This is always the first stop for me when visiting Truckee! It's two stores in one! A home goods,…read morebooks, jewelry, gift store in the front... And an awesome arts and crafts store in the back! It's on the main street in downtown Truckee and it's awesome. They have GORGEOUS hand dyed yarns and tons of crafting books. Some of the other art supplies: embroidery supplies, watercolors, calligraphy, wool felting, crochet, drawing.....and on and on. Really unique finds here. They have the Colorio separate pans and palettes so you can create your own collection. I really love the yarn area.... If you're a crafty person you need to stop in!

I had so much fun at one of their workshops! They have a separate location for arts and crafts, and…read moreI went to decorate pumpkins for fall. Everyone was so sweet and helpful, and the overall vibe was fun & laid back. I recommend both their art supplies for your own projects, and also the workshops they do with what they sell. I love that I can just buy a chunky knit blanket, but I can also learn & make my own!

I am not much of a painter, but went with a co-worker and genuinely had a lot of fun getting…read morecreative. What I liked most about the experience was how Veronica connected at times with the whole table and each individual. I came in a little nervous and left with a cool portrait that's hanging in my office now. I was the only guy there, but it was really cool and I highly recommend this for all ages/genders.

It was so much more fun than I expected and I like what I painted! My friend invited me for my…read morebirthday and it was a blast, Veronica was patient and helpful. I will go again for sure.

I won the contest to have free session at kindred. It was GREAT! They offered healthy snacks before…read morelunch to take a little break from our art project which was sun catchers. The sun catchers came out fantastic!!! After we finished the sun catchers we could take a little break before lunch they had some fun games to play like Lincoln logs and this gears game. For lunch we walked down to the lake to eat on this big and cool rock Nicole & Nicole (owners of kindred) nicely carried our packed lunches and water bottles in a wagon for us. They usually do a fun activity after lunch at the lake like when I went we made fairy castle/tower out of rocks and stuff we could find around the lake and we learned how to make a fairy bed. The day before they made these cool rock towers. And we could put our feet in water which was super refreshing. Then we would walk back up the hill and go back to kindred where they had a sweet surprise for us it was homade rocket popsicles with orange juice and pineapple chunks. It was delicious!!! Can't wait to go again next year!! P.S. the honey sticks are really good and the shirts are really cool and Nicole and Nicole are very nice!

Nicole was excellent. The activities were fun and my 6 year old made some friends and is already…read moreasking when she can go back.

The Neighborhood Center of the Arts is housed in what I'm guessing is an old hospital. Or a…read moresanitarium. It looks old and crazy, stale and, to use the parlance of fast food, melty. If it had teeth then they'd be about to drop off onto your head. The center has a wing on the far end (I don't know what other parts of the building are used for, but I've heard there's a glass studio). It's upstairs, and you can either take the stairs or the elevator. At the base of the stairs you'll see a series of totemic ceramics. Art lies ahead. The center is an expansive working art studio, as well as an open art gallery. The aim is to provide resources and art classes for adults with developmental disabilities. They work in many different mediums, including paint, photography, ceramics, weaving, computers, and pen and ink. Further information can be found on their website. They have a new exhibit every few months. Hours are 10am to 4pm. Until about 2pm the studio is active, with artists working, milling about, and attending classes. But visitors are free to step in and check out what's going on. Basically, this is my favorite gallery in the world. It's such a positive place, free of pretentions, and the work is great and presented well. The staff is very friendly, and the artists are nice and available to speak about their work. I (and my family) have a whole collection of art from here. Some of my favorite pieces that I own are from here. Once you walk inside, there are a few rooms walling the latest exhibition. Past that you get into the studio areas, where there is also more art to look at. Basically, every room has art on the walls. One time I was browsing some abstract religious icon paintings, and one of the artists came up to me and asked, "Hey, do you want to know what happened yesterday?" I said, "Yes." And he handed me the newspaper. Then walked off. Then I bought a piece of art -- a woodblock with an all-text Volvo advertisement printed on it, and sprawling on top of the text, in various mediums, are words and nonsense. My family and I recently invested in a huge painting, a collaborate effort by a few of the artists. It looks somewhat like a Basquiat. I highly recommend visiting the Neighborhood Center of the Arts. The artists produce amazing work, and it's very accessible, engaging, and enjoyable. The center does a wonderful job at cultivating their talents. A lot of care and hard work goes into the place, and their efforts are rightfully deserving of praise.

I love all the art that the artist makes and that is for sale. They are all very special people and…read morethey are all talented people too.

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....

Frank is amazing at what he does! His gallery is truly a hidden gem. His smaller nature art and big…read moresculptural pieces truly capture the heart of truckee. We were especially impressed with his glass trees. We also came in multiple times for lessons and we even got to blow our own glass art! During the lessons he was patient, and we got to keep some of the glass to start learning on our own.

Frank the great glass artist was amazing to watch. Check out the short clip to see the seahorse he…read morestarted making. They've got one of a kind gifts people will definitely ask about. Check them out!

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.

The best part about the Forge is the community of member artists who ply their crafts in this…read morespace. Virtually everyone I met during the 2+ years I was a member was encouraging and supportive of creative work and process. The Forge also has basic equipment for a very wide range of creative expression. The equipment capacities are designed for entry-level folks. If you want to learn welding, or glass blowing or industrial sewing, this is a great place. Sadly, if you want to grow your skills, this may not be the right place. One of the owners manages what you can and cannot do in the making space. He treats this as his private home with cool toys to which you as a member have been granted admission by your monthly payment. If he doesn't like or want you to play with his toys, you are SOL. Longtime "studio guides" implement the owner's wishes, regardless of what is in the best interest of members. That owner refused to give me access to a fairly simple piece of equipment for over a year. The rationale provided over the course of a year and more never held water. During that time I paid over $1000 in membership fees without ever being granted approval to use the specific equipment, despite the fact that other people had regular access to it. I was not treated as a client, I was treated as a supplicant..and I found that untenable. This is not a "professionally managed space" and you would be happier elsewhere as the owner described it to me in an email when I was "invited to leave." You will be happy if the current provisions meet your needs. If you need any upgrades, fixes, adaptations...forget it. This place is managed on such a tiny margin that there is zero room for improvement.

I'm delighted to say The Curious Forge has become a significant part of my life where I love to go…read moreto make stuff while enjoying the company of bright, thoughtful, creative people. There are endless opportunities to learn the particulars of how to make absolutely anything! Area guides have world-class skills they enthusiastically share. Members seem to be of the same helpful mindset. The two founders are 100% present for brainstorming, feedback as well as being able to accept kudos and hugs. Every time I'm there it's a different experience. Sometimes I'm the only one sawing metal for a piece of jewelry I've dreamed up. Other times I'm in a class with several others who might be honing a skill or learning something entirely new. A weekly text lists what is happening each day that week and a newsletter comes out with exciting upcoming events to attend, volunteer with, or help create. This is a community like none other! Someone can be on their way to the metal fabrication area and stop to see what another person is making in the clay, fiber arts, or any of the 15 other studios. It is fertile ground for cross-pollination of ideas, creativity, support and friendship. We are so lucky to have this resource close to home! I hope you come check it out.

I love this little art studio and can't wait to take more classes here! I participated in a Dutch…read morePour Class (offered through Artown) and had so much fun making a set of coasters. The class size was perfect for this activity, allowing for the teacher to adequately share instructions, demonstrate the process, and work one-on-one with students as needed. The instructions were organized on a print out with all the materials and supplies needed to replicate the activity at home and referenced during the instruction portion of the class. The materials for the class were well-maintained and organized at each place setting for each student. I've taken other art classes elsewhere and I felt like this was a step above with regard to organization, instruction, and take away materials. I loved the experience so much that I'm going to take another class in October, and this time I'm bringing a friend! In addition to the art classes and studio, Copper Cat also has a delightful little art/gift shop with items made from the artists in studio. Most are in the front shop, but some pieces are scattered throughout. Take your time looking at all the wonderful pieces... so many great art gems for sale at very affordable prices. This little shop is now on my go-to for gift shopping.

Finally made it out to visit Copper Cat Studio! What a beautiful shop; so much larger than I ever…read moreexpected. Spacious and well-lit classroom space. I'm not a mosaic or stained glass artist, but even to my eyes, the supply they carry looked amazing. Also local artists' works (including the owner Katie's) throughout; perfect for gift shopping. Yes, original art makes great gifts, while supporting a local woman-owned business! Everything is so tastefully, lovingly displayed. Just very lovely space. Hope you'll come visit.