I took the Nov./Dec. Cozy Mug class and had a blast. The Wheel House is wonderful, open air space…read more Our instructor did a fantasic job teaching us how to quickly center a piece. She was very helpful in those instances where things weren't going right, stepping in and also giving us the knowledge of how to move forward. While I did not end up with the mug I imagined, I still learned a lot and had fun. I will likely take another class.

The Wheel House is a tremendous place to create, to learn or to try pottery... you can throw on a…read morewheel, you can hand build, sculpt, roll, press.. the staff are great and helpful, the space is amazing, open and airy and the vibe is relaxed - it is a MUST DO!

The Button Factory Studios are a collection of artist studios about 1/2 mile from downtown…read morePortsmouth. It's not the only mill building to be converted into artist's studios, but I think they've done the best job. More than any other similar building, when I'm walking through the halls of this place I just want to chuck it all and pretend that I can paint. Or draw. Or make furniture. Or maybe jewelry. You get the idea. Just being around all of the creativity in this building (actually several buildings) is habit forming and I want to be a part of it. Every year they have a weekend called Open Studios. Many of the artists open their studios to the public and other artists rent space in the hallways, and they'd all be happy to sell you whatever they've made. Since this is during the holidays and it's in a fairly artsy community, it's popular. Parking is horrible, it's hot inside, and you won't get anywhere in a hurry because of the crowds, but the stuff you'll see is amazing. I have no idea what the day to day issues of working in this space are. I don't know if the owner keeps on top of things, I don't know who pays the heat or picks up the trash. All I know is that this space is one of the coolest and most creative spots in a very cool and creative city, and there's a waiting list to get in so having a studio here is probably a terrific thing.

Nothing brings me more joy than being able to see what other loyal art laborers have for exhibit…read more The old button factory has since been converted into a labyrinth of artist studios (inspiration, color, and life around each corner). Once a year, the artists open their studios and exhibit their work to the public... ~~OPEN STUDIOS is usually the first weekend of December (2011: DECEMBER 3 and 4, 2011 OPEN STUDIOS! 11-5pm!!!) admission fee 0$~~ *Several of the artists offer classes (painting, sculpting, quilting, etc). *My favorite studios to visit: Emma Ashby (an increeedible wax artist - her work breaths life and brightness), Erin A. Ellis (an aspiring childrens book illustrator who has created this adorable creature: the chubbikin), Jen Murray (wonderfully talented photographer - - - great to keep in mind for wedding planning couples, or collectors of unique prints), Sarah Minor (painter of canvas floor cloths), and Roger Goldenberg (crazy awesome, 3-dimensional paintings!). *For SALE??!!! Yes, some works are a bit...costly, but these are pieces which will last a lifetime (and then another...and another). Spread the love, invest in art! Just when the holidays are shifting into fourth gear, it's a wonderful way to spend an early-December morning. Great (brilliant!) people, a unique space, and (of course) enough artistic eye candy to light your own wee inspiration candle.

Come in with your own wine, leave with your own drunken painting!…read more My friends and I recently kicked off a bachelorette party with a trip to Art with a Splash. We were joined by 2 other groups of ladies celebrating bachelorettes for an afternoon session of wine and painting the NH seacoast. Jim was a great teacher who put an emphasis on there being no right or wrong way to paint your scene, so long as you're enjoying it - it was nice to feel like we could make our art without a lot of pressure to get it perfect. For people who did want to aim for something higher, he came around and gave specific advice and/or touched up paintings himself (only when asked). It was really fun to see how different people's paintings turned out. The only downside: no food provided (but we knew this upfront) and the room was a little cramped so it was hard to talk to some of my friends, even during the break. Still, I am now a fan of this kind of painting and would definitely return to this kind of class. Just make sure you make your reservation in advance - these things fill up quickly!

Girlfriend and I booked the lighthouse class with Emily on Saturday evening. She was so welcoming,…read morefriendly, and had great instructions. A memorable and creative night. I highly recommend this for couples, friends, or coworkers looking for some fun and bonding in a different setting.

Had a great time! Mac was wonderful as a painting teacher. Her high energy and humor was…read moreinfectious, and she made the painting fun. Also, she has an AWESOME playlist, so your toes are tapping while you are dipping your brush. We'd definitely do it again!

Canceled due to rain? Cmon really , disappointed had this planned for awhile . Paint night is done…read moreindoors correct so why the cancellation? If there was a low turnout expected due to cancellations I would understand that but if you're going to tell me via email canceled due to weather, give me a break, the more reason to have something to do indoors on a rainy night

Collect artwork-paintings, fabric art and photographs- from talented local artists from New…read moreHampshire, Maine and Massachusetts. New shows going up as I write: "A Beautiful View" paintings fresh from the easel of Plein air and studio painters, the 41st Annual Jack Parfitt Open Juried Photography show. Plus, small works and bin items ready to take home both framed and unframed! I was just gallery sitting and couldn't resist taking home two such works! Three Birds by Barbara Albert and Turkeys and Farms by Marlene Sawaf.

An art gallery that's bigger than you think. Some interesting stuff and some that did nothing for…read moreme. Since I'm esthetically challenged, this may actually be the highest praise I can give the place. Seriously, add this gallery to your list as you're walking around town.

Great exhibit of life in late 1700's and early to mid 1800's. Also an interesting depiction across…read morewealthy and middle class strata at the time. The docents in the structures have interesting information to share. I would definitely go here again. I was sad when I realized I had spent a few hours here without taking any pictures. :(

The Art association organized a wonderful art walk on Sept. 9th. What a pleasure it was to walk…read morefrom studio to studio meeting all the local artists! From Art on the Hill, to the Red Door everyone was friendly and welcoming. Thanks for the great evening!!

The Kittery Art Association is an interesting collection of artists and their work is displayed in…read morea beautifully renovated old building that's a bit hard to find for the first time. I'm enough of a troglodyte that the best part for me were the really unique greeting cards upstairs. There's quite an assortment of work, mostly paintings.

We stopped in to check out some beautiful Art. We briefly met Don Gorvett and was inspired by many…read moreof his woodblock pieces. Don is a Woodblock reduction printmaker. Many Art pieces showcasing in color or black and white. He had a few woodblocks out showing the original material before he applied his process. Our visit was too short in Portsmouth. It was inspiring to meet the artist and view his gallery. Friendly with a true love of his art.

Don Gorvett is the premiere woodcut artist on the New England east coast by far. Collected by many…read moremuseums his studio and gallery is a place to definitely stop in when you're in the Portsmouth area. Not only can you purchase some of his stunning wood cuts at varying prices (anywhere from postcards up to thousands of dollars for original prints). You'll be fascinated by his world, watching him even work sometimes right in fronted of you- he's very personable and loves to talk about his work.