My husband and I went here for our 10th Anniversary and it did not disappoint! Sam was our…read moreinstructor and she was informative, helpful and super fun. We will definitely be coming back with our kids soon!

Significantly helpful manager/owner!?…read more Great options Cool spot to check of for things to make or take

We have done two classes with Jutta and can't recommend doing these classes enough! We did the…read moresteel flowers and railroad tie knives! It's so fun and Jutta is a phenomenal teacher and helper. The private classes are a great gift and experience to do with friends and loved ones! Go check it out!

This was an awesome experience. My son got a class for his birthday. IT WAS AWESOME For a teenage…read moreboy! Best gift ever. There were elements of danger: fire, sharp knives, burning, hammers, the smell of coal and sulphur, the sound of the shaping foot pedal hammer slamming into iron, and sparks flying everywhere.... SKIP THE HAIRSPRAY LADIES! Lest you be like the song by the smiths "hairdresser on fire" If you are ever trying to find a way to engage your kid in something... DO THIS! Loved it!

ButterHog Forge is a GREAT place for your first experience at blacksmithing. Bought this for my 15M…read moreson for his birthday. Cole was patient, super informative and friendly, and completely customized the experience to what my son was comfortable with (both independent work and guided help). Highly recommend, 10/10!

My wife and I took a class with Cole and made forged steel roses. Cole was a gracious host and did…read morea great job of explaining the process, and letting us be involved as we wanted. I will definitely be looking to take some other classes as I'm confident my kids would love trying their hands at making knives.

I love art museums, so I was excited to check out KIA while in town recently. Entry is only $5 for…read moreadults, $2 for students, and free for members, children through age 12, and active military personnel. There is free parking available in parking lots across from entrances on South and Lovell streets. The museum wasn't busy when we were there, which was nice as we were able to leisurely wander the galleries. It's not a huge museum, but I loved the Kyungmi Shin: A Story to Finding Us exhibit (through May 12, 2024). The artworks were stunning and I loved trying to find hidden images in each. The other main exhibit was American Realism: Visions of America, 1900-1950, which didn't resonate with me personally as much, but it was still interesting to see. The permanent collection downstairs was nice - I especially liked the Tiffany lamps and jewelry. There is a Chihuly sculpture hanging in the entryway, which is really cool to see. The gift shop is nicely curated with lots of great books, gifts, and more. Nate got a cute little cat shaped ceramic chopstick rest!

This is an impressive small city museum, and I love that it is community-focused and has an art…read morelibrary and school along with the gallery space. My favorite of the current exhibits is the 'Cobalt to Indigo' Asian display. The high school pieces are impressive too. The museum is free on Thursdays and has a free parking lot across from the back of the building.

I've been a long-time fan of Underground Creations founder Cathy Germany's artwork, so it was…read morereally informative to see her speak at a Park Trades Center event this year about how her medical struggles have informed her artistry (much of her work is anatomical anomalies, and one piece pictures an insurance card and a butcher's knife). She does both large and small-format paintings, mixed media, jewelry, you name it, and most of her works are also available as super-affordable prints and cards. Other talented artists are often featured in the Underground Creations space as well, but Germany's the mainstay. She also offers classes and commissioned works.

I have taken two classes here. Both with the glass blowing. The instructors are amazing and…read morepatient. They help ensure that you make the art and colors you want come to life. Can be costly, don't advise doing these event in the summer. But the memories and art you walk away with is priceless.

We've never been glass blowing before, but after our amazing experience at Glass Art Kalamazoo,…read morethis will easily become our new holiday tradition. Our instructor Jesse was very patient and kind, and he helped us craft some beautiful Christmas ornaments. This was truly an unforgettable experience and we can't wait to do it again soon!

avolio is primarily a teaching facility. They do have a small shop with completed artworks for…read moresale, which was very nice. But I was very impressed with the teaching program they offer. I'm hoping I get back to Kalamazoo sometime in the next year so to take advantage of some refresher instruction and studio time.

These guys are the best! If you've joined a local mug club in which hand blown glasses are the…read moredrinking vessels, chances are its an Avolio masterpiece. They make the loveliest small, swirled glass cups for the art hops that they sell for only $10 including a wine or beer fill. We are building up a lovely collection. They also carry Christmas ornaments, vases, fishes, and more. Masters of their craft!

Make Studio Kalamazoo is so much fun! The owner, Michelle, is friendly and helpful. She started…read morethis business herself (it's not a franchise). She designed the space and used so many interesting up-cycled pieces to give the Studio a welcoming feel. Up to 24 people can design signs at the same time so it's perfect for girls night out, couples night out, bday parties, etc. We brought our own snacks and wine, which is highly encouraged! I'll definitely be back for another workshop soon!

Will definitely be back again! I went to an open studio with a friend of mine around the end of…read moreMarch and it was very busy, which is awesome! Next time I go I will probably attend one of the workshops. The prices are also very reasonable. Fun experience!

This gallery, housed where the Chamber of Commerce used to be in the walking mall downtown, is a…read morebeaut. Floor to ceiling windows offer a great view of the artwork whether the gallery is open or closed. The current exhibition by Lissa Hahn is phenomenal -- work that explores movement in photography that creates a textured, 3-D effect without any photoshopping. Her use of super-vivid colors, vibrant photography treatments (such as archival dye sublimation transferred onto aluminum) and the incredible lighting ensured I spotted her exhibition yesterday from a half-block away (and indeed, spotted the artist herself from across the intersection and had to pop in to compliment this peacock of a person on her beautiful outfit and she turned out to be the exhibitor herself.) This is my favorite exhibition I've seen in downtown Kalamazoo in quite some time. 3-D glasses are available for viewing but I have depth perception issues and didn't find they made the pictures pop more for me than they already did. This exhibition is a must-see if you're in downtown Kalamazoo!