We booked Hammer and Stain Thanksgiving weekend and it was a blast! Such a fun project for the…read morewhole family!

I'm giving this place a 2-star review primarily because of their Customer Service…read more I signed up for a workshop. When signing up, you had to pick the design you wanted to do. They gave customers an option where you could take a design, but modify the text in the design. So, I picked my design and modified the text. I show up to the workshop, and the woman found my design. The words were correct, but this was not the design at all. In fact, I don't even remember this design being an option. The design I requested had 4 words with a small leaf/steam design in one of the corners. The design they printed had my 4 words, but a circle around all the words, and ugly hearts and roses all throughout the design. Not even close. I told the woman this was not my design. She said I was wrong, it had to be the one I submitted. So, I pulled out my phone and showed her. She proceeded to tell me it was practically my design and pretty much the same and it will still - and I told her my design didn't have hearts, flowers and this swirly font. Again, she basically told me I should deal with it. Finally when I said I wasn't into flowers, hearts and the fonts, she told me she would ask someone. Again, the next worker basically tried to convince me the design was still cute. There weren't any apologies. There weren't any actions to try to rectify the situation. My biggest issue is that you spend $60+ dollars on a project. And to pay that much money for something I don't even like? Big. Bummer. I wouldn't come back here in hesitation that I'll have to deal with a design I don't even like. Outside of the customer service, you could walk away with something really cool. This type of place is definitely a great spot for a girls/friends nights. So many cool projects! And, they even have some adult beverages you can enjoy while you craft! If you aren't the crafting type, don't worry. They make it so easy and fool-proof to walk away with an AMAZING project.

I'd rate this like a 3.5/5 and it's mostly about the value of what you pay. I took an intro class…read morewhich was $45 for a 1.5 hour course-contains a demo, time to practice throwing and includes cleanup time. The instructor is awesome and very helpful in giving tips on how to throw clay! No faults there by any means. I'd give it about a 1 star deduction for what's involved - you don't take anything home and class time also involves cleanup time... you really only get about 45 min-hour. I'd say it would be well worth the experience it if it was priced at about $30

Very disappointing experience. Generally rude reception from owner Lejia Dongzhu, received almost…read moreno instruction, minimal answers to questions, plus item I made did not get fired or allowed to take home.

It is a wonderful space. I had a patient instructor, and came home with beautiful table.read more

My husband and I took a woodworking class and came home with beautiful vases that started as just…read morean ordinary piece of wood. It was great pleasure to watch this wood take form and function as the class progressed. Joanne was an outstanding instructor and we will return many times for more classes! We are fortunate this business is so close to where we live. Highly recommend visiting their website!

Higher fire is a great studio in the Madison area. The people who work there are really friendly…read moreand customer service oriented. I started a class there this summer, but was unfortunately unable to finish it out due to outside circumstances. Linda was willing to work with me on the money I had paid for not being able to complete the course. I was really pleased with their responsiveness. The class itself was very informative. The teacher was attentive, and able to answer any questions. I think that others would enjoy taking these classes.

This is a great little art studio, gallery, and retail/gift shop on Regent St. They offer pottery…read moreclasses for adults and children - a unique idea to get out of the house in the winter and the lessons make a great gift for that person or kid that already has everything. Linda was extremely helpful and patient with our group lesson. She fired the pottery and we came back to glaze it before she fired it a second time. You can also buy a variety of gifts including from the adjacent jewelry and pottery studio or, better yet, make your own gift for someone special. It's a laid back atmosphere and they offer as much or little assistance as you prefer. Keep your eye out for the Gallery Nights they host complete with snacks and occasional live music. We bought 4 really cool hand made cups intended for Sake wine (but they're also ideal for espresso and baby food!) at the one we attended recently. Higher Fire is a place you've probably driven/walked past dozens of times but never stopped. Next time check it out and I bet you'll be glad you did! Plus it's always nice to support our local small businesses.

Monroe street Arts advertised in April 2024 that they "support individuals with ASD", that's why…read morewe signed up for some art classes. Not an inclusive place for kiddos with ASD and their families Director and business manager demonstrate no cultural competence with ASD and are in need a basic education and training. They marginalized our son and family and caused us harm. Awful experience. Look at their advertisement below.

Really fun adult painting class, great for date night. Have enjoyed taking my wife to 3 of them so…read morefar

Art with a History: Terry is an incredibly friendly man with stories that make the art/photographs…read moretruly special. After checking it out while waiting for a table at Monty's (right across the street), I came back and bought an amazing darkroom photo with a story that makes it a truly special piece to me. I also found a VHS that was unpriced. He was able to hold it for me while he got in contact with the seller (there is a side room with vintage goods). Called me the very next day with a good deal. Couldn't recommend this place enough.

I found a nice photograph in the gallery's window while walking by one day. The gallery was closed…read moreat the time. The owner responded promptly to me, answered my questions, and delivered the piece within a timely manner. Great experience!

Taking beginner Hoop Dance from Danielle and it's awesome! She is so positive, a great teacher,…read morefriendly and motivates all the students. The space is really cool, and watching all the other performers is so fascinating. Join the circus! Madison is the best!

Amazing shows and wonderful community! I love attending the variety of MCS classes that are…read moreavailable (they have everything from swinging on a real, flying trapeze to dancing the night away in swanky swing classes) as well as seeing the myriad of performances, whether they're homegrown from Madison, or traveling in from afar. Very safe place to train and excellent prices for what they offer! Everything here is highly recommended! 10/10!

This is the first chance we had to attend the Concerts on the Square since relocating to Madison…read morethree years ago - blame Covid. We had gone to one of these concerts at least 15-20 years ago when visiting family. It was a perfect summer evening for such a gathering. If you are here as a serious fan of the symphony this may not be the best place to listen to a concert but if your goal is to have a picnic it a great setting then do go. Yes you could hear the music and see it if you were not close (many were pretty far away but there were three large video screens). That did not seem to matter given the music was just an excuse to picnic on the Capitol lawn. Between the eating, drinking, kids screaming and laughing, the chatting there was a concert going on. You do need to arrive early to stake out a good spot and there are rules on the height of chairs if you are on the lawn. Parking can also be an issue but it is all worth it when the weather cooperates. A true must-do in Madison.

What a PERFECT evening! Yesterday was the first Concerts on the square of the summer and it did not…read moredisappoint! Parking was $8 in a nearby garage and worth every penny. Food vendors galore are present to satisfy all of your needs, or you are welcome to pack a picnic and wine! We brought a blanket and were able to find a spot for two despite the large crowd. My work sponsored an event that allowed us two free pizzas from Pizza Brutta, but we did see that they also had a stand nearby. If sitting on the lawn is not your jam, there are several restaurants near by with outdoor patios that would still allow for good food and music from the orchestra. Tip: the concert closest to the Fourth of July is my favorite, and they include a salute to the armed forces and end with the 1812 overture!