We had a wonderful experience with our instructor Gina @ the Artful - my husband & I took a private wheel throwing class & she was an amazing teacher - we not only learned a lot but created 3 pieces of pottery each ! In a couple of weeks - our pieces will be ready to be painted by us; then they'll finish those off in their kiln (all steps included in the very reasonable price for the class) - wonderful rainy day or hot summer indoor activity. We also shared the space with an adorable group of children celebrating a birthday and they were all having the best time painting pre made pottery - and enjoyed cupcakes on the picnic tables outside. Afterwards, make sure to visit their gallery for more inspiration and great gifts. Plenty of on-site free parking and several restaurants as well. Sign up for classes in advance online or stop in to paint read more

The Artful Giraffe - The students aka us lol - Art Galleries Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

Took my kids here to paint and they shipped our art to us back in NY after firing the paint on! Would definitely go again on our next vacation to South West Florida! read more

Had a great time painting pottery at Artful Giraffe! Tess was very helpful. The entire place was amazing! So many unique items!

My Best friend was in town visiting and we took a private wheel throwing lesson and it was so fun! We each made 3 pieces and they turned out great. I came back to paint them and they fired them. Turned out really nice for first time. Fun way to experience the pottery world. Would def come back. Owner and staff super nice and accommodating. read more

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I rate this location a 0/5 stars! The workers do not pay attention to you, they rather take care of the online orders instead of taking care of the person in front of them.Did not get a "Welcome in" or "have a good one"-no communication at all! Will not be returning to this location! read more

Took a fabulous class this morning on painting Mandela. Teacher was great and everyone went home with a nice piece of art. I have tried dot painting on my own but several tips and tricks I learned today will really help me enjoy the process more. Class started on paper and transferred to canvas once we were more confident. Great relaxing and fun way to spend the morning. read more

The Artful Giraffe - Finished in class. Really learned a lot. - Art Galleries Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

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What a Cool Shop. Well worth a stop, and the gals working there are super pleasant. Unique, special things, all kinds of one of a kind artsy gems. Reasonable prices. Reminds me over strolling through a wonderful art fair. Love It. read more

Super cute place with local artists art in this store. Very friendly people working there. Cute monthly art show.

Newly opened in January, 2011, The Artful Giraffe is a breath of fresh air on St. Armand's Circle. Amidst a sea of surf apparel, Lilly Pulitzer, tacky souvenir shops, and ridiculously pricy art galleries, TAG infuses whimsy and novelty. As soon as you walk into the little gallery you feel a bit lighter and a bit happier. Brightly colored walls and mosaic floors are just the beginning. Owner Michele Myers greets you warmly and strikes up friendly, non-pushy conversation as you browse. The shop features local Florida artists. And one might be wary at first, envisioning neon-blue dolphins or hand-painted signs reading "Girls Just Wanna Have Rum"; but TAG art is more folksy and modern than that. Brightly colored flowers made from recycled plastic bottles, sea glass jewelry, wire and pearl pendants, abstracted paintings of red poppies...and price points run from the affordable to the expensive. Husband and I purchased a fun little hand-painted tropical fish to hang on the Christmas tree. At the back of the shop is a laid-back paint-your-own-pottery room for creating your own unique piece of art. TAG is a great place to spend some time on St. Armand's Circle, just perusing the joyful inventory or picking up a one-of-a-kind souvenir or gift. read more

This is my all time favorite art studio/boutique anywhere in Sarasota county! Noel the owner is one of the most fantastic and talented people I have known! She is the sweetest person who goes above and beyond for her customers and instructors! If you need any kind of something special from painting to soaps and scrubs or jewelry this is the place to go!!! She also has fun and fantastic classes!!! And for birthdays kids or adults can paint pottery etc! Stop in and tell her hi even just to browse! read more

This place was so great! We came on a Sunday morning. 10 am. First ones there...and only. The lady opening up got us started and was so nice explaining the process for us. It was me my sister and my one year old niece. We picked out our pottery and paint and had a great time. My niece made quite the mess painting and she was just so nice and understand of a toddler...that's hard to find sometimes. This place is in such a cute area of old historic Sarasota...adorable place and super friendly people! The art is so beautiful and from all over the state. Will for sure go back next time we are in town and we're excited to pick up our pottery to see the outcome! read more

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The Artful Giraffe is the best! My daughter has the greatest time picking out the mold and painting it. The turnaround time is really fast. It's the perfect place for something fun to do or a thoughtful handmade gift. The store is wonderful as well with many great things to choose from. We will be back! read more

Are they still open? No one answers the phone and it doesn't go to voicemail, the website is unfinished, and the FB page has no recent comments. read more

Tucked in to a charming cluster of Caribbean-colored, old Florida cottages on Fruitville Road at 18th St., the Artful Giraffe makes shopping a pleasure. Lots of handcrafted items by Florida artists tastefully selected and displayed by new owner Sue Forbes. What a refreshing change from all the made-in-China merchandise found at the big box stores! Neighboring cottages house other unique shops plus a restaurant and a tea house. Plenty of off-street parking. I'm looking forward to returning on a fourth Friday of the month when all the shops stay open later and feature outdoor live music and hors de oeurves. read more

This is my new FAVORITE SHOP! The Artful Giraffe is a delightful gift gallery, with a huge variety of beautiful pieces. If you like art Made in the USA, and you like supporting local businesses, you will LOVE this store. I just discovered this "hamlet" of adorable stores in downtown Sarasota. I enjoyed refreshments next door at The Tea House! You could "make a day" of visiting the Historic Downtown Village of Sarasota. ENJOY!! :) read more

I was so happy to find this shop. So many beautifully made things from local artists. I was smiling the whole time I was in there. I found the shop owner and staff to be quite friendly and helpful. They know their artists. The other customers were also very friendly and the art talk that ensued left me quite inspired. If you are looking for that unique gift item this is the place to go. read more

Don't miss this terrific art and craft gallery when you're in Sarasota. Located in a charming renovated cottage, the owner Noelle has done an excellent job in curating unique art and crafts from local Floridian artists Plan on spending some time so that you can learn about the artists represented! A great place to buy a unique gift for you or someone special - many items to choose from, something for every budget! read more

Wonderful artworks by Sarasota area artists, fair prices! The owner Noel is a gem, so friendly & considerate!! I've bought many art items for myself and as gifts!! Really enjoy this Art Shop!! read more

I too, am a big fan of the Artful Giraffe. Great gallery, nice people! But where did they go? I just found out they are reopening in a yellow cottage off Fruitville Rd. by the Breakfast House near downtown Sarasota. Apparently, they will have a more conducive space than they did on St. Armand's. Look for The Artful Giraffe to be opening by or near May 1, 2012! read more

The art and the jewelry knickknacks are absolutely out of this world beautiful. There is a lot of variety of items to purchase all handmade and all local I do believe. The only issue I had with the facility was that once I walked into the store the lady behind the register never greeted us and never said anything to us actually as we perused the store. Within moments of us arriving inside the store to look around and possibly purchase something she received a phone call on her cell phone which she engaged in a conversation with a family member via speakerphone. The other person on the other end of the phone was very upset and was using quite a few cuss words during the conversation. Never did the employee ever ask for the conversation to seize or take the person off speaker phone and never did she ever address any of the customers that were in the store love the art but very disappointed in the customer service. read more

LOVE this place! Fantastic gallery shop which supports local artists. Colorful, whimsical and great friendly atmosphere. The owner is very helpful and knowledgeable about each of her many artists. Great place to shop for gifs in all price ranges---everything from art to jewelry, glass, pottery, shells, cards etc. Pottery studio out back has paint your own pottery and various other art glasses offered. 4th Friday is a must; shops stay open late and serve appetizers--very festive atmosphere with food and live entertainment! Though it may not seem like it from Fruitville Road, there is TONS of parking out back! If you are local or just visiting it's well worth checking out!!! read more