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.

This is such a gem, and so unique! The owner is lovely, the…read moreprice is amazing, and the space is great! If you are an artist, or even if you just enjoy crafting with a choice of a million options, this is the place for you :)

Aplomb is a delightful oasis of peace and healing. Danielle guides your artistic ability just…read moreenough to equip you to launch into exploring your own creativity, bringing healing to your mind and soul.

Top notch equipment and staff is very friendly. Location - 72 Mirona Rd UNIT 15, Portsmouth, NH…read more03801.

Merristitches is my happy place!! Always a fun class, beautiful fabrics and amazing sewing…read moremachines!!

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!

What an awesome little studio! There's a ton of unique and interesting pottery, really friendly…read morepeople, and a really friendly little dog who like to have her back scratched. You can't help but feel like you're home when you're here.

I love this little studio. I love that you can see the workspace as well as the gallery space. I…read morelove that there's NPR playing in the background when I go in, and I love that the owner recognized me from one visit to the next a couple months later. I'm always able to find a unique, original piece to give as a housewarming gift or other small present for someone. Plus, the resident dog is small and cute and makes me happy. Hooray for local businesses.

They're super rude if you want to go "off book" and not use a stencil. I love what I made (even…read morethough the wood quality isn't great), but not the running commentary and side-eye I got from the staff while I made it.

Crystal was sooo helpful! Made this task of a sign/tray/piece of art truly perfect and fun! We went…read morewith a group of 5, had our own table and felt super comfortable even while being covid conscious! Loved how everything came out and had so much fun dancing around with the amazing sound track and BYOB!

A unique concept where all talents come together. Great Painting and Pottery. A must visit...read more

Don't miss this lovely sun-filled gem of a gallery filled with paintings, photographs, jewelry,…read morepottery, greeting cards. The prices are a steal. Regular classes for all levels. And a vibrant annual scholarship program for high school seniors attending art schools or colleges. Right across he street from a great independent bookstore. I can find all my gifts in this block!

From the owner: Non-profit association of local artists and art lovers promoting visual arts in the seacoast New…read moreHampshire region. Wide variety of media, genres and styles. Reasonably priced, high-quality photographs, paintings, sculpture, note cards and more. Exhibit areas change monthly and quarterly so there's always something new to see. We also give scholarships to area high school seniors who will be pursuing further education in the arts.

My son has been taking classes for several months. He always wanted to learn how to draw. Since he…read morestarted he has progressed from stickman-sort of drawings to real pieces of art. That's pretty impressive! Lyudmila is a professional teacher and she is great with kids. There are usually 3 to 4 kids in the class and Lyudmila works with each of them individually. Every kid works on his or her own project. The atmosphere is very friendly, fun and relaxing. If you are searching for an art school in the area, I would recommend Lyudmila's studio.

From the owner: Outstanding small group art classes for kids and adults alike! Watercolor, acrylics, drawing, art…read morejournaling, and even outdoor painting workshops on the weekends! We don't just paint by number, we work on your composition, brush stroke, and media specific skills. Flexible schedule - class times accommodate your schedule. Call or e-mail to set up your art class.