Today I took an art class at Open Ground Studios (OGS). Denese Sanders taught the class in…read moreaccordion book making. As with every class I've taken at OGS, it was artistic and informative, and a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. The studio itself is inviting, with enough room to work, lots of supplies, and really nice folks to get to know. Classes are fairly small, for personal interaction, and include time to focus, as well as time to collaborate and get to know each other a bit. I always learn more from being in that space than simply the topic I signed up for. I always wish for more time and space in my life to participate at OGS. If I could, I'd attend classes at least once a month, and/or "open studio" time. It's a wonderful place to create, and to be.

Last weekend I had the good fortune to take a workshop with Erin Hunter and I cannot sing her…read morepraises loudly enough! She opened my "heart door" to find my way back into the love of drawing I enjoyed as a young girl. Erin is one of the most gifted, generous, and skillful teachers imaginable. Also the Open Ground Studio Space is beautiful and filled with inspiring images and is well stocked with art supplies.

From the owner: We are an Art studio located in the West End Art District (Sand City) of the Monterey Peninsula…read more MGW is home to resident artists who use our dedicated space and equipment to produce their own artworks, and provide art classes and events. We specifically offer 3 services: 1. Studio Access/Membership - MGW offers both monthly member access memberships for local hobbyists and artists that would like to use or professional equipment and space as well as dedicated space for professional artists that need industrial class studio space in a collaborative collective artist environment. 2. Commissioned Art Works - Many of our resident artists accept commissions to create public or private installation works. We have resident artists that specialize in several mediums: Cast & Blown Glass, Contemporary Painting, Photography and Ceramics. 3. Classes & Events - Many of our resident artists provide both classes and private/corporate experiences for people who would like to experience making art with their hands.

We've been coming to this art class 3x now and intend to continue coming for the kid's art class on…read moreWednesday. My daughter truly enjoys the class and intends to turn her room into an art studio. Tami, the owner, is a wonderful art teacher and truly great with kids. She also provides snacks and drinks for them as well. I'm looking forward to trying one of their craft classes. The studio itself is clean and inviting. We just love this place!

Hosted my daughter's 9th birthday party at the studio with Tami. I'm so thankful I did!…read more My daughter and her friends had a great time painting, eating pizza and cupcakes. Tami made the painting of the unicorn easy that every girl enjoyed the event and they were proud of their artwork. I highly recommend planning your next party with Tami. She made the party planning stress feel, and my daughter loved picking out what her friends would paint. The space of the studio was perfect and so cute with twinkle-lights and artwork all over. This place is such a gem for Gilroy! My daughter looks forward to going again to paint just for fun on one of studio's themed painting afternoons.

How have I not reviewed Hot Spot Monterey yet?! Our family loves this place! So many pottery…read morepainting options, canvases, slime making, fairy gardens, and candles. On Sundays they have a free story/activity time in the front window area that is great for younger kids. There is something for everyone here. I also like that you can host parties without additional fees, and you can bring your own drinks and food in any time. They have a special where you can bring your receipt to Alvarado Street Brewery to get discounted canned beer same day too. The staff and owner are really nice too. We've been here as a family, on a date, with friends, and for a private event. It hasn't disappointed. Great addition to Alvarado!

Great experience . Many different options Candle making …read more Mozaics . Pottery painting . Traditional painting . It was great . Customer service was top notch . 5/5

Great Improv show! It was all local performers and it was so funny. Great thing to do and really…read moredifferent and creative. The host interacts with the audience really well and you have the chance to offer suggestions and a couple of people get to go on stage to help out. It's at the Lighthouse Cinema and there is beer and wine and, of course, popcorn!

Saw them this past Saturday night, it was hilarious and a great time! Highly recommend!read more

Seems like a lot of the Dali exhibit was gone. The mural was gone as well. The remaining works were…read morejust the aliyah collection and the divine comedy collection, definitely not what people were expecting when you hear "Dali." There were some other local artists' works upstairs, only one that was entertaining was the works by Jo Mora. For $25, it's pretty steep, that's the same price I paid to go through 7 museum floors at SFMOMA, this place has 2 house floors. I spend my sweet time at museums, and this place took me an hour and I've read every card, looked closely at every piece of work. SFMOMA took me 2 days to go through everything, this was back when they had the indoor pond for the sounds exhibit too. So a normal person can easily finish in like 15-20 minutes. Unless you tell yourself artists are poor until they die and with $25 you can support them for a cup of Joe and a sandwich, then this place aint worthwhile.

Yes, it is mostly copies... but you can still see his work. Learn some things and enjoy the day…read more Thankfully it was a quiet day, could just walk around enjoying everything. Some of his art is repetitive. You will see several versions of his elephant/mosquito, sometimes horse..... There is nudity... and some is a little extreme... but my 6 year old didn't really see the morbid parts, just things that seemed silly. So I think it's fine taking young kids..... there is a hall, which a huge sign that says sensitive content, and I would NOT take a child there. But it's sectioned off. There's some interesting information on that sign as well, that I was not aware of.... He wasn't a fan of women parts and some of his art expresses that. He was definitely an eccentric artist. It was a fun trip, I'd recommend to others who enjoy art and know what they're walking into!

NOT AN ADA compliant place. I am an artist, and my husband uses a wheelchair. I could not even get…read moreto the building with steps each way I looked. We would have loved to get a piece of artwork, but they missed out on a sale.

Very sweet little gallery that appears to be artist owned and operated. I found some items I wanted…read moreto buy but when I went back they were closed. I loved the beach scenes - the painter was there - I believe his name was robert? was nice, chill.