Spending time at Kelly Gau studio is one of life's best gifts. She is hilarious, sweet and patient…read morewith adults and kids a like. Many have found her studio as a place of healing. Fun classes and fun pieces to purchase as well.

A MUST SEE while visiting Clear Lake! Not only a MUST SEE, but go BUY stuff!!…read more Open and accepting! This art center features local artists ware and some beautiful goods from far away. It's a huge place that offers classes - has a great studio space for an art exhibit (saw a fabulous one while there) - has a great space for local art AND a nice little store that sells local art for all budgets. (I bought an adorable pendant made by a local Iowan silver smith. If I could give this place 10 Stars I would! If I lived in Clear Lake I'd drag All my friends there! GO!

When in Clear Lake, I always make it a point to stop in to see what items I can add to my…read morecollection at home. While there are certainly lake-themed items made by local artists for sale, there's a little something for everyone - pottery, paintings, glass, paintings. A quaint establishment, it has a definite museum gift-shop feel (which I love) combined with a small gallery area exhibiting more high-end art pieces for sale. What I appreciate is the eclectic options in all price ranges for folks who appreciate unique pieces to add to their home collection. It's slightly off main street, so if you're touristing - make sure to walk the extra block out off the main drag. It's worth the visit.

This was a fantastic museum to stumble upon in Mason City. We could have spent longer here looking…read moreat everything (but we were pressed for time). Bil Baird's puppets were my absolute favorite permanent collection. Such a variety of puppets - you'll even get to see some of the puppets featured in The Sound of Music from 1965. (If you've seen the movie, you'll recognize them immediately.) MacNider has the most extensive Bil Baird puppet collection anywhere in the world; I suspect it's because Bil grew up in Mason City. The museum resides in a Tudor-style home, previously a private residence and a convent. The house has gone through several renovations over the years. The original staircase is beautiful. The art outside the museum between it and the library is neat, too. If you're going to Mason City, take advantage of MacNider! Free admission.

Such a great museum. A must see when visiting Mason City…read more It's FREE, so no worries if you've just spent all your money at the local ice-cream shop. Donations only. Full of rich history and great exhibits. They even have a small gift shop with items made from local artist. Upstairs the Bill Baird puppets are on display. If you don't know who Bill Baird is, he's the guy who created the puppets for the movie.... The Sound Of Music. They have an Imagination playground for younger children and even a few local exhibits from artists all over the Mid-West. Some of the local exhibits change monthly. They also offer art classes like painting and pottery. Fun place to visit.

This is Austin's hidden gem. At Austin Artworks, you can shop for various types of artwork. There…read moreare collections of handmade items from cards to jewelry. Artists from across the nation can sell their items in this beautifully curated main floor space. I loved the handmade cards and stickers so much that I purchased a few for friends. The location also provides several art classes and events. If you want to take a clay class or try new art techniques, be sure to stop in to learn more.

We were in town walking around. We walked by and the store looked like it had nice items, as we are…read morelooking for a few pieces for our home. We walked in at 4:52, and without even saying hello the girl working the counter told us - 'we close in 6 minutes.' After that, we no longer felt welcome in the store so we turned around and walked out.

Great classes, really interesting and fun inventory of gifts, crafts, kitchen items & even clothing…read moreitems. I could spend a long day and not see everything. Staff could not be more welcoming and friendly. A fun gem of a place outside of Pine Island. SO worth the trip.

This is my all-time favorite gift and hobby store! Firefly Farm has gifts for men and women,…read morejewelry, self-care lines, and the most vast variety of card-making and scrap-booking supplies around! The location is peaceful and serene, adding to the shopping experience! The owner has a great personality and will help you get what you need! Highly recommend this store!

I LOVE Art Heads Emporium, especially with the new name and the beautiful interior! I especially…read morehave enjoyed the weaving and sculpture classes. Very comfortable and welcoming and I have never felt intimidated or judged. You can go with friends or meet some new people at your table, everyone is friendly and there are lots of laughs to be had. As a bonus there is a little shop that is great for picking up gifts.

Amazing!! What in expecting something not out of the ordinary, was very surprised to see an amazing…read moreplace. Very cool set up set up and employees are amazing!! . Instructions are super clear and easy to follow for all ages!! Very open and free lesson to do whatever colors and styles you want. Service is amazing! This place is so cool!! Would highly recommend if your looking for fun on a rainy or sunny day!! Awesome!!!