I paid a pretty penny for a beginner's class here and over the course of the class has so many…read moreissues that I had to reach out to the director (on behalf of 1/2 of the students). I never received a response back (other than an admin assistant saying a response from the director will come soon.) I posted the full email here, which details how shoddy this was run. Check it out if you want to hear how the instructer never came prepared, how we couldn't use the materials we paid for, or the fact that there was not even a space *in their own building* for us to meet because they kept overbooking rooms. What's more though, I think, is knowing this is how The South Shore Arts center operates and the fact that they don't care enough to address it even when emailed with the explicit details. They already had my $150, so what did they care.

From the owner: South Shore Arts is located in the Center for Visual & Performing Arts in Munster, Indiana. We…read morehave one main gallery and a gallery in the atrium of the building. We teach classes, hold workshops and we have a gift shop at the entrance to the main gallery. We also the local representative for the Indiana Arts Commission for Region 1 (Lake, Porter and La Porte Counties).

One of my favorite galleries in the region! It has a little something for everyone and I don't mean…read morethat as a cliché. They carry wearable art, functional art, sculptures, paintings, and photography etc. The price ranges vary so really amazing works can also be attainable. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the works they carry. It's located in an older home converted so it's very cozy and really gives off a great vibe. They also have art openings which is a wonderful time to come out because you can talk to the artists about their work and meet new people!

I saw Leslie Goddard's "The Mystery of Amelia Earhart" at TATC yesterday which was excellent…read more Enjoyed the art exhibit too. The South Shore Railroad station on Ridge Road is under construction; once the rail line is operating and traubs stopping at this location it would provide an option of accessing TATC fairly easily, but it would be a fairly long walk to the theatre, less than a mile. I do not know whether the City of Munster or TATC plan to provide a shuttle bus for the businesses along Ridge Road.

Sandi and I came down on a bus with people from Geneva and Batavia Illinois. This theater is part…read moreof a larger building known as the Center for Visual and Performing Arts. We came to experience a tribute to John Denver. As you enter the theater you will find a theater almost in the round. Every seat is a good seat. The sound was fantastic. The matinee was packed. I looked at the schedule and they offer quite a selection depending on your taste. You can eat lunch there if you make reservations. You will also find an art gallery, gift shop and another setting we did not see. The center is on the former site of Lanier School and the old library. What a great location near the highway and Illinois. The week before they hosted Munster's Got Talent. Take a day to explore the location. Visit Three Floyd's and stay overnight. I understand that very soon you will be able to take South Shore and leave the car behind.

After 5:00 summer series Wednesday wine down:I recently visited this Little Black Pearl, and I have…read moreto say the energy when I walked in was great. I was surrounded by such positive, welcoming people of all ages. Throughout the night, we sang karaoke, played cards, shot pool and listened to good music. What really stood out to me was how safe, inclusive, and comfortable the environment felt. Everyone was so kind and genuine. But what truly touched my heart was how the community embraced my brother, who is special needs. There was no judgment only acceptance, laughter, and open arms. For the first time in a long time, I didn't feel like I had to be on guard, watching to make sure he was being treated with respect because everyone just welcomed. It was a relaxing night filled with connection and joy. I would absolutely come back and recommend it to anyone looking for a fun, warm, and safe space. Thank you for such an unforgettable expeience.

The organization for which I work recently held an event at Little Black Pearl (LBP). The support…read moreand service we received was beyond stellar! LBP provided the space, catered the food (via their onsite cafe, Carver 47), connected us to amazing balloon and floral vendors, and provided other accoutrements (e.g., tables and chairs, table coverings, a stage, sound and tech support, package management). LBP's one-stop shop especially helpful given that our planning team resided outside of Chicago. There is so much to applaud from the experience: the warm and inviting space exuded elegance; the feast was as beautiful as it was delicious; and the LBP team's interactions with us (from planning to completion) was the epitome of grace and hospitality. They accommodated every request and did so with an exceptional level of excellence. When we asked that the menu include a vegetarian and Halal dish, they ensured guests had multiple options. When we requested assistance erecting our banner, they took on the task of assembling the entire structure, even machine washing and drying it when they noticed a stain. Compared to other spaces we considered (and have used in the past) across the city, LBP's offerings and support stood head and shoulders above and their love was palpable in their attention to details.That they have a heart-centered mission and work in support of youth and community was tasty icing on an already amazing cake. Thank you, Little Black Pearl team, for making our event a world-class experience!

Attended a couple of the Paint n Sip parties at Jenny's Steakhouse in Chicago Ridge IL. Had a…read moregreat time with Adriana! The party includes the canvas, paints, brushes and aprons. Adri takes you through step by step instructions and answers any questions you might have. She is fun, engaging and enthusiastic and we love her paint parties!!!!

From the owner: Adri Paint Studio specializes in Fine art acrylic impressionistic/abstract paintings and…read morecommissioned to travel for private “Paint & Sip” party classes.

I cannot begin to convey my gratitude to the staff at Hoosier Highlander Stationery for their…read moreguidance, patience and expertise as I last minute tried to create a memorable photo display in memory of our new son-in-law's sweet mother at our daughter's recent wedding. They not only professionally rose to the occasion but absolutely went the extra mile. (Monica, you know who you are!!) The selection of materials was stellar and the value(price) was impressive! - 5 STARS - Truly a credit to Northwest Indiana!! Lifelong resident of Dyer/Highland/Hammond area NWI

This is more of a 3.5 rating than a 3 based on my experience as a whole…read more My overall first impression was okay. I stopped by one Saturday and asked for quotes on diplomas. The lady working there said she couldn't give me a quote because she needed to see the actual diploma even though I gave her a rough estimate on the size. Okay, that's fine. I live nearby so I went home and brought it back. She said it would take about two weeks for my framed diploma and I would get a phone call when it was ready. Well... I wait and still didn't get a phone call. I finally call the place and spoke to one of the men who does the framing. I ask him what the status of my frame is because it felt like it was a while ago that I took my diploma in for framing. He tells me that he's surprised that someone never called me and also told me it was ONE MONTH AND TWO DAYS ago that I dropped off my diploma but it would be done in a week. Guess what? Still didn't get a phone call and I had to call again to check the status. They said it was ready, so I finally pick it up! After over a month of waiting and I get my framed diploma. When I get home, I noticed that there were little spots of dirt and little pieces of hair or something in it. Thankfully they were nice and said they would be able to fix it and clean it up, but the experience in general was not the best.