My sister took a hot glass class there and made me something really cool for my birthday because she knew I liked glass. I was pretty excited, because she's also an exceptional artist in other media. So. I went with her to go pick up her work, but the instructor had already let someone else take her work along with their own! We were both pissed - my sister had paid a pretty decent sum to take that class, plus the materials. She complained to the school, but they did ZERO about it. NOT TRUSTWORTHY - they will let your finished art -- after all your hard work -- get stolen. Hard pass! read more

Though they have professional art and ceramic classes here, we just came to admire the art that is on display in the main section. This is a place where local artists can be recognized and sell their craft on display. On the second and third floors are the studios where classes are given, where artists can rent out space to work at their craft. There is plenty of parking and no admission fee. Check the local guides to see when classes are given. An interesting venue. read more

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I hadn't been to the Banana Factory for quite a few years. So when I saw it was First Friday open house, I decided to visit again. Not much has changed--in a good way. There are still various "gallery" spaces featuring artists of all mediums; you can still visit artists' studios; and there are still wine, refreshments and music. What has changed (and does continuously) are the exhibits. Last night I was captivated by nearly every one. (Except 2022 InVision Juried Exhibition, but only because the DJ was playing the music so loudly that I couldn't wait to get out of there, so I barely glanced at the artwork.) The first exhibit you come across is Leah Frances: Things Were Never Normal. (It is in the hallway leading from the entrance to the largest gallery.) Loving all things nostalgia, this was my favorite. Her images of vintage restaurants, bowling alleys, cars and other businesses, made me want to visit every one, myself. A second exhibit, just outside the Crayola Gallery, is the Voices of Survivors Project. It is a "platform for survivors of human sex trafficking or other forms of violence to express their lived experiences as survivors through photography." With each photo collection are thoughts from the victims. Very powerful. The Isla P Gordon and Ash Kaye - Starter Home exhibit included a talk with the artists. The exhibit is "a visual record of our new life as home-owners as Isla transitions to life as a woman." I expected to see images reflecting the challenges and heartbreaks in such a situation. Instead, I saw love, support and fun. It warmed my heart. I ventured upstairs to the artists' studios and was delighted to find quite a few of them working at their craft and chatting with visitors. I am NOT artistic, so I always find it fascinating to watch artists work. There are more than a few pieces I would love to have displayed in my home if I had the budget for original artwork. But I am considering treating myself for my next birthday. Stay tuned. read more

I came here for the hot glass class for a date night with my girlfriend. I was not disappointed. Compared to poetry painting this is so much more fun, instead of sitting around and painting something already made, you get to take molten glass and turn that into something. Don't worry it's not as scary as it sounds, there is a professional standing by your side helping out the entire time making sure you don't mess up or get hurt. Just be warned that it is more expensive than pottery painting, it was well over $100 for two people. Also you do not get to choose what you make, every month is something different. They only offer this class twice a month on a Friday night and Saturday afternoon. You also need to buy your tickets ahead of time as they tend to sell out. A tip for any couples thinking of doing this is get back to back time slots instead of at the same time, that way you can watch each other creating the glass. Each secession only last for 20 min or so back to back works out real well. Overall it was a fun way to spend an hour or so on a Friday night, but it was kind of expensive. read more

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Vert disappointed. They canceled my daughters art class with no email, phone call, nothing! We looked on the site to find the room location details etc and realized there was no longer a class listed! Tried pulling it up on eventbrite, nothing! Finally we pulled up our credit card page to see a refund. How incredibly unprofessional. Now I have to tell my daughter the series of classes shes been looking forward to for weeks is no longer happening! read more

Had great conversations with some of the artists. Everyone was great, welcoming us into their space. The artist in residence was a fabulously talented guy who spent a great deal of time with us, very gracious. So much to see. The blown glass demo wasn't so much a demo as it was a place for you to stand, out of the way, and watch folks do their thing. read more

On the first Friday of every month in the summer, plus other special events, the Banana Factory opens it's studios to the public. I suggest Scott Atiyeh in Studio 242. His work is sort of dark, but amazing. read more

Banana Factory - Performing Arts Near Me - Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

A great local arts center which offers a variety of classes, and houses one of the best local galleries around. Large participant in First Fridays on the Southside. Definitely worth a visit. read more

We came here for First Friday when all the gallery and studio spaces are open and the general public can mill around, watch exhibitions of glass blowing and pottery throwing, and see what artists are up to. It was fun! read more

Was looking for a professional art class. This was not it. Personal chatter was off the hook. Although instructor did a demo, there was no teaching. Disappointing and waste of money. read more

This is a very cool place. The layout is a bit "maze like" but they offer many classes for youth. We used the place as part of a team retreat and it worked out well. The staff were friendly and the place was clean. Various types of art work are placed throughout. read more

Great space for artists with lots of showing rooms and studio space for renting out. I stopped by for First Friday to check out local art and chat with several of the artists in residence. Very cool and friendly vibe. read more

I will not only not go but I won't even try to call again. I called today to see if there were any pottery programs for myself, my 14 year old daughter her girlfriend and another Mom because the girls were asking. The woman who answered the phone said they did have a class but went out of her way to chase me away telling me 1) that there would be adult language and conversation - I said I'd be with her and as long as no f words were used it would be ok, and she said,"Well it could be." Seriously, what? Do they have animals here? The people in the pottery class are brawlers LOL - ok so I thought maybe I was reading her wrong. Then she goes out of her way to 2) tell me that they have a few groups with the same people go over and over again, and the pottery group is such a group. I said, do you mean a clique, and she actually agreed. I said so you are closed and don't want new people, she said some don't. Really? Uggh, who needs this. In all honesty this was a disgraceful exchange and I can't believe they try to say their mission statement is to bring the arts into the valley. Never again, on any circumstances, will I call for any reason or go there, it struck me as a self congratulatory private club that likley operates with donations. Fine if you call it for what it is but terrible if you are pretending to be welcoming - just unreal read more

I attended the gingerbread house making class. The gingerbread house was pre-made from Wilton from Michael's. The frosting was horrible. It did not dry. The house pieces would not stay together and the candy was falling off. I was so upset. This was my first experience with the Banana Factory. The teacher was lovely and very positive, however I was very disappointed with being unable to construct the gingerbread house. The class was expensive too. I contacted the Banana Factory and explained my disappointment. I received a response within 24 hours with an apology and an offer to refund the cost of the class. The email expressed their dissatisfaction with the frosting and plans to contact Wilton to complain. Although my fist experience was not positive, I will give Banana Factory another try. I was very impressed with their customer service and prompt response. It seems they care about their customers' experiences and want to do what is right. read more

My wife and rented their Crayola Gallery for our wedding reception. The staff was great, especially Terry. She helped us throughout with the planning and coordination of our event. The gallery was perfect for our 90 rowdy guests. Us and our guests had a great time. They gave us the room exactly as we had discussed as far as set up and table covers etc.. We got alot of compliments from the guests about how great the space was. The walls were also decorated with very tasteful artwork. We used one of their suggested caterers (Cathy's Creative Catering) and the food was awesome. We definitely got lots of compliments on the food. Great job done by everyone involved. They made sure the happiest day of my life, was just that. read more