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."

From the moment I stepped into Earth Angel Crystal shop, I felt like I'm home. I've been to many…read morehealing circles and spiritual/crystal shops but nothing like this place. Nothing like Daisy! She is genuine, knowledgeable, and warm. I felt very comfortable with her. She was able to explain things to me in a way that I can understand when it comes to the spiritual world. You can tell she comes from a loving place. I felt safe, heard, and supported. (THIS IS BIG FOR ME FOR SAY, I can be pretty skeptical with people) After joining her healing circle (very transformative), I scheduled the 30min consultation (free) the next week. I am now in the process of doing the mentorship and healing session with her. This is also big because it's been YEARS since I've been searching for someone to mentor with. Honestly, I didn't think I would find someone that I resonate with and feel is the right one for me. I'm beyond thankful to start this chapter of my healing journey with Daisy. Even just being around her, stopping by the shop, is so wholesome and I'm always coming out of it with new knowledge and perspective. Just check out her shop---her crystal collection is beautiful!!!

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!

Gabrielle is a personable well of knowledge who truly cares about refining her craft of tutoring…read moreand business overall! I will definitely work with A Step Ahead again.

Our 11-year-old daughter has been receiving tutoring with a lovely young lady from A Step Ahead…read more Gabrielle conducted a very detailed intake interview to determine our needs and did an awesome job matching us with us with a great tutor. This interview was key, as we had already attempted to work with several other tutors who we found online, and had been unable to find a good fit. Now our daughter looks forward to her tutoring sessions, and we have seen significant improvement in her reading comprehension and her self esteem. The prices are also very affordable. We are glad that we found A Step Ahead and highly recommend them.

I was seeking a coffee shop with available seating on a lazy Sunday morning. After visiting two…read moreother coffee shops in the area with no success, Artshack was the only available option. ENVIRONMENT Interestingly enough, there was ample seating all over the coffee shop. There were ceramic pieces on display all over and after inquiring with the barista she confirmed there's a ceramic studio located in the back(separate ownership). However, for anyone in seek of a unique date idea the combo of coffee and ceramics fills a niche. The service was okay and there were select tables designated as "laptop free". SIPS I tried a chai latte which was decent but far from my favorite. HOWEVER,the drip coffee stole the show and I found myself appreciating it far more than expected. It was quite flavorful. While coffee shops that center around unique themes can at times feel gimmicky, the cafe at Artshack does so in a tasteful way that offers unique value. I will certainly be retuning for the drip coffee and maybe taking a ceramics class at some point.Happy sips!

I can't speak to their art and events, but I will never stop in here for a coffee or food again…read more Service was painfully slow and disorganized--and my girlfriend and I simply ordered a drip coffee and a cold brew, to boot. There was some problem with either (or both) the coffee carafe and coffee brewer, which is understandable, but they went on to make like 2-3 more specialty coffees while trying to figure this out, seemingly forgetting us. Wasn't entirely clear where to wait for our coffee, so it then became a real clusterf*ck of people milling about, unclear about where to order vs. where to wait. I eventually had to cut back in line and ask the server about my coffee after about 5-10 minutes, and he somewhat nonchalantly mentioned he couldn't get the coffee brewing and could he offer me something else. I'm kind of a stickler for my morning coffee (hot, even in the pit of summer) but had wasted so much time at this point I had to take a cold brew myself. Between the failure to update us, failure to have the most basic product a coffee shop could offer and the clear lack of caring about the delay, I was pretty furious. I understand that perhaps the coffee shop is just supplementary to their shop or their mission but if you can't do something right, well... you know.

David Benlolo is an extremely talented Jeweler. He gives…read moreclasses with personalized instruction. It's a very special experience which will inspire you and expand your skills in ways you didn't expect.

The Benlolo Studio has great and welcoming learning atmosphere. Before I met David I had some…read morejewelry production experience but I hadn't had a chance to make pieces with my own design. David led me to the next level and helped me to build confidence in myself. Every time when I went to class I learned not only jewelry techniques but also about gemstones. I had so much fun learning about stones and actually seeing them! Since each student works on his/her own piece you can also learn something new from them. David understands some Japanese which is my first language I could learn even more comfortably. I highly recommend!

The tutor, Leah, is dedicated and so well-educated! She has the experience and knowledge, not to…read moremention the perseverance and patience, to work with kids and move them up in literacy. I highly recommend her!

My daughter, a fourth grade student, has been working with Leah for about two months now. Leah…read morequickly identified her as a visual learner, and when I looked up her learning style, this assessment was spot on. My daughter comes home excited about what she's learned, which tells me Leah's approach is targeting my daughter's specific needs. Her attitude towards math practically changed overnight. In writing, she was experiencing writer's block and getting upset over it. As a parent, I was concerned when she had an essay or grammar work that required extensive writing. Leah very soon discovered that the writer's block virtually disappears if my daughter draws her ideas first, acts them out, and types on a keyboard. The difference is astounding. They also work on organizational skills. My daughter created a checklist with Leah that she uses regularly. By adding stickers that she puts next to each completed task, as well as an American Girl image on the bottom, this has turned into a joyous tool. Leah is simply an exceptional tutor, and I'm fortunate that my daughter has the opportunity to learn from her. I highly recommend her to any parent desiring academic gains and increased motivation from their child.

The ring making class was awesome! Ayaka is an expert instructor and made the experience engaging,…read moremeaningful, and fun!

Great class. Easy to follow, laid back environment, could go at your own pace. Special experience.read more