I hadn't done any life drawing in many years, and really missed it…read more The atmosphere is laid back, professional, and friendly. The session I attended was more of an open studio with a monitor than a class, but it seems attendees can solicit tips and instruction from Minerva if they so desire. The mini-lectures she delivers during 5 minute breaks that focus on art history and culture were an unexpected bonus. I will definitely return.

A friend and I signed up for Jessie's Hand Embroidered Felt Holiday Ornaments class on a Saturday,…read moreand it was SO fun. We can't wait to be back. The 2 hours whizzed by, and Jessie was really friendly and great and giving and showing instructions. She was also very patient with students' questions. The ornaments ended up being so cute from everyone, we were all thoroughly impressed by everyone's work. A lot of us, including me, didn't finish the entire project during class, so we got to take home the supplies we'd need to finish at home. Jessie made sure we had the supplies and knowledge/skills so that we'd succeed at home with finishing up. The studio is nice and cozy, there were about 16 participants of mixed genders and ages. It was really fun, and we can't wait to try more classes!

I love spaces like Brooklyn Brainery! I came for a fragrance class that was very affordable and…read moreI'm so glad I did! The space was comfy and they provided loose paper and wooden slates to write on. There is a restroom and water and wine was offered. Overall it was a great space to learn in and I'll definitely be back for more classes.

I have been a member and student at Clayworks for 10 years. It's like a second home to me.read more

Is 3.5 stars an option? I only say this because it's above average by far but doesn't quite make my…read morerequirements for a 4. Clayworks is divided into two schools of instruction - 1) 10 week instructor guided courses with unlimited use (during class time and open studio while class term is in session) of two kinds of clay and supplies, 2) monthly rental shelf space with your own golden key to the facility. You can come any time you want except during course time. So the clientele lends itself to potters of all experience. Pros: - loosey goosey honor system, system. Clayworks seems to be run by its potters. There's a lock box where firing fees and course registration costs are dropped. -There's no one looking over your shoulder which lends itself to seemingly limitless possibilities for creativity. This is an environment of very talented artists. Just cruise through the shelves (but don't touch!). -The class sizes are small which allows for more individual instruction. -2 kinds of clay. Fantastic! -Class courses are very reasonably priced - one of the cheapest studios in the NYC area. -The students and renters are a close community. They have BBQs in the garden, bring drinks and breakfast sometimes. The studio has a warm and positive vibe. Everyone's there for the same reason. No drama and everyone wants to help each other. Cons: -There are many different types of wheels which can get confusing if you're just starting out or came from another facility. -You really have to come with your own supplies. Not much is provided for you in the way of molds, decorating devices, tools, etc. -There isn't much room to work and hand build and the slab roller is always covered with junk. This was particularly upsetting to me as I typically incorporate a lot of hand built elements in my wheel thrown work. -There's a limited amount of open studio time for enrolled students, in my opinion. Clayworks is closed on Sunday. I never understood that. -Shelf space rentals can get expensive. You pay by the month and you've really got to be in there consistently to make it worth your dollar. -The studio is also a little out of the way and hard to get to if you don't have a car. Expect to hop on the B71 to Red Hook. That's pretty much the only way unless you like to hoof it from the F train at Carroll St. I enjoyed my time at Clayworks. I made some friends, had a wonderful time but in the end I decided to leave to no fault of Clayworks. I just don't think it was for me but that's not to say it won't be for you, however. I would make the recommendation if someone asked my opinion. I would say, "try it out and see if you like it. I did, but moved on. No harm. No fowl."

Really cool experience. A bit pricey - 90 per person. I tried the Spin Wheel and Sip experience. It…read morewas a ton of fun, spinning is not as easy as it looks lol. Daniela was amazing instructor, thank goodness. She gave a great demonstration and was helpful throughout the whole 2 hour experience. Some recommendations: we didn't all get an apron which would of helped, they need more towels here, and maybe some light music to get the creative juices going.

It was my first time at a ceramic studio! I went on a solo date and took their 2 hr workshop which…read moreis perfect for beginners. They teach you how to make the piece, guide you and you basically have time to make as many pieces as you want. I ended up making 4 and only buying 1! Pro tip: Bring cash so you can buy extra pieces! I wished I did but I didn't expect to be happy with more than one piece cause I thought they'd all be bad for my first time.

What a gem Sara is! Her painting school is a slice of heaven- beautifully situated, full of natural…read morelight- a place to learn and create and unplug from the world. The other night, I found myself sitting with a group, Canvas arranged, candles lighting the space- fresh flowers in vases down the center of the table for inspiration. Paintbrush in hand I was anxious on how to start. Sara's calm reassurance and knowledgeable guidance gave me the confidence I needed to begin my journey across the blank space. An hour later I was holding my painting full of joy like a little kid! I'm looking forward to my next sitting and am eager to begin taking classes! Thank you Sara! Thank you for this!

Sara is a great teacher! She's smart and very informed about all kinds of painting, historical and…read morecontemporary. The atmosphere is very friendly. Whatever level you're at, this place will meet your needs if you're interested in painting. It's a great community spot! I'm so happy I found it. Highly recommend!

Happy medium is an AWESOME Idea having a space where you can pick your medium is definitely the…read moregoal for some of us but I do have a few suggestions to add: - I love the pottery options they have, would it be possible that the options were clear instead of white? That would have been fun! - I think some of the prices are affordable and some are not, I totally would pay $15 for a ring holder but I dont know If I would pay $48 for a bowl. So if you go keep in mind whats really worth it. - I believe is amazing how they allow the freedom to run wild for each person, but I would have appreciated more companionship from the "waitress" or at least for her to take a moment to guide us more, maybe there is a way where we can be guided over the phone with a video or something - I loved the space, it was all I thought it would be and is pretty spacious. Overall the experience was pretty good, I will be back and check out more of their menu!

This is my first time at the downtown Manhattan location. I had previously been to the greenpoint…read morelocation. Here's what I liked. Today, I did the watercolor activity and was handed a folder with multiple sized paper and some watercolor paint. I started painting right away. The workers are around to refill the paint/brushes/supplies when you're running low. I felt extremely attended to and I had such a good experience. I think that in the future, I might do the air dry clay activity as drawing/painting is not really my forte.

Amazing. The space is gorgeous, the instructors are top notch, and the lessons are the highlight…read moreof my week. My girlfriend and I have been taking lessons here, and we couldn't be happier. They have another studio in Carrol Gardens.

This place is like a family. All of the teachers are warm and kind especially the owner Sherrie…read more My daughter has gained such confidence in dance and movement because of how naturally they teach the children. Highly recommend!

My friend invited me to a candle making class at Apotheke. We had so much fun! You get to pick the…read morescents, glass vessel, packaging, and you even get to name your candle, and take it home in a cute Apotheke tote bag. Perfect for locals and visitors alike, this class is a fun, memorable experience and a fantastic group outing! You need to wait an hour for your candle to set after class. So, my friend and I walked to Steve's Key Lime Pie, which was great. We got diet Coke's at the brewery next door, and then checked out Compound Art & Sound Gallery which is in the same lot as Steve's. After we picked up our candles, we checked out Pioneer Works and then took the ferry back to FiDi. Great experience! We want to come back for the perfume making class at Apotheke.

I found out about this place because of the Apoteke x Tony's chocolate collab. For Valentines day…read moreweekend the class featured Tony's chocolate. The area itself is sort of far out and isolated in Red Hook so coming from queens it was a trip. N to the 7 to the G to a bus then walking. It was a journey but one I was happy to make for a fun experience. The place is actually spacious. It is lined with candles, oils, decor, etc. Its a cute spot. The class was at 4:00 but we started a little later waiting for late people. The class was packed once everyone finally arrived. Kaitlin began the class explaining all the scents and how they compliment each other. Then we were tasked with picking out a vessel and three of the scent profiles to add to our candle. The scents were all in one area and people did not move from the area, having no consideration of others who were waiting to pick their scents. It would have been better if that area was more spread out instead of up so accommodate more people. After finally picking my scents, then came the mixing part. I poured the amount needed to make my right scent which was 50% citrus, 25% fruity amd 25% aromatic. Once I got the desired scent, it was time to mix it into the hot wax and pour into the vessel. The candle took about 30-40 minutes to set so I went across the street for food/drink. When i came back, my candle was packed up and ready to go. I also got to take a Tony's chocolate home. Ive seen other Tony's collaborated events and people left with loads of chocolate so I was sad we only got one bar. I wanted to try all the flavors. It was a fun class overall. Id would like to come back with others one day but its definitely a driving situation rather than public transportation.