Joel did a beautiful job on my two prints, rematting, new glass (UV protective) and hanging gear…read more Fair price and expertly executed. Thanks Joel

This place is great! This is a treasure of unique handmade glass pieces, from jewelry, ornaments,…read moregarden stakes, art pieces and so much more. Beatiful works from the artist and proprietor, Jeni, for all price ranges and tastes. Every piece is unique to buy or you can sign up for a class and make your own. Jeni is so knowledgeable, enthusiastic and a great instructor. Lots of fun making fused glass. You can also get pieces on the website. I got necklaces for my wife and garden stakes too plus some glass coasters, all very affordable. I've never seen a place like it!

My friends & I attended a glass fusion class today with Jeni. She shared her extensive knowledge…read moreabout glass, some useful terminology, a quick & compelling history of glass, all before giving a discussion on safety & the tools used in the process which were seamlessly parlayed into a demonstration of the process to make our chosen pieces. Before we knew it we were constructing our pieces, sharing stories & laughs while she guided us through our making and learning. She generously allowed us to bring in party food & beverages to celebrate those among us having birthdays which we enjoyed while she gave her talks mentioned earlier. The entire time was pure pleasure. Her studio's gallery space is full of astounding works of art she created. She is enormously talented. I hope you'll take one of her classes.

I have shopped at Cate's booth at a few quilt shows in the past, but today was my first visit to…read morethe store. Cate and another employee greeted me as soon as I walked in and directed me to the things that I was looking for. They have a nice variety of quilting fabrics that other shops in the area do not carry, which is nice for those of us who prefer modern fabrics and pattern designs. For those who are not quilters, there is also a nice variety of patterns and fabrics for making garments as well.

Visited the store yesterday to purchase fabrics for a project. Cate was so pleasant and…read moreaccommodating. Store is bright and very well stocked. Would highly recommend.

A simply gorgeous gallery…read more I was fortunate to have visited the Melanie Carr Gallery on its opening night, viewing a friend's art displayed in the exhibition "Cool + Collected." In alignment with the exhibition's theme, the gallery was minimally decorated so as to let numerous works of art on the walls be the focal points. The owner, Melanie, herself was walking around throughout the reception to talk to guests and to discuss the artwork being displayed. I moseyed around the gallery, chatted with Melanie and a couple of the artists whose work was being displayed for a little bit, and struck up various conversations with other guests viewing the same pieces that I was. All art displayed was for sale and Melanie created sheets with lists containing the name of the work, the artist, and the cost for each piece. There was also additional work by the artists featured in the exhibition in a smaller pull-out drawer cabinet at the back of the main gallery space, which was accessed by the some of the artists throughout the time that I was there who were chatting with guests about their techniques and inspiration. This rectangular-shaped gallery is perfect for showcasing art. The gallery really set up an ideal space in which others could freely move and talk with one another. There's also an abundant amount of wall space and there is a small refreshment area with restrooms right in the back. When I visited for the opening night, there was champagne and fruit-flavored water along with all sorts of candy--yes, candy!! Melanie wanted to do something different--not your typical fancy cheese that no one knows what it is. The candy was a hit with everyone, so Melanie definitely nailed it [again] there. She utilizes every bit of the gallery's space well. For this gallery, there are only two downsides. First, I found it a little difficult to get to. My GPS had me stop in the middle of a roundabout right near the gallery--this with the address of the gallery itself set. I hadn't been to this area of Essex, so I found it hard to navigate. Luckily no one was around to get irritated with my slow and hesitant driving, and I subsequently saw the gallery's bright colors and sign soon after I came into the roundabout; I just kept going around the circle to pull up into a space on the gallery's street. (The gallery is left out of the roundabout, just as a heads up.) Parking is definitely not the easiest, which is the second downside. There's only a few spots on the street right out front and no nearby lots (that I could see). It may take going around the block a few times and hoping to spot a vacant parking spot on a nearby street if you come at a busy time. It's a really nice, definition-of-New-England town, so a little walk about is probably quite excellent anyway. All driving and parking issues are worth supporting this local gallery and the local artists it showcases. I'm really impressed with this space and the people running it. I will definitely be back again and again because I love art and I love supporting local artists and galleries. I noticed that there will be new exhibitions coming soon, too. The Melanie Carr Gallery is a definite must-do for all art lovers and gallery dwellers, so go check it out!!

I was looking for someone to give piano lessons for my son when my wife discovered the Thames…read moreValley Music School during an internet search. After doing some research, I decided to give them a call. The person I spoke with, Kathy, was very helpful and explained all of the options available. TVMS teaches to all levels of students- from beginners to advanced musicians. They have a good number of teachers to choose from, and they offer lesson times during the week and on Saturdays. Lessons are given at Connecticut College in the Cummings Art Center. Students have the opportunity to use the College's resources, which include individual practice rooms (all with Steinway grand pianos). TVMS schedules several student recitals during the year where students have the opportunity to play in front of an audience, something that all students need to become comfortable with. The cost for lessons is a bit higher than what you may find on the outside- however, I feel the cost is definitely offset by the quality of the lessons and all of the extras that are available to the student. I highly recommend TVMS for anyone who is searching for a music teacher- especially for those who are more serious in their intent.

The level of instruction for both private lessons and youth orchestra is amazing!! So grateful…read morefriends recommended we come here!! Looking forward to many more years of listening to my children play here!

The Lobster rolls are AMAZING! I have never had better lobster rolls anywhere they do not skip on…read morethe meat whatsoever. Alcoholic beverages are very good too. They don't skimp on the liquor.

Awesome and delicious!! So good and the staff is amazing!…read moreBeautiful location overlooking Long Island Sound.

Mrs. Newsome is a through and meticulous instructor. There is no guess work on what to do and how…read moreto do it. She works at your speed whilst accommodating fellow students, and keeping a steady pace in the class. Her presentation of materials for the students is well thought out and laid out perfectly. I would recommend this class to teens and adults. I look forward to taking other classes with her.