First time coming here after visiting a Christmas market next door and wanted to check out this…read moregallery with my wife. Tons of great local artists displaying their passionate artwork and selling their work. It's a great little market, each artist booth has something more different than the last. Staff here was really friendly too. Prices are a bit really steep but everything is truly one of a kind.

As an avid downtown Iowa City window shopper, I adore walking past Iowa Artisans Gallery. Their…read morewindow always showcases so many quirky American-made treasures. The shop is definitely a place to find unique gifts or eclectic decor. I love perusing the shop because you never know what you're going to find. There are kid's pillows, exquisite clocks, gorgeous artwork, thoughtful greeting cards, trinkets galore, pretty jewelry and more! Literally there is something for everyone at Iowa Artisans Gallery. Items are bit pricey, but as are any quality handmade items. Not only do they offer great items for purchase-- but exhibitions, classes and events like the ICDD's Gallery Walk. This spot has been an IC staple since the 1980s. (It was actually founded by a dozen artists but has since changed ownership.) Come find a gem at Iowa Artisans Gallery!

I'm a sucker for art co-ops and architecture and design stores, of which Akar is one. It's located…read morejust off Downtown Iowa City, and to my surprise, my review is one of the first in at least a couple of years. And after COVID, it's nice to see that Akar is still standing. Akar has strong ceramics selections, some nice pens, and a whole bunch of interesting tchotchkes. The store is well laid out, displayed, and curated. It's one of those place that you need to visit a couple times to appreciate the merchandise layers. That also helped with my tendency to wander and only be struck by 1 or 2 things at a time.

The unique pottery is enough in itself to have me coming back again and again. It is displayed in…read moresuch a way that makes you feel as though you are in an art museum yet able to pick something up and buy it. The rest of the store has fun items, jewelry, seasonal decor, kids items, and more, but the pottery area stands out. Great little gem in Iowa City.

After placing countless orders over many years with Nick, I feel like it's long overdue for me to…read morewrite a review. He is a visionary and an artist. Go to him with any piece of art and he will make it immensely more beautiful with his framing. He is personable and great to work with. He can even make a simple print look more fancy! We have yet to check out a show at the gallery, but can't wait for the opportunity.

Don't know what I'd do without Nick. Top notch framing and a great guy to boot. Been using him…read moreexclusively since I moved to Iowa City three years ago. I'm a photographer who sells photographic prints under the condition that Hudson River do the framing. The piece isn't finished until Nick has framed it!

This is a great gallery with a variety of mediums to capture your creative interests. From clay…read morepottery and glass blown art to paintings and stonework, there is something for everyone. I also found prices to be reasonable and affordable. The owner, Mark, is a delight, and the artists are quite personable. I had the pleasure of meeting a few of them and even walking away with a beautiful piece from one of them, Chris Sell. There is a parking lot right outside the door and a ramp to support accessibility. They make good use of the space they have, displaying pieces at every turn without making you feel like you are going to bump into something. I recommend checking it out if you haven't yet.

From the owner: 22+ Regional artists displaying all medias of art from oils, acrylic and metals to glass, stone and…read morewood. Owner Deb has a working studio. Classes are taught from age 4 to advanced. We do all styles of art parties/events for kids to teen classes to adults. We help with family therapy and team-building for businesses. We also do limited restorations. On Saturdays 2-5PM, we have an Artist Forum open to all artist, all mediums, all levels. A free for all chat session for motivation and sharing of spirit and ideas. No program, no fee, just camaraderie and fun for anyone.

Beautiful business! The owner is knowledgeable and friendly. Their pieces are exquisite and unique…read moreto this area. If you are a Hawkeye fan check out the owner's personally made "iowa wave" collection - a portion of the proceed goes to the UIHC children's hospital. If you are not a diamonds/ jewelry individual they also have a beautiful gallery of art for sale featuring local artist! As I said wonderful business!

The first time I stepped foot into M.C. Ginsberg I was mesmerized. The space itself resembles an…read moreart gallery where jewelry, watches, glassware, etc are on display. Everything is not how it appears however, for exploration and interaction is encouraged by the drawers on the left wall. Each drawer that you open leads to a new discovery, whether it holds diamonds or gemstone jewelry, watches, or even fun objects of art. It makes each time into the store a new and exciting experience! From the first floor, you can venture to the second level, where custom design projects and creativity flourish. Anything from a custom pendant to engagement ring, or even 3 dimensional and functioning prosthetic pieces can be designed and crafted. The third floor hosts their 3D printer, a integral part to making any design project truly come to life. Aside from the space and physical features of the store, their team of employees and trained professionals are also something to recognize. Each has in depth training and expertise in the jewelry industry, along with the ability to tailor their efforts in order to best help each client that walks through the door. They place a strong emphasis on making each customer feel welcome and at home, while ensuring their needs and aspirations are met. What sets this jewelry store (or even business) apart from the rest is not just what they do, but why they do it. They are truly invested in creating a tailored experience to each client, going above & beyond to satisfy their desires, & even helping them explore new ideas they have yet to discover. Innovation, creativity, and sharing their love for objects of art is what they are all about, and it shows! I would recommend this business to anyone!

We had a lovely visit at the Stanley Museum of Art. The art is placed in spacious rooms that allow…read morefor time to gaze and reflect on certain pieces. Friendly and helpful staff. Underground parking makes this a perfect rainy day activity.

Iowa? What's in Iowa? The Stanley is in Iowa and it's worth the road trip just to visit this…read moreincredible art museum. Yeah, but do they have any iconic works? Yes, Jackson Pollock's 'Mural,' a work from 1943, checks that box in a big way. It's been included in Pollock retrospectives in other art museums. Okay, but do they have anything else? Yes. Whoever is on the team that put together this collection deserves kudos because it's especially strong in mid-20th century and African art. Do they have any Grant Wood paintings? Grant Wood is Iowa so, yes, of course, they have a few of his works, too. What about the building itself? Well, it's shiny and new and a true pleasure to walk through. Sound expensive. What's the admission fee? It's free! Bonus: the scholarship here is great and it's directly reflected in the well-written wall labels. This is hands down one of best two art museums in the State.

Scott did a colored aluminum cutout for me for a wedding gift to my new wife. The work was…read moreoutstanding, professional, and spot on with both time and budget. Scott kept in great contact throughout the process, working with me to create this unique piece of art, and had many great ideas on how to bring my original thoughts to life artistically. She absolutely loves it, and now we have an incredible and durable piece to commemorate our special day. Excellent work and very professional on all counts.

From the owner: custom airbrush artwork, original paintings, portraits, motorcycle paint, paint repair, graphic…read moredesign services, computer mock ups, signage, commercial/residential interior design, murals, branding, memorials/tributes