I have taken about four classes here, with two different teachers. My artistic ability is about…read moreaverage. I love looking at mosaics. Therefore, I took two mosaics arts courses. The instructor provided a detailed handout how you do everything, and she was very patient with the class. Later, on my own, I ordered a marble mosaics art kit from Italy, using the skills that I learned from the two classes. Later on, I took two embroidery classes from a different teacher. The two classes had beginner students, and students had some skills. The teacher was very, very understanding with my limited skills. I particularly love to do embroidery. I found a new hobby! If I had time, I would take a class from each of these instructors again.

I have supported the Arts Alliance for years through their craft shows and buying from their…read moreartists. I took my first class here a couple weeks ago to make a dried flower wreath. It was $70 for two hours. We literally did nothing for the first hour. We waited for two women to arrive 20 minutes late. We watched a slideshow about the artist's previous life running a daycare. Then we went around the room and took turns introducing ourselves. We were given a wreath and some sort of twine. There was no demonstration about how to connect the flowers to the wreath. We were given photos of different kinds of arrangements, but those flowers were not there. It was clear other people had taken classes before, and some were quite advanced. I had no idea and had never used a glue gun, as this was supposed to be open to all levels. The teacher would just say things like "attach the flowers in groups" but I didn't know how I was supposed to attach them? I was so frustrated and humiliated. I was going to throw my wreath out but another student took it home to use the materials. The teacher also mentioned another pressed flower class, and a student mentioned that she'd be taking it and was excited. The teacher mentioned they'd be doing advanced techniques bc wildflowers were so boring. The student said she'd never done this before, but the teacher completely blew her off and started talking about how exciting it would be to deconstruct a rose. I contacted the Arts Alliance about my concerns, and they just said that other people liked this teacher and that she was new, but they'd pass on my concerns. I asked for a refund, as $70 is quite a lot of money for me. There was no reply. I think the Arts Alliance is a fantastic place to support artists, I'd just avoid their classes.

The owner of this business was incredibly rude, insensitive, and completely lacking in compassion…read more The only reason my group decided to stay and paint was because of the instructor, Jake, who was kind and professional throughout the situation. When I initially had to reschedule our appointment, I explained that I was undergoing breast cancer treatment and had received a double dose of chemotherapy a couple of days before. The treatment had taken a serious toll on my body, and I simply was not well enough to attend. Although the owner was snippy with me at the time, she ultimately agreed to the rescheduling. I thanked her and confirmed that the six people who had already paid would attend on the new date. On the rescheduled date, I unfortunately had to call again and ask for understanding because of another unexpected situation. My best friend, who was supposed to attend with us, had to be rushed to the emergency room. I was completely transparent with the employee who answered the phone and explained that I had previously needed to reschedule because of my chemotherapy. The employee spoke with the owner, and I was told that the owner authorized all SIX of us to come and paint on August 11. I expressed my apologies and gratitude. When we arrived to paint, the owner told the instructor that only three people would be allowed to paint. I then spoke with the owner directly, and she told me that she would only honor three painters and claimed that this information had been sent to me by email. I explained that, just as I had told her employee, I had recently undergone chemotherapy and did not have the opportunity to constantly check my email. I had also been traveling to New York to be with my sisters during this difficult time. Her employee had told me that she understood the circumstances and that everything was confirmed for six people on August 11. Instead of showing even a small amount of compassion or attempting to resolve the misunderstanding, the owner was extremely rude and disrespectful. She interrupted me, told me that she did not care about what I had discussed with her employee, and essentially dismissed everything I was saying. She also told me that although she would honor the three painters, I should not think about coming back to her business. I have never been treated so poorly by a business owner, especially after being completely honest about what I was going through. I understand that businesses have policies, but there is a huge difference between enforcing a policy and treating a customer with cruelty and disrespect. The owner's behavior was completely unacceptable. I sincerely hope she learns that compassion, communication, and basic courtesy matter--especially when someone is going through an extremely difficult time.

Had the best birthday experience here. The staff was great, the vibe was wonderful, and people…read moreinteracted wonderfully and happily amongst each other. My family made candles, then we painted. We had a blast!! Initially, the two men that came with my group later expressed that they didn't want to come to a painting event, but admitted afterwards that they had the best time. One even said that it was therapeutic. Will definitely do this again. The staff here are so friendly and patient.

Excellent store with everything for art! The young lady at the desk helped me pick materials I…read moreneeded for an upcoming art journal course. She was friendly and helpful. I will definitely return there as my first choice in art supplies. Yes, go there!

Love this place. Helpful, friendly staff, great selection, laid back atmosphere. My fav art supply…read morestore.

I recently took an adult pottery class and thoroughly enjoyed it. The instructor was great…read more Plan on doing this again with friends If you are looking for a great time try the pottery class you won't be disappointed.

From the owner: Center for the Creative Arts (CCArts) strives to make the arts accessible to as many people as…read morepossible, because we believe that the arts are essential for human development, academic success, and for enriching our culture as a whole. CCArts acts as a safe and nurturing space for people of all ages and abilities to explore Visual and Performing Arts programming, whether it be through a weekly class, a youth summer camp, our Annual Artisans Show, a community art exhibition, the Hot Jam Music Festival, or our outdoor markets.

A great place for work by local artists. Everyone is very friendly…read more Classes are available during evenings and weekends in arts like crochet, knit, mosaic and more.

Such a delightful place to shop!…read more Tucked into the sweet artsy Bellefonte neighborhood is this small but very active artist cooperative store. The shop represents a large variety of local artists, allowing them space within the shop, putting together street fairs and classes when these things are possible, and with online newsletters and social media presence. I was introduced to Bellefonte Arts by a friend who exhibits her handmade bears in the shop. Thanks to her I've now made multiple trips to the store, always finding something wonderful and unexpected, just what I hope to find when exploring a shop filled with the works of different artists. I highly recommend attending one of their craft fairs, which happen a few times per year. Sign up for the newsletter for details and dates, and get ready to fill all of your gift lists!

The classes at centered clay studio are first rate. Alison provides great directions and support…read morefor beginning potters like me. These classes are a fun way to meet people and learn something new.

We had a blast! We each made as many pieces of thrown art as we could and enjoyed the experience.read more

It is a very nice place for a small gathering. While it is not fancy it was clean and reasonably…read morepriced. I like the fact that they have an outdoor space where children can run and play safely because it is gated. Thank you brookside community for allowing me to host my son's 30th birthday gathering..