I've been a huge fan of Donna since her days of writing for 'Simple Scrapbooks' magazine. Donna not only does scrapbooking, but mixed media art. So how excited was I that she opened up her own studio & shop! Do you want to get crafty?! Go check out her shop or take some classes. Inside the shop are unique fabrics, stamps, kits & many items she designed for major art / craft lines. I've taken a few of her classes & learned a lot & have a 'one of a kind' piece of art! Though the shop itself is somewhat small, her classroom is a pretty decent size. Donna is friendly, outgoing, & is all about making you be inspired! read more

Just completed a six-day workshop with the incomparable Nancy Crawford at Donna Downey Studios. Wow. What an amazing experience this has been. Nancy is just the bomb if you are interested in abstract art and encaustic, but also has a very sophisticated fine art background and is an expert on how to package yourself for commercial success. What a wonderful place Donna and Bill's studio is! This was my first class there. They attend to every conceivable need of the teacher and her students, including providing delicious breakfast and coffee, lunches, snacks and drinks throughout the day. Their studio is very well-equipped and the staff is just fantastic. The art supplies are first-rate and they have a well-equipped shop where I could buy anything that I wanted that wasn't already provided (which was pretty much everything.) All in all, I could not have had a better time or learned more. I will be back! read more

The day after Christmas, I was involved in a serious car accident. This involved 5 days in the hospital, receiving blood transfusions. My arm was also badly broken, requiring another night in the hospital after surgery to put in plates and screws. The month of January dragged. One day, while browsing my computer, Zi saw that Elizabeth St Hilaire would be at Donna's in July. I had her book and had always wanted to take a class with her, so, to give myself something to look forward to, I signed up- getting the last spot! Then Covid hit, and I anxiously awaited the fate of the class. They decided to hold it, masks and social distancing and all. The thing that had kept me going looking forward to it exceeded my wildest expectations!! The class instruction was fantastic and the studio is gorgeous and so well equipped. But what really blew me away was the hospitality! We were served gourmet lunches and snacks daily. We could sit by the pool or enjoy her lovely home. I highly recommend anything offered by Donna Downey studios. It is wonderful in every level. Beth McSwain read more

Donna Downey Studios offers classes from world renowned artists right in Huntersville. I just took a class from Jane Davenport (Australia) and it was a fantastic three days. All of our supplies were furnished along with breakfast and lunch! The business now offers a coffee shop where they sell a delicious beverage called the "Donna" an iced white chocolate coffee that is addictive. They also have an incredible amount of fabulous art supplies and fun art related gifts. It is just a great place to go for your art stuff, get some coffee, and take an awesome class. Plus if you get the chance to meet Donna or Bill bonus!!! read more

Recently took an all day workshop at Donna's studio. Stephen Lursen was the instructor. The entire experience was great! Not only is Stephen a knowledgeable instructor, he is genuinely kind and excited to share his expertise with his students. The faculty is first rate and everyone made my first visit there a fun experience. A plus plus. I would go back as often as funding permits. :) read more

I've been a fan of Donna since I found her a couple of years ago. This workshop was a treat for myself and soooooo worth it. It's just the first day and I already feel I've learned techniques that will help me grow as an artist!!!! I recommend her workshops and her store very highly!!!! read more

Fantastic place to take art classes and buy art supplies. Donna Downey offers mixed media art classes where all the supplies are included. The classroom is bright and comfortable. There's a generous stash of paints, mediums, pens, pencils, papers, and tools for students to use during class. On top of that lunch is included when you're taking an all-day class. There's also a coffee bar where you can get a latte or tea made to order. I attended a 3 day workshop taught by a visiting artist and was delighted with the instruction, ambience and food. I also couldn't resist buying some paints, brushes, and stencils in the attached shop. The experience was well worth traveling from another state. You can find the schedule of classes on the website. read more

I recently took an artist's workshop here. It was over the course of three days. During that time I can not even express how wonderful Donna, Bill and their staff were. They make you feel right at home and attend to your every need. I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND taking a workshop here or just stopping by to check out the adorable store and coffee shop. read more