on inside. All of the staff members I met were super friendly and professional. I came to the studio with no experience in any of the art they offered and absolute no knowledge. Marilynne and her instructors are excellent teachers and truly care to make your experience special. The class size I sat in on was a glass fusion class. If you don't know what that is(which I didn't before I stopped in) it's where you cut colored pieces of class and place them on a big piece of glass. Once you get your desired arrangement it then gets put in a furnace and melts into an awesome piece of art, just the way you arranged it. The class was a small class size, 4 people total. The instructor gave the students great instruction, then let them get creative. She offered pointers and answered questions along the way. I look forward to signing up for some of the hot glass classes. Also, it's important to note that Studio 34 repairs jewelry. So if you have a favorite piece that needs mending whether its glass, beads, or metal...stop in here!

What should I visit first ???? Atlas-Eats or Bentley ?????…read moreIts up to you !!! But if you need a wonderful hand crafted gift Bentley's Studio first !

Just came from a fantastic first pottery lesson with Christin. My wife and father and I LOVED it…read more Christin is a great teacher and a wonderful person. The prices are very reasonable, and we learned a ton! We ended up with an average of 3 finished pieces of pottery to take home. We highly recommend this for both classes and the pottery in general. What a wonderful experience! Definitely going back.

The Flower City Arts Center is an amazing community space offering art opportunities for ALL…read morepeople: with classes for youth (pottery classes for ages 3 and up, teen classes, workshops and summer camps) and adults, for every level (beginner, intermediate and advanced), in several disciplines (photography, book arts and ceramics, plus offerings in drawing and painting) there is something for everyone! In the years since covid, the FCAC has not only survived, but they have thrived! Thanks in large part to a generous and supportive community of members and students, luck with grants, and a dedicated staff, they have weathered two leadership changes, have innovated with online course offerings and collaborations, and have upgraded the facility's security and air exchange systems to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all students, teachers, members, staff and community attendees. If you haven't visited in a while there are lots of things going on: -- check out exciting new class listings each quarter - weekend workshops, multi-day/week classes, artist talks -- join us on a First Friday when the galleries are open (and free!), highlighting local talent -- take part in our upcoming Flower City Pottery invitational (this year, Oct 13-15, 2023) - a 3-day ceramics event featuring artist talks, demos and a large and eclectic variety of items for sale -- Watch for community collaborations like the Clarissa Uprooted - Pythodd Tribute Mural Unveiling & Celebration on Main Street, in conjunction with Teen Empowerment The FCAC is a place I not only love and support (in case you can't tell from this review and my two others...), but as a 24/7 renter, I actively use the space too. I'd love to see more of your faces there - next time you are around ask for me and tell them I sent you!

I have only taken one class at Flower City Arts Center, but can't wait to get back and flex my…read morevisual art "skills." I was sent to Intro to Adobe Illustrator by my work, and had the best experience. There was a ton of content crammed into our semester, and I now confidently create advertisements, eblasts, and social media content for my organization in Illustrator exclusively. Working in Illustrator can often be frustrating, but Jeremy (the instructor) answered my questions with grace, patience, and a sense of humor. A gift certificate to this center makes for a great gift! There is a wide variety of class offerings, and many opportunities to push yourself or someone you love out of their comfort zone. Nonprofit art centers like Flower City are the backbone of ROC, and make it the cultural beacon that it is. I hope to someday become a member and make use of this facility on a more regular basis.

Took a MIG Welding Class and it was well worth the money. Teacher was friendly, informative and…read morewilling to help at any given moment. We had a run down of all the safety guidelines, what welding is, how to do it and then LOTS of hands on time. More than half the class was actually being able to be hands on and practice welding. We even got a short introduction to TIG and Stick welding as well as a demonstration of the Plasma Cutter. Was a very fun class and I highly recommend if you're looking to learn something to look into any of the many programs

Brought my office team of 18 for a team building event. We split into 2 classes - glass flamework &…read moreglass fusing for what turned out to be a fun and unique team building experience. Both groups raved about it and commented how great it was to do something different. The owner, Mike, was friendly and very welcoming. Megan was phenomenally helpful in providing information, answering questions, and even giving me a tour of the space prior to booking. Our group ranged in age 30's-60's and it was great fun for all. Highly recommend! Can't wait to go pick up our masterpieces and an already planning when I can go back for some classes on my own!

My daughter and a friend and I went to The Workshop for Mother's Day this year. It's a DIY craft…read moreplace with a lot of different materials and projects to choose from. Everything is pretty reasonably priced, plus you don't have to clean up after yourself. We had a lot of fun and it kicked off my new hobby of rock painting. I have been recommending it to people ever since. Don't wear your nice clothes. Duh.

Nicki has really thought of everything! I have a baby and toddler, and she was ON IT. Crafts, toys,…read morehigh chair, snacks, a quiet place for nursing, you name it. We had a blast, and the two hours flew by.

We had my daughter's 6th birthday here and she and ALL 23 of her friends had a blast! They enjoyed…read morethe slime craft and playing with EVERYTHING!! We visited the old location and loved it.. and the new location is even better.. you can keep an eye on your kids without interfering in their play. We will visit again for sure! Highly recommend!

The Anderson Building hosts an open house every first Friday and second Saturday of each month. I…read morelike the cozy welcoming vibe way better than than the HungerFord building. A lot of great welcoming artists showing thier beautiful art! A lot of cheese and drinks!

Anderson Alley is my favorite spot to go for First Friday and/or Second Saturday. It has a great…read moregroup of local artists, entrepreneurs, and one of the hidden gems of Rochester, the local military museum. I stumbled across it during one of their 2 (I think) annual open houses (which I believe are on a First Friday with extra hours). The military museum is awesome, the guys who run it are awesome, and they have awesome stories. Every time I go in there I talk with them for a while and hear more and more stories of where all the materials in there came from. The different galleries and spaces are excellent too. So many talented people and a great place to go get gifts for any reason. Its not just art, there are so many different things that are made in there from clothes to crafts to...well...you name it. Definitely one of the places that more people in the city should check out.

What a wonderful addition to Caledonia! I am taking my second painting series with the owner, Bill…read moreWhite. He is an amazing teacher. He shows his students new ways of thinking about what we really see- colors, shapes, relationships, and how it all creates an experience. I have a new way of looking at things. The Gallery is an exciting place that contains Bill's art library of books and tastefully displayed art of not only his works, but so many other talented artists. The paintings change frequently so every visit may be a different experience. Bill and his wife Linda are helping to put Caledonia on the map as an art destination. Their first community art show last fall helped to showcase the many talents of local artists. In April, the next community show will bring together area photographers. There are many reasons to spend a day in Caledonia- add The Village Gallery your list!

From the owner: Art gallery with rotating exhibitions. Art library available to the public as well as classes and…read moreworkshops.

Such a neat selection of yarn and fabric! Book section is well organized and extensive.read more

I volunteered there twice and they had an attitude both times. They treat black people like poop…read moreespecially the ones who don't kiss their booty like we are bothering them. They get too serious about sewing and teaching you how to sew. I'm surprised they are still around but I haven't been back. Oh yea when I volunteered those two times they were not very helpful or conversational. They ain't never got to worry about me again

I was browsing the Internet for a painting to fill some empty wall space and had a general idea…read morewhat I wanted. I grew up on the St. Lawrence River, which divides the U.S. and Canada. I wanted something that brought me back to my roots, back to my childhood and teenage years of fishing, jumping off the dock, hanging out on the raft, tubing, watching the ships cross the channel and going out on the jet ski to jump the waves they left in their wake. So I sought out of some local artists in Upstate New York familiar with the St. Lawrence. That's when I discovered the work of Paul Allen Taylor based out of Rochester. I immediately saw a canvas print I liked titled, "Ogdensburg - Prescott International Bridge." When I first spoke to Paul about this print, you could tell he wasn't just interested in making a sale. He explained to me the story behind it. He said he had just recently commissioned the original in acrylic for an Ogdensburg resident, both of whom went out on the St. Lawrence together to capture the image seen in the painting. Paul didn't need to do any further explaining. I wanted it. I originally ordered the 14x48 unstretched print for $179, plus shipping to my residence in New Jersey. I didn't think to ask Paul to stretch and frame it since I was worried the package would arrive damaged. But Paul was considerate and acknowledged that the cost to stretch and frame a 14x48 print would be higher in my area than it would for him to do it himself and send to me ready to hang on my wall. So I agreed to let Paul do the whole job and I'm glad I did. The package was wrapped perfectly with no possibility to be damaged, I wasn't left to search for a competitive price at local framing shops, and the final cost did not end up as high as I had anticipated. Also, Paul was an excellent communicator throughout the purchasing process, updating me frequently on the status of my order. He was also willing to give me multiple frame options, but the first or second selection he made was perfect. Now this masterpiece rests on my wall, which will forever remind me of my childhood and teenage years. It's also going to be a great conversation starter when guests are over. Thank you, Paul!

From the owner: Artist Studio in Rochester NYread more