The Vienna Arts Center hosts exhibits of mostly local artists and also serves as a community…read morecultural center. There's art classes for children and adults as a "Sundays at the Art Center" program. That particular event is fun. And free. Every Sunday, you can go to the center and have free drinks (coffee or a soft drink) and cookies and see whatever exhibit is there that particular week, as well as listen to guest artists talk about their works. There is an exhibit going on here now that I loved! It is called "International Cocktail Collection" and is a series of pastel paintings that incorporate drink glasses (mostly of the martini kind) used in unusual ways.

I have signed on to teach a number of workshops at the Vienna Arts Center, and am hosting three…read moreVisiting Artists who will be teaching master classes. This space is one of the area's best kept secrets. Spacious, professionally run and wonderfully creative atmosphere. Bonnie Fitzgerald, Maverick Mosaics

My daughter has attended several art camps here over the years and we have been absolutely…read moreimpressed by the communication from staff, instruction + variety in art projects, and overall organization of the program. My budding artist has been exposed to many different techniques and art styles and most of all had a blast (not easy when you are truly doing a full day of art!). I would definitely recommend this program to families looking for something to do over the winter or summer break.

All of the teachers here really cared for my success and because of that I got into a lot of good…read moreart schools!!

My son has been attending both classes and summer art camp at Tysons art and learning center, and…read morewe couldn't be happier with the experience. My son looks forward to classes and always comes home proud of what he's created. Most importantly, he's learned so much. We're so grateful to have found them.!

I expected a lot better from my few weeks of having my kids here but unfortunately I couldn't get…read moreinto it. My kids were here for just over 3 weeks, since this Friday, and while they enjoyed the start of summer camp, too many changes came up and after speaking with the director, who wasn't open to hearing from any parents it seemed, I took them out. I enjoyed their teachers, but my kids just didn't get into the program, which was very very surprising. 5 and 12, and tragically bored and unentertained, apparently. The art was good, but just not their type of camp, they weren't having fun. Not to mention the rude interaction with the director. Not for us.

Okay, this place is pricey. You could likely take your kid to the movies and dinner with how much…read moreyou pay here. It was close to $100 for a unicorn mug for my kid, the smallest bunny I could find to paint, and two servings of custard. If you have multiple kids, just get the custard. They also complimented my painting in front of my kid which made her feel like her work wasn't as great. I will likely return bc my kid did enjoy it. But, please add more affordable options.

NOTE: REVIEW IS FOR THEIR FROZEN CUSTARD ONLY!!!…read more We were a bit surprised to see a homemade frozen custard shop INSIDE a paint-your-own-pottery place lol. So we approached the front entrance with trepidation, not knowing what to expect when we stepped inside. But sure enough, just inside the front entrance was the custard counter. We arrived on a late Friday afternoon, walking over from The Sandwich Shop a few blocks down Church (same side of the street and walking right past Rita's (!!)) after having a late sammie lunch (also our first time at The Sandwich Shop - read my review). We had spotted Kiln & Custard as we drove past it to get to the sandwich place and made a mental note to save room to try their custard as a cap-off to lunch. What a great location! Walkable anywhere from old town Vienna and the downtown area (nothing is really that far), tucked away one block off busy Maple Ave, surprisingly lots of great FREE street parking (on Church) but also right there in their small shopping center parking lot so it's truly not a pain-in-the-butt to head over and not have to stress about where to park. The guy serving the custard was also tending to customers doing pottery painting (not many when we arrived) - dunno how service is if you just come in for the custard and the place is packed (we saw that pottery customers had to ask the guy each time they wanted more paint which he portioned out for them...vs customers self-serving their own paint and colors in other paint-your-own places we've been to - with a single worker, I can imagine that could be a bottleneck problem if the pottery side is busy AND there's a line of custard customers waiting to be served). The frozen custard is DEEEEELICIOUS. You can definitely see as it's being scooped AND TASTE that it's housemade. SOOOOO GOOOD. Very creamy, soft, pliable, rich custard flavor and not too sweet. They offer 12 flavors - see my pics of the 2 display cases of custards. PRICES IMO ARE VERY REASONABLE. $2.85 for a kid's size, GENEROUS HEAVY HANDED PORTIONS (and who doesn't love THAT in this economy?!). I had the Vanilla Oreo and my friend had the Nutella - a perfect after-lunch dessert treat. TREMENDOUS! For the price, generous portion sizes, quality of the custard combined with its easily accessible location in Vienna and no hassle parking options, this could for sure be a destination frozen-treat shop when I'm in the Vienna area (which is fairly regularly). That good! HIGHLY RECOMMEND this little hole-in-the-wall mom-and-pop shop!!!

What an energizing place...a space for community to gather, learn, grow. I went to a fall festival…read moreof sorts at the Grounds of Livev and it was lovely. Plenty of parking, then a short walk down a path led into this pasture where there was a band playing and lots of unique vendors set up. I also walked around the grounds and it was so calming and peaceful. Met the co-owner Celeste and she's a powerhouse! So cool how she and a partner built out this concept--looking forward to coming back for more events.

The Grounds of Livev is a community space in the heart of Oakton where you can connect with over…read moreart, cooking, yoga, meditation, and much more! The state of the world and motherhood has heightened my anxiety over the past few months so I was feeling completely frazzled and fried when I walked into my block printing class. Two hours later ... I felt like an actual person again! The experience was a lot cheaper than a therapy session and to be honest, a whole lot more fun. There is something about learning something new, making art (good or bad!), and connecting with neighbors of all walks of life that really fills your cup. The comfy little cabin, green pastures, and little menagerie of horses, baby goats, and llamas helped as well. The Grounds of Livev just opened with plans to expand into an event space, gardening center, and more over the next few years. I am so excited to have found such a wonderful little space that is not too far from home to relax, learn, and grow. We got to meet the owner and several of her family members, and they are very passionate about creating a space for the community. They offer classes for children and adults, so there truly is something for everyone here.

Had such a great first experience at Muse Paint Bar in Mosaic District!…read more The instructor was amazing and made the class easy to follow and fun. The staff was incredibly nice, organized, and patient with everyone. I had the sampler platter and it was delicious -- and they made sure food came out in a timely manner. There's plenty of space, so you don't feel cramped, and parking is easy with garage and street options available. Overall, such a fun night out. I'll definitely be back and would recommend it!

This was such a fun experience! I love that they guide you through creating certain paintings, and…read morethere are so many options to choose from! I had not painted for many years and wanted to get creative again. Art is therapeutic. If you are bored of the same old thing, try this! The set up was well organized. They have everything you need there. They even sell hot food and drinks. There are alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and light bites. A lot of the food seemed baked and not fried (if it matters to you). The painting instructor was great. My painting turned out better than I thought it would be. This would be a great experience for groups, team building, birthdays, public and private events, and just as a general social mixer. I did not know anyone there but got to know people sitting at my table. The staff even takes care of the clean up! I went away feeling more motivated to get back into the arts.

Great family business. I've seen it driving past my husband's work but didn't realize they offer…read moreclasses until I googled. So glad my friend and I came to take a short project class. We really enjoyed ourselves and will be back. Great instruction, designs offered, and value. They also have small gifts up front if you don't have time for a class, but want something hand made locally.

Fiscus Glassworks is a gem in Alexandria. I have now taken all of their classes from beginner to…read morestructure/dimension and design and build. I even entered my pieces I created in these classes at the Arlington County Fair and won the Reserve Grand Champion for my division! I now frequent their studio during open hours with their studio time passes. Brad and Maré are kind, welcoming and extremely knowledgeable! They can help you create patterns and make your stained glass visions come true. Definitely check Fiscus out!