I visited the Michener Art Museum a few weeks ago on a Saturday when my husband and I were in…read moreDoylestown. It was my first visit, and I really loved it. The Michener isn't huge, but it's a lovely museum. It's located inside a historic 19th century prison building, which sounds like it wouldn't be beautiful - but it is beautiful: stone walls, an arched entry, a courtyard. It's named for the novelist and Doylestown resident James A. Michener, who established the endowment for the museum and donated significant funds and some paintings from his private collection to the museum, which opened in 1988. As a regional art museum, it collects both historic and contemporary American works, with a focus on the art of the Delaware Valley. Its permanent collection includes nearly 4,000 artworks, including works by famous Pennsylvanian artists. I happen to love Wharton Esherick and George Nakashima and was thrilled to see their work in the museum! I wish we'd had more time so that I can could read for a bit in the Nakashima Reading Room - don't miss it. The museum also has a small outdoor sculpture garden, a small gift shop, and a little cafe if you need a coffee. And on top of all that, their staff are friendly and helpful AND they have great exhibits! We visited for an exhibit currently at the museum - "Anila Quayyum Agha: interwoven" (I had seen her work at a gallery in Houston about a decade ago and was thrilled to find another opportunity to see her work) - but really enjoyed their permanent collection as well. A small but charming and regional art museum with an impressive and unique permanent collection and great exhibits. Definitely check it out if you're in the area!

Yes. THAT James Michener, Pulitzer prize-winning author who spun tales of far-away places. He was…read moreborn in Doylestown. Built on the site of the inhumane Bucks County Jail, not only is the art museum diverse, the grounds are fascinating. Before entering, you'll see sculptures and an imposing stone wall -- the site of the last man hanged in Bucks County. Exhibits are on one beautifully-designed level. Most of the artists and/or subjects celebrate the creativity of the region: paintings, sculptures, works that could be called "installations." With the exception of the Mona Lisa (and a few other pieces) I'm not a fan of Renaissance or religious art. Works here span the 1800s to present -- a lot of contemporary -- which may be why I soaked in everything I saw. Doylestown isn't as well known as New Hope ... but, what a charming town with beautiful old homes and good shopping. After going through the museum -- it takes an hour or so -- you may want to walk to Main Street and enjoy a coffee or spot of lunch. We lucked out and inadvertently timed our visit on the same day as Doyletown's popular art show. A stellar afternoon!

I was here last night for a bacholerette party and we had a great time! I love these places where…read moreyou can create keepsakes to hang in your home or give as gifts. The staff was amazing and so helpful. It's BYOB and snacks. It can be messy so wear comfy clothes that might get a little dirty. Parking can be tricky. There is a small lot across the street but it fills up quick. You can park on the street but there are some spots that have meters. I definitely want to come back and create another piece! Thanks for a great night!

Had a horrible experience with the owner who lied to the BBB about it. About 1 hour into a 3 hour…read moreworkshop my group was being rushed by a staff member who tore the stencil off of my project when I went to wash may hands, ripping off the paint and stain and splintering the wood. Two staff members tried to "fix" it by pouring on stain and dripping on paint, leaving a blotchy, uneven mess. After telling them 3 different times that I was very unhappy, it was suggested that I leave the project for the owner to fix, which I did. I had to reach out to the owner because she made no attempt to contact me. During a brief email exchange I asked that the owner sand the painted area and give me the stencil to redo it. She refused and said that my only option was for her to complete the project. I asked her to just leave it "as is" and I would fix it myself. When I picked it up I saw that the owner had taken my glued project apart, put it back together crooked, and secured it with about 35 nails so that it would be extremely difficult if not impossible to take it apart again and straighten it. She did next to nothing to fix the original issues. I reached out to the founder who offered to have the owner remake the project. I declined again as the whole point of the class was to make it yourself and, more importantly, the owner had intentionally made my project worse because I had complained about my bad experience. When refusing to issue a refund, the founder said that the crooked, blotchy, uneven planter (that she had just offered to have remade) is "adorable" and "will look beautiful" on my porch. Neither the founder, nor the franchise owner, have offered any type of refund or provision of a replacement DIY kit which is something that they sell. There are so many fabulous DIY businesses, pick somewhere else to go!! AR Workshop in Newtown is a fabulous alternative!

I received a 90 minute pottery lesson as a gift. It was fun and informative! Melissa is a great…read moreeducator, first demonstrating the process and then guiding me through the creation of three bowls. It gave me a new appreciation for craftmanship that goes into ceramic bowls.

Melissa Michael is an outstanding teacher of pottery. Her expertise and patience are a perfect mix…read moreto teach her students. I have been taking classes for two years at a community studio, but my first 9 hours with Melissa was life-changing for me in this craft. I was able to refine my skills to create better pieces. Her attention to details is passed on to her students. But, and this is important--she teaches you the "how" for each piece. She is explicit in her instruction. This explicit and individual instruction is major when creating pottery, as there are so many steps, techniques, skills, and small, important details needed to be successful in pottery. I then met with her for another 6 hours and made a teapot--incorporating many pottery skills. My experiences with clay have been a roller coaster, as this craft is simple and complex at the same time. My time as a student of Melissa has been one of my best pottery experiences.

I took a 4 week adult wheel class. The instructor was great and I'm so happy with how my pieces…read morehave turned out so far. The other staff members I met were also very helpful. Definitely recommend!!

Staff was friendly, we spent over three hours painting and it was a lovely afternoon with a friend…read more We just walked in, there's a $10 studio fee to cover materials added to anything you purchase to paint

My friend and I took a pottery lesson with Mesa and it was awesome! She is so talented and helpful…read more We wound up making beautiful bowls that came out pretty impressive. While we were there we learned that she also teaches paddle boarding in the warmer months. I signed up in the spot and loved every second of the lesson! It is intimidating at first, but Mesa helps you find your stride. We were out on the water for awhile and it was so peaceful. I would highly recommend getting in touch with Mesa for pottery lessons, paddle boarding and her eco clothing and jewelry. I bought some earrings and a sweatshirt that is so soft! I wear it all the time and am constantly get compliments on it! Thank you for being awesome Mesa!

For almost two years, I have practiced yoga with Mesa in both private sessions at my home and in…read moregroup classes at Dragon Fly Yoga Studio in Doylestown. I have found tremendous benefits in terms of becoming more mindful and learning to tune in to and honor my body. Mesa is a wonderful instructor and a genuinely nice person, too. I cannot recommend her highly enough. P.S. If you haven't yet experienced Restorative Yoga, you MUST give it a try with Mesa. You'll be glad you did. :)

A simply charming local art gallery and frame shop. Quality…read moreframing is pricey, and this place is no exception, but the manager is very kind, and they offer 10% off for locals. A good selection of LOCAL artwork including original oil and watercolor landscapes as well as a few framed prints/lithographs. We will be back to get a framing estimate soon.

I've always had pleasant experiences here. Staff is nice and not pushy. Beautiful artwork.read more