I visited Jones Corner Studio over the weekend to inquire about having my diplomas and professional…read morelicense framed. I was pleased that they had enough staff that I didn't have to wait for service. They had a large selection of frames and mats. The sales associate was very helpful, finding samples for me to view and making suggestions when I asked her opinion. I was pleased to learn about their discount when you frame three or more items. My items will be ready in 2-3 weeks and I'll let you know how they look!

I found this studio online and when I arrived I was completely impressed. Warm welcome, attention…read moreto detail and a really fast turn around. Not often that you get such personalized service these days. I would recommend Jones Corner Studio to any of my friends or family. Reasonable in price and lots of variety too!

Bottom line: LaMantia Gallery is a nice and intimate gallery displaying art of the owner as well as…read moreothers, a great art resource for our area. The Deets: I had the pleasure of accompanying my friend Carley W. to a private event here at LaMantia Gallery recently. This location of LaMantia Gallery is located in Village District (formerly Cameron Village) near downtown Raleigh, with the first gallery being located in Northport, NY. This intimate gallery has a curated selection of not only artist/owner James LaMantia's art but other artists as well. I loved the art displayed here during the event, some of which I did take pictures of with the permission of the artist. I also got to meet Mr. LaMantia as well, and he was very welcoming and pleased in the interest in the gallery/his art. I had a great time discussing each item of art with my friend at that event, what we each saw in them and what new things we could discover together. It was a great experience, and I love this intimate gallery being available in our area.

Perhaps the time to stop by here is during SPARKcon when presumably everyone will have their best…read moreon display. It kills me to give this place a low rating since anyone who can do what I cannot -- create art -- deserves all the kudos she or he can get. VAE was disappointing. The venue itself is perfect, well organized, good lighting, and with the art thoughtfully displayed. With the exception of the oil paintings of birds on wood, with the corresponding feathers in jars below; the crayon bunches spelling vandal; and the clay slab with hammerheads embedded within, there was really very little else that captured attention in such a way to make you feel the emotion of what the artist was attempting to capture. Still, I freely admit what was displayed showed a talent beyond anything I could do, but I cannot give this a higher rating without minimizing the other incredible art available in other galleries in the area. Timing is everything, and maybe my timing was off. I'll try again another day and perhaps then be able to change my rating upward.

I really enjoy stopping by the VAE (Visual Art Exchange), although I admit, I usually go by during…read moreRaleigh's First Friday Art Walks. I really enjoy that VAE changes their exhibits, sometimes by extreme measures, with the different artists they bring in. The large space is divided partially by a wall and they also have an area in the back called "The Cube" that always features one exhibit. The artist that ends up in the cube is usually a little more "modern" then those in the larger space. I've seen a whole variety of works, everything from puppets to hanging pieces of brush to animated short films, the list goes on. I love that VAE rotates their galleries monthly and is always bringing in a variety of artists. I've seen a lot of photography, mixed media and oils, it's definitely always unique, beautiful and covers a spectrum of work. I truly think that each gallery change provides something for everyone, but even if you aren't a fan of the work one month, I HIGHLY encourage you to return and give it another try the next month. The works of art are usually all for sale, plus they'll sometimes have local pop-up shops in the gallery. Their website is a wonderful source too for all things happening. Plus, if you go early enough on First Friday, they'll have wine and sparkling juices, a nice treat to sip on while you enjoy the gallery. VAE also helps put on PBaRt every year, a once a year event that benefits Raleigh's SparkCON. Unfortunately, if you're reading this review and it's current, you JUST missed it (it was last weekend!) But definitely put it on your agenda for next year, it is a AWESOME event! VAE is definitely more of a "traditional" art gallery then DesignBox next door [not that the pieces are always tradition]. If you're looking for more artistic ideas and gadgets, I encourage you to check out the studio next door!

Great company. I loved the workshop I did. Great energy and educational. Would do another workshop…read morehere

Did a woodburning class here. It was so much fun. The owner made everyone a little snack board and…read moreoffered beverages. The class instructor was so friendly and personable.

I visited 311 Gallery a few months ago on First Friday. I didn't feel a friendly Vibe. I walked in…read moreand was never greeted by the couple behind the register, when I asked for a glass of wine. Customer service should always be 5 stars. The art does not look as great as it used to. It seems like they use projector in most of art! One of the artists that had a show was saying the owners do not allow food or wine in their studios. I used to love the vibe there years ago, something has changed and I am not sure what it is . I saw a roach run across the floor, and that didn't sit well with me. I don't see this place lasting. If you don't treat people like you want to be treated then RUN! They need some big changes !

Artist co-working space next to VAE. It's a pretty quick walk through, I personally am a bigger fan…read moreof the VAE next door or Litmus [behind the Depot] although that shouldn't deter you from making a visit. Enter the gallery and head to the back, stopping by individual artists studios along the way. There is no organized "First Friday libations" although some of the individual artists might offer you a glass of wine and the gallery in the very back usually has water for the parched of throats. Art work to be seen in 311 Gallery includes blown glass, some mixes media, but the majority are paintings: abstracts, realism. Their website is very informative if you're looking for more information on the gallery, they do a good job keeping it up to date: www.311gallery.com. Overall, a nice gallery, but it's never at the top of my list for galleries to stop at.

My mom and I went to The Write Image to choose and order wedding invitations because we wanted to…read moresupport the local business and wanted an experienced second opinion. The selection process was the best part - our sales associate was very knowledgeable and honest. I looked forward to coming into the store to talk to her! She made it easy and ordered any samples we wanted to see so that we could make the best/informed decision. Unfortunately, she left the store in the midst of our process to graduate from college and move on! Good for her, but we missed her! We ordered our invitations with the help of a different associate and the process seemed to go smoothly. The proof from the vendor came in on time, but the directions card was incorrect (not even the right motif). So I emailed the associate and asked if it would match the rest of the cards. I guess she missed that in the email because the directions cards came in wrong. So we had to wait another week for the cards to come in and another week to have The Write Image print our map on the back. Another issue that upset us was that we were charged $50 for color ink on the return address on the outer envelope, when we were never informed of this option (was not in the original estimate). If we were offered black, we would have said yes to that to save a couple bucks - invitations are expensive! I give The Write Image 2 stars because when I go to a specialty shop, I expect to get expert guidance, but a few things slipped through the cracks. It is too bad our initial sales associate was not able to help us all the way through or else I think we would have had a better experience!

Nice selection of stationery for special occasions or even everyday use when you want something…read morenicer than copy-paper. Write Image really struck me as a place to go for wedding invitations or announcements or gifts for similar events. If you're a calligrapher, some of the paper here would be ideal, albeit pricey. The Write Stuff did have some really beautiful picture frames that would be a good gift for a wedding or graduation. The small calculator with an attached pen in a case that, at first glance, looked like it carried a pair of fold-up reading glasses, might get me back in the store. Otherwise, nice store that it is, it's not my type of place.

John and Sharon Stein have painted furniture and restored family pieces for me. I discovered them…read moresix years ago, after a housefire. They completely restored and badly damaged piece. Their "magic" even removed all traces of smoke and soot. Everything they did has held up. The paint and finishes are as beautiful now as the day they were delivered. Sharon has a keen eye for design. Her guidance and expertise were perfect. During the process, communication was always open. I highly recommend!

I am not one to leave reviews, but I feel compelled to do so after my disastrous experience with…read moreStein's Furniture and Lacquer Studio. In early November I brought in chairs to be lacquered in a high gloss finish. After nearly 3 months I stopped by the store to see what the delay was. I was told that they would be finished "soon". After another 2 weeks I again called to follow up and was told that the chairs were finished. When I went in to pick them up I was shocked at the sloppy and unprofessional work. The paint was blotchy and dull in some parts, shiny in others, and the paint had an overall "orange peel" look. I had asked for a high gloss finish. The fabric on chairs, which I was assured would be removed was still on the chairs!. When I pointed this out to Sharon the owner, she agreed to fix the problem. I took her on her word, and dropped off fabric for her to give to her upholsterer who was to pick up the chairs when finished. Two and a half months later I received a call from the upholsterer informing me that the chairs could not be upholstered as they were not fully painted and had white under primer showing through on all of the edges. The upholsterer could not cover the parts that were not painted because Sharon DID NOT REMOVE the initial fabric as promised, and just painted around the fabric! All of the edges had white primer showing through and blotched paint! When I spoke to Sharon I told her that after close to 7 month of waiting that this work was unacceptable - both to me and her upholsterer as well. She told me I was "picky" and took no responsibility for her unprofessional behavior and horrendous work! She also said that I was supposed to remove the fabric - a bold faced lie!!! If that were true, she should not have accepted the chairs upholstered in the first place! And should have told me as I visited the studio several times asking when my chairs would be done!! In classic Narcissistic style she denied any accountability, lied, and put all the blame on me and the upholsterer! To ad insult to injury, she double charged me without my permission.Which last time I checked is called theft. Thankfully pictures don't lie!

I ordered some shirts for work with the logo embroidered on them. The shirts are great quality and…read morethe stitching is perfect! Highly recommend them if you are looking for anything your need. Thank you for EXCELLENT quality work. Don Sutherland

I love this place. You can pretty much get anything monogrammed. The owner is very nice and helpful…read morewhen you are trying to make decisions on color, font, and size. In the past I have bought three book bags, two of which got monogrammed, a summer bag that goes across your chest, boot socks monogrammed...fabulous!.. And monogrammed phone case and lettering for my child's wall. This place should be franchised!! 5 stars all the way!