When I moved to the Hartford area, it was at first tough to find communities and ways to connect…read morewith others. I only came across the West Hartford Art League by chance through an event posting, and I have been an avid follower and supporter since. WHAL offers great classes for youth and adults, for beginners and experts. There are also lots of awesome showcases of locals' work - including some of my own photos once or twice - of different media. They always have a nice opening reception - often with free food and drink - which is a really nice touch and a way to meet others. Separately, I have also come here for a few mostly food events, like the CT Eats Out supper club inaugural event. There's really something for everyone here, and I am thankful to have found out about WHAL. Consider yourself now informed!

This is a really neat little venue! I didn't realize it existed so close to me until recently, when…read moreI attended an event through CT Eats Out supper club. I really enjoyed getting the chance to view some local art by some really talented folks! Now that this location is on my radar, I am going to be checking in so see what other events they host. I heard that they also have done photography showings in the past. The venue itself is a tad tough to find just going by google maps, but once you realize where it is, parking is super easy. It's small but cozy, well laid-out, and adorable. I found the atmosphere for the event dinner to be extremely charming, and the staff were amazing. I'll be back, WeHa Art League. Keep doing what you're doing!

Surprisingly great little art museum / historical home. It's on the more expensive end of tours at…read more$18, but the previous owners were big art collectors: so you'll see Monet, Manet, Degas, Chippendale, and more. There's a great art range, and the tour guide was very informative to the Pope family and the daughter Theodate who did a lot of the architectural designing. The house has a lot of great things to look at (between the art and furniture in all the rooms) and at the visitor's center there is a small art exhibit. No photos in the house allowed though. There are trails on the property and a sunken garden. On a nice weather day, it's great for walking around the property. It was crowded when I went on a Saturday, and tours are on the hour, so don't show up at the last minute. Overall, a great site to visit!

Came here for a work catered event so cannot speak to the actual museum. Had no idea that this…read morehidden gem was nearby to where I work. The grounds are beautifully kept and well maintained. Great photo ops for all occasions. Plenty of parking available. The event inside space can easily be opened up to the outside to make the venue space bigger for larger groups. Great event space with plenty of privacy for intimate gatherings and parties.

Cinestudio is an independent film theater that opened on the campus of Trinity College in Hartford,…read moreConnecticut in February 1970. It was founded by a group of Trinity College students that included Peter Stott, Ted Kroll, Peter McMorris, Charles Rumsey, James Hanley, Anne Risdon, Larry Stires and Randy Man. The group of film-obsessed students made a home for themselves in a little-used lecture hall inside the Clement Chemistry Building. The room, unfortunately, possessed troubled acoustics. Within two years, and with the help of Ralph Mauro from National Theater Supply and Lonny Jennings at Dolby, the sound issues were rectified and the room was transformed into a recreation of a 1930s film house. The grand opening (a double feature of "Alice's Restaurant" and The Beatles' "Yellow Submarine") was sold out. Cinestudio screens a variety of second-run, independent, foreign, and classic films. The single-screen venue has a seating capacity of approximately 485, 4K Digital Cinema systems, as well as 35mm and 70mm film projectors for use in studio archive presentations. Cinestudio features a spectacular gold Austrian screen curtain that rises at every show, real balcony seating, and the gold lion courant insignia. I recently visited Cinestudio for the first time. I read about it and an online article and couldn't believe that I had never heard of it before. I parked in a small parking lot on Summit Street and followed the sign which led me through a stone archway. As I walked along the Main Quad, I saw the neon color-changing lights of Cinestudio. Entering Cinestudio is a blast from the past. I purchased my ticket at the Fred Pfeil Memorial Ticket Booth (only $10 a show) and then headed to the concessions area where I purchased a giant bucket of popcorn for only $5. A volunteer told me, "The balcony is nice, but if this is your first time here then I recommend the lower level. You can hear the sound system much better." The interior of the theater was absolutely gorgeous with red accents. The film that I was seeing during my visit was the 1978 remake of "Invasion of the Body Snatchers": part of the theater's ongoing series "Our National Nightmare: 2026 Anxieties in 1970s American Film". Many screenings at Cinestudio are introduced by a guest speaker; this one featured Roger Benham. Although I have seen this film a number of times before, this was my first time seeing it on the silver screen....and it was so much more frightening now. This was my first visit to Cinestudio, but it certainly won't be my last!

I love Cinestudio, I will support this place foreverrrr! I got to see the secret agent which really…read morewasn't playing anywhere else in my area, besides one showing at AMC that I couldn't make. Cinestudio is now my go to spot for films that don't have large releases or general indie films. The theater is also so beautiful and classic! I can't wait to come back and bring friends.

I did not come to tour the museum, but did get to see part of it as part of a hearth cooking class…read more The Stanley-Whitman is part original house arranged how it may have been with the original owners, and part new structure with a gift shop and modern restrooms. There is also an herb garden outside, and an apple tree grown based on the teachings of Benjamin Franklin. Apparently having fruit took more than a grocery store way back when. The house is very interesting to experience. Everything was smaller back then, and cooking was a task and a half. The employees/docents are obviously learned about their subjects, and you'll learn a lot. Definitely check out their special programs - parking may be a challenge (so carpool!) but if they're food related they'll be delicious.

Stopped in for a short tour during the day. The docent was very knowledgeable. It's a small place…read morebut tons of information. Great way to spend an hour.

Love this place. The instructors are wonderful. They are great teachers, helpful and patient…read more There's absolutely no pressure at the studio! They want you to do you. Fun and relaxing. I make pottery and go there to throw or hand build using clay. Jim and Mark are very knowledgeable and help with all of my questions. There's another instructor who runs painting classes. I've been going for a few years and recommend ALNB to beginners and experienced people. If you're a beginner interested in learning about pottery I highly recommend ALNB. There's zero judgment. You will only get positive support from everyone!!!!

I called and spoke to Ann. I had a question about a Picasso etching my mother bought about 60 years…read moreago. I had no knowledge or paperwork on it. She was very patient and professional with this novice. She said send me some pictures and I'll give you some information. We exchanged numerous emails and she finally gave me unfortunate news. I truly appreciate her time and professionalism. I would utilize her services again and highly recommend her.

Ann continues to be a trusted and effective expert on all things art, consistently pointing me in…read morethe right direction; she is enthusiastic and reliable.