My higher grade is more for the art center itself rather than the performances. There's always a…read moresmall exhibition at the center of the building and it's nice to see artists can work on their projects late into the night. The facilities look clean and orderly, including the bathrooms and artist studios. I liked seeing all pottery made by the various artists. I also enjoyed the theater itself. While the seating itself isn't all that special, the acoustics are quality. If you expect something significantly higher than community theater here, you may be disappointed. While the performances were fine, they're not really all that polished and feel rather barebones (two actors playing one role in a production was rather strange). If you want a more grander theater experience but without going into Boston, consider Reagle in Waltham. (For all you Yelp police out there, yes, I paid $ here for tickets so I can review)

My first time back to The Umbrella Arts Center since the pandemic happened…read more I saw that they had a dinner and a show option on Thursday nights and the menu looked appealing, so I purchased the meal for $21. Dinner was available for pick up at the concession stand beginning at 6pm, while the show was scheduled for 7:30pm that evening. Traffic delayed me, so I arrived closer to 6:30pm. There was a game going on at the playground the next block over, so there were a lot of cars parked on the street, but parking was still not an issue. Dinner came in a brown paper tote and came nicely packaged and of a good portion size, so I even had some leftover. They had a vegetarian alternative (Nag's Head Roasted Yam, Grilled Zucchini and Squash, Caramelized Onions on Wild Rice (V)), but I opted for the meat - Starter: Hush Puppies with Maple Butter Entree: Pulled Pork Platter with Coleslaw and Collard Greens Dessert: Chocolate Flourless Brownie (GF) Catered by Nosh restaurant and the Concord Market. I was pleased with my meal. Sure the collared greens were a bit plain, but I was just glad to get a decent portion of vegetables with my meat and they were not overcooked. The brownie was individually sealed, and a little messy to eat, but quite good. And I had no trouble finding a seat at a table. In fact I had options. I could have grabbed a small high top for myself, but I decided to sit at an empty spot at the end of one of the 3 long tablecloth covered tables just beyond the concessions and ended up chatting with the pair beside me. I had a great experience at the Umbrella Arts Center! Quotes from the website regarding the show being performed that evening: A heartwarming musical that lifts up the beauty in second chances and the transformative nature of friendship. Percy Talbott is a spirited young woman seeking redemption. But in the small town of Gilead, she finds so much more. Based on the beloved film that took home the Audience Award at The Sundance Film Festival, the musical's rich score is marked by Americana folk rhythms, soaring melodies, and irresistible charm. It reminds us all about the resilience of the human spirit, the magic of new beginnings, and the power of community.

They did a beautiful job altering my wedding dress and were friendly and kind throughout! Great…read morework for a reasonable price. I highly recommend!

Really great quality work. And they turned it around for me fast bc I was in a pinch!read more

The various art shows are wonderful and the classes are great. There's even a Gallery Gift shop…read morethat's open during the shows with handmade items like stained glass, ceramics, jewelry, wood and more. Plus there's free parking!

Right now, you can go to the Arts & Crafts Society to get your fix of handmade woodwork, pottery,…read morescarves, shirts, table runners, bottle stoppers, purses, jewelry boxes, vases, decorative plates, spoon rests, earrings, necklaces, watercolor paintings, and... I think that's about it. This month, the members have exhibited their wares - and everything's available for a very fair price. Perfect for getting that little "New England gift" for a family member. The staff is really friendly and talkative, asking lots of questions and giving you advice on how to make your own homemade things. Also, classes are available in everything from jewelry making to ceramics (hand building AND wheel throwing!), woodworking to knitting. Very nice, and perfect for those with too much energy.

Great drawing school! My daughter has taken several classes there and really enjoys it. This isn't…read morea simplistic "keep them busy with art" type of place. My daughter has been learning quite in-depth techniques that result in great pieces of art (yes, I'm biased, but its not just my daughter's art that is impressive). Instructors clearly know their stuff, and are great with the kids, too. Highly recommend if you child (or you) truly want to learn about art.

Our children both attended ActonArt. Our daughter began at ActonArt the very first summer that they…read moreopened when she was just 6 years old. She continued to take classes through high school; art continues to be an important part of her life. Our son also took ActonArt classes for several years. He especially enjoyed the summer workshops. ActonArt has a robust and thoughtful curriculum that is always fresh and interesting. Each instructor brings their own unique talent, compassion, and enthusiasm to every class. But ActonArt does not just teach art, it gives students a sense of belonging where it is safe to express themselves. Each student can progress at their own rate without judgement or pressure. ActonArt has spread its love and appreciation for art, touching the lives of so many students- children and adults, alike! ActonArt is a very special place!!

I started taking an adult morning pottery throwing class from Studio on the Common in winter of…read more2022. I had taken a pottery class before (in another state) and I was feeling "meh" about it after that - I didn't seem to get it and ruined more pieces than I finished. Turns out, it wasn't me - I hadn't found a great teacher. Knaide, who teaches the classes and runs the studio (@raticalclay on instagram), is that great teacher I needed. Since starting at Studio on the Common I have fallen in love with throwing pottery. Knaide is so clear in teaching instruction, gives very specific advice, will readily demonstrate useful hand positions, has been able to answer any question I've asked, and clearly is extremely knowledgable about the craft. While the studio itself is also very organized and clean, I admit I signed up for a second class mainly because I still want teaching from Knaide. As long as Knaide is teaching there, I will continue to sign up for future classes!

My son loved the art camp here this summer - and is so proud of what he made. Ms. Grace was so kind…read moreand cheerful with the kids. Great mix of learning new skills and having fun. Will definitely sign up again

Awesome place for a fun crafternoon!…read more I came with a few friends on a rainy day to do a project, and had never done anything with mosaics before. We bought about 3 hours of time which is really the minimum amount of time it will take for a project. They had all of the supplies and colors and textures you could ever want and helped us every step of the way! It was about $15/hour plus the cost of the actual item you are putting the mosaics on. And note, you will need to let the tiles dry for 24 hours and grout it at home (if you are not local and can't return) The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful, and it was a great experience.

Nice teacher, good glass selection, good choice of shapes for making fused plates and bowlsread more

What a treat to have this small little space in the center of town! This new shop is such a bonus…read morefor the community. We had two awesome kids' parties hosted here just recently and loved the experience. Sue is very warm & friendly, planned super sweet activities that were spot-on appropriate for the ages, took special care to fit our themes and made it all super easy on us to carry off. I can not wait to come back here for future birthday parties. Until then, we really look forward to take advantage of the fun classes she has on the schedule.

Our daughter had a wonderful birthday party at Craft.ed. The planning went smoothly and Susan was…read moreso helpful throughout the process and during the event. The space is very charming and my daughter and her friends had so much fun! They also loved being able to bring their crafts home. Susan is so thoughtful, she even took some photos during the event to share with us. My daughter is signed up for a workshop in a few weeks and she is very excited. Craft.ed is great for events and I hope to be able to sign up for one of their workshops soon!

The Paper Mouse is a beautiful store. They stock a wide range of pens, inks, paper and gift items…read morerelated to paper products. The store is a visual delight. Everything is displayed beautifully! The people who work there are very helpful and knowledgeable about pens and inks. They really took their time helping me with my selections as I am new to the world of fountain pens. Wonderful shop.

I've been this place upwards of 50 times, the services are so wonderful, and everyone is so…read morewelcoming. Wonderful for artsy collectors and casual browsing alike.

Amazing collection! You have the main gallery space, but there are also multiple rooms to rummage…read morethrough, with various price points, mediums, and aesthetics. When I walked in, one of the staff members greeted me and gave me a short tour, then let me carry on through the gallery without making me feel pressured, which I really appreciated. There's so much to look at. I was drawn to the surrealists, but there's really something for everyone. It was also cool that they had a temporary exhibit in partnership with a local high school, where students got to display and present their work. So not only is this gallery an artistic gem, but it's also community-oriented. Super awesome find right by the Lincoln commuter rail. If you're in the area, I'd definitely recommend checking it out. I also met the owner, who was really knowledgeable and nice, and I have to acknowledge his awesome personal style.

Spa of Weston was wonderful! Specifically, Ashley, was wonderful! My 60 minute massage was one of…read morethe best I've had. Truly relaxing and enjoyable! I will return again in the future and request Ashley!