I've watched my fair share HGTV shows where the designer goes to some kooky place filled with…read moretrinkets and treasures of times gone by. This place is a bit like that but mixed with the early days of Etsy. "Designers" can rent an 8x8 or bigger "storefront" to showcase their unique designs. Mostly stuff reclaimed from decades gone by and redesigned with some kind of flair. There's generally a theme to the different storefronts: women's vintage clothing, funny and lovey-dovey sayings regarding dogs and cats, plastic and silk flowers, dairy and farm, sarcastic sayings, whiskey barrel designs for the men dragged into this place, etc. My wife and I found a whimsical chip and dip bowl. It was nice and will replace one of the blander versions we have at home. Truthfully, there were quite a bit of items that were perfect housewarming gifts and gifts for people who have specific decor tastes. It's also a decent place to just kill some time browsing through all the stuff people have created to get your own creative juices flowing.

Great place to find antiques and handmade items. I never leave empty-handed. Christmas time is…read moremy favorite time to stop in to find unique gifts. Also, most booths are beautifully decorated for the holiday season. During one visit, they were having a painting class. The room was full, and everyone seemed to be having a good time.

Looking for a fun and unique way to celebrate my partner's birthday, I came across Patterson…read moreGlassworks on Groupon - and it turned out to be such a great experience! We took a class where we learned how to create a glass pyramid from a mold, and it was fascinating from start to finish. The demonstration was easy to follow and really fun to watch, and then we got to make our own with hands-on guidance throughout the process. The class lasted about an hour and a half, which felt like the perfect amount of time, and we were able to pick up our finished piece within three days. Seeing the final result made it even more special.

We had a great time at Patterson glassworks. The staff was super kind and helpful throughout the…read moreentire process. We thought it was going to take a little bit longer, but actually it moved at a pretty quick pace and it was done before we knew it. It was really cool to see all the different options of items you can make at the studio. We actually looked into the other classes that they had and are interested in coming back to make different things such as pumpkins or glasses. After seeing the final product of what we created, we fell in love with the art pieces we made. Everything is so unique, the color selections and the process of making them went really well. We decided to opt for the extra option of adding the glow to our our pieces and it was totally worth it. This was a totally fun date idea for the price. Like I said, we'll most likely be back to do this again because we love the art pieces we made and would like to make other ones too.

My friend organized her birthday party at this place. A dozen adult women came with snacks and…read morewine. I'm always enthusiastic about having a good time, but I would not have guessed it was going to be so much fun. We all have to do the same painting and got a lot of instruction, and yet each painting was unique. And it was so much fun to do this together. After painting we went to dinner at Chatterbox which is steps from the studio and that rounded the evening so well.

I attended a 10- person art & wine party. My friends and I provided the wine and appetizers, Roshel…read moreRivellino provided the art class. There is nowhere else where a wine and art class is this affordable and this much fun. Rivellino taught us technique and style. She took the fear out of art. She made us all artists. The class was fun and engaging. Rivellino was patient, funny, and helpful.

Pottery Classes: I have been a student at Neil Estrick Gallery for 2 years, and have worked with…read moreseveral other pottery instructors in the past. Neil is by far, the best instructor of the bunch. His expertise stems from a combination of formal ceramics education, over 20 years of experience, and a passion for his art. His teaching style is casual and funny, and the class atmosphere is relaxed, allowing one to work at their own pace. Ceramic Pieces: Neil's designs are beautiful pieces of functional pottery, and he really listens to the wishes his clients when they order custom pieces & sets. I just ordered my first pot from him and can't wait to get it!! :D

I have been a student of Neil's for many years and his depth and breadth of knowledge never ceases…read moreto amaze me. The studio has a very friendly, relaxed atmosphere. It is noteworthy that many of us continue year after year because of this atmosphere of fun, laughter and learning. Throwing pots takes a great deal of practice and we learn from our mistakes. For that reason, it is so nice that Neil does not hover over us. We are able to make those mistakes without feeling nervous or under the spotlight, yet he is there to help when needed. Neil's skills as a potter are a pleasure to observe...and learn from. I highly recommend this studio for anyone who would enjoy this atmosphere.

I love the Studio Art School! Super cute place in downtown McHenry…read more A bunch of girlfriends and I did the paint class on Friday night -- it is $30 if you go by yourself, but if you bring a friend (or multiple) its $25 per person -- huge steal compared to places in the city. Reservations are required and on the website they show you what painting they do each Friday. BYOB, adults only class, and all supplies for painting are provided. You can also have your painting framed instantly for an additional $20 The instructor was super nice and fun, always encouraging a drink or two to boost your confidence if need be, lol. And everybody's painting turned out soo well!! I really can't wait to paint again!

Incredible helpful in providing aid, chalk paint and one on one service during the Covid…read morequarantine. I can't wait for classes to begin again. Lovely store, great location and all sorts of goodies!

Instructors are not trained very well in accommodating their beginner students. 0 stars.read more

My husband was there on May 8 and posed for the students and for Frankie Johnson Frankie's is the…read moreowner so hers was amazing but all of the students got him spot on! Frankie is obviously a wonderful teacher! Very, very happy! Good job with your students they captured him perfectly!!!

We had my daughter's 6th birthday party here last week. It…read morewas easy to book online. I also phoned them many times with different questions and they were patient and helpful. It was nice that we could bring any food and drinks we wanted, even some Champagne and hard seltzer for parents. Cheers to that :) Also, it was nice to have the party at a room separated from the main store. Besides the pottery painting I added cupcakes decorating activity and it was a success. All kids loved it of course! A week after the party, I received a text message that all our pottery was ready and thats so nice too, much quicker than expected. I definitely recommend this place! We'll be back for sure.

I decided on a whim to take a glass blowing class here and it was very fun and interesting. Lots…read moreof laughs and I got to take home some water globes. I would definitely recommend this. Thanks!