MorningSun Art school is fantastic. They're a family owned business and they really take the time…read moreto get to know you, which is why I've been going to them for years. They really push you to improve your skills and help increase your confidence and creativity. They help you establish crucial foundations in composition, color theory, shading, working with different media, and more. No matter what you hope to do with art/ design, they help you work towards your goals and aim high. I've never met art teachers who believe in you more. They also help you prepare your portfolio so that it's polished and representative of your skill and artful eye. I feel much more confident with my art skills and I am glad I have solid foundations. They also help propel your skills even higher so that you never feel like you've plateaued. Additionally, their supplies are high grade and they help you feel proud of your work. I felt like I got better each time I went. I highly recommend going here if you want to become a more confident artist!

From the owner: The MorningSun Art School program, founded in 2006, was developed to foster creativity. We…read moreencourage artistic expression and experimentation in order to develop confidence and out of the box thinking. The program teaches traditional, classic, and contemporary art techniques, which include skills such as painting and drawing. We cater toward students who wish to master analytical skills, develop a great work ethic, and excel in the visual arts. We offer classes for children and adolescents. For children, we teach drawing, painting, and other art fundamentals. Adolescents work on their portfolios in preparation for testing into Specialized Art High Schools and for applying to College.

I love painting pottery stores. There aren't many of them anymore. So I was happy when I found Mud…read moreGenius in Bayside. This store is a little small. So when the place is full or there's a lot of kids, it can be noisy. But it's too be expected. There's also a couple small dogs in the store. They keep to themselves. They had a decent selection of pottery to choose from. However, I think we wished there was a little more. We wanted to paint some of the marvel characters that we saw in a picture and also saw as a finished product on the shelf, but they were sold out. It's $8 to sit and then the price of the pottery on top of it. It's not cheap, but you're paying for the entertainment of it, the experience and memories, as well as, bringing home a one of a kind painted pottery. Additionally, there's a credit card fee if you pay with credit card. So I opted to pay in cash. Owners/staff are friendly. The staff offered suggestions on how to start painting (e.g. sketching out my design with a pencil first). But be patient, the owners have broken English. It didn't bother me, but I could see how it may be frustrating for others. Overall, we had a nice time at Mud Genius.

I wanted to like this place. After all, there are few paint-your-own-pottery places left as any…read morequick Google search will tell you. Sadly it was a frustrating experience and I am left wondering if it's this place only functions when the wife of the husband/wife team is at the helm. When she appeared she at least made an effort at customer friendliness. We went in on a weekday. I asked for an ice cream bowl. The husband's owner pointed to the shelves. I said I looked and could he help. He pointed to them again. No help. Sigh. I pick out a big item for my 8-year-old. We sit down. He proceeds to lecture my kid on using a big brush so he will finish faster. Is fast the goal here? It was overbearing and he didn't get any social cues to back off. More people come in -- a 5 and 8-year-old. He insists they sit together even though there's plenty of space because as he says: "this way I don't have to keep walking back and forth." It's a small shop people. Now we are crowded next to a 5-year-old who has ants in his pants and is ready to climb the walls. Relaxing it was not. Then there's the dog, which they keep in the store. I don't mind dogs, but some do. One such customer said her kid was afraid and could they put the dog away. He is put in the back only to keep coming back out or yap. Now we have to listen to the drama unfolding. But, I think the final straw, after enduring all this was that when I asked for a fine point brush because all the brushes out had bristles that were worn out I was informed customers ruined them so that's what they had. The message here: We can't have nice things and neither can you. I get kids are the main customers but it's an art shop and I KNOW brushes are not that expensive that you can't keep some aside for adults who are trying to do some more detailed work. So, no, it wasn't much fun, and it was sure as hell not relaxing. We won't be back.

Mrs. Ma is a great artist and teacher. She is also very honest and straightforward about her…read morestudio's policies and schedules. Mrs. Ma has high expectations but every professional does. She is very caring and has a heart of gold. I have always appreciated her candor and her hard work and dedication to the world of art and education. My children have taken lessons from her studio for years and it was always a positive experience. There are other art teachers that work during various times of the year so there are different perspectives as well. If anyone is truly interested in a real quality art experience for their child, they can schedule a trial class. Sometimes it's about the fit between teacher and student.

Mrs. Ma is the most talented and hardworking teacher I have ever met. When she teaches, she puts…read morenot only an immense amount of time and care into her students in art, but also their lives in building children in general. Her teachings and classes have shaped many children's lives and produced very diligent and creative thinkers. Some students have gone to prestigious art high schools and colleges, and won art competitions with Mrs. Ma's help. Others students who just thought of art as a hobby, were able to open their minds and gain new experiences through art. Mrs. Ma has taught me much not only about art but also about myself as a person. Many of my friends who took classes had great experiences. She really cares about her students! I implore those interested to visit in person. The studio has an annual art show which showcase all of the wonderful art the students make. Stop by and talk with Mrs. Ma; or you can check her website and facebook page. I also noticed there are reviews that are "not recommended" but were written by her students, so feel free to read those as well

We recently held my daughter's birthday party at Let's Craft. Karrie was very helpful in connecting…read moreme with creative ideas for my daughter's age group and designing activities that would appeal to a group with varying ages. We enjoyed the Taylor Swift visit and songs, lip gloss making, cupcakes and tote decorating activities! Her suggestion on food choice via a nearby vendor was also perfect for the occasion. Overall, the venue/space was spacious, the staff were helpful and warm, and guests had a wonderful time! Thanks to Karrie and all her team. Highly recommend (esp the 360 camera!).

We had my daughter's 9th birthday party at Let's Craft and it was a hit! The owner, Karrie, helped…read moreme customize all aspects of the party (from crafts chosen, to food, to music and decorations). Everyone in attendance had a wonderful time crafting (we chose stuffed animal puppies, complete with hearts, collars, and tshirts, as well as lava lip glosses). The store is gorgeous, clean and sophisticated, and the staff that helped the kids craft that day were friendly and knowledgeable. It was also great that the parking lot was nearby and covered (it was raining heavily that day - but we didn't get wet at all!) I highly recommend Let's Craft for your next kids birthday party or ladies night out... I will surely go back!!!

I personally felt the experience was overpriced for what was offered and the size/quality of the…read moreglass artwork created. Prices start at $68 for items like a sun catcher, coaster, or mixed jewelry set (earrings and necklace). My friends and I chose to make sun catchers, but they were much smaller than expected -- at only 3x5 inches, they looked more like bookmarks. The coasters actually appeared larger and thicker in comparison. While the concept is creative and enjoyable in theory, I personally wouldn't return. Although you can design your own piece, the workspace and selection of colors and shapes felt quite limited, which made the experience feel less worthwhile for the price.

My friend and I came here for our (quickly becoming) annual art project, last year we did…read morepottery/wheel throwing. We both decided to do a picture frame? Very different designs and techniques. While she painted and designed with little pieces of glass, I was cutting and shaping pieces to make the shapes I wanted. We both loved how we could take as long as we needed to finished, that it was hands on learning and help. It was cool seeing what all the different groups and people had made before us and during too. I would suggest bringing a box or bag when you come pick up your item. While she packed it for you and had some paper packing supplies, a box really helped me make the trek across the city and keep it safe.

What a great camp for my children! Both enjoyed the…read moreEducation/sports program. The education classes were perfect---having the campers practice their academic skills without realizing they are preparing for school in September. I spoke with Ms Karen, Ms Carmen, and Ms Jennifer throughout my 8 weeks and all 3 people were helpful. They answered all my questions, gave me updates when I asked, and even offered advice for the new school year. My kids loved their teachers because they came home every day to talk about everything they had done. My son loved playing sports and my daughter loved her counselor/group. I am definitely registering them again for next summer. 5 stars, 10+, 2 thumbs up!!

Our kids loved this camp. Everyday was filled with exciting activities and great learning…read moreopportunities. The staff was so caring and my kids made such great friends.