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!

Had an amazing time at Eventful Splat and Craft Studio. We booked online for $10 to reserve a spot…read more They are only open from Friday to Sunday. They will put that $10 deposit to the art you created. There is a fair amount of parking when you arrive. There is also a bunch of other store near by the place. Walking in you are warmly greeted by the employee there. It was resin Sunday and Wendy was helping us with our art. They show us all the art pieces you can make and trust me it was a hard decision to pick one. I end up making a tray and my partner decided to go a faux stain glass. Once we picked the art piece we wanted to do. They sat us down and instructed us what to do. I painted a bit then place dry flowers on my tray. When then get to pour the resin on our art pieces. The employees were patience and encouraging with everyone. The resin does takes about 24 hours to harden. They provide to option to leave it there and pick it up next open business day. Which is great, as I was nervous put it in my car for the ride back home. I would come back to do more art. They have options to paint, a room to splat paint and more. Perfect for all ages just to have fun and make art.

If you're looking for the perfect activity to do, this is the place to go! They offer so many…read morecrafts you don't typically find at every art store. From Resin projects to jewelry, sea glass, paint splatter room, they're endless options to choose from to get your creativity on! My mom and I came on a Sunday - I did a resin project of the grinch (or where ever your imagination takes you!) holding an ornament and I filled it in very precisely. my mom did a sea glass portrait where she designed a beautiful christmas tree! And the owner, Laura, is such an incredible artist and individual. she is there to let your creativity flow while helping out and assisting to get your art piece picture perfect. she's informative, helpful, and the best of the best!

I have taken vocal lessons here for years and in the last 6 months added drum and guitar lessons…read more The instructors are knowledgeable, patient and kind. I have seen dramatic improvement in my singing abilities thanks to the excellent instruction I have received. They have established a wonderful community of performers and teachers, which really comes through at the monthly open mic sessions they hold. These sessions give students the opportunity to practice their craft in front of a supportive crowd. The benefit of singing with a live backing band rather than just a canned recording cannot be overstated and is a huge benefit when you are trying to learn how to perform on stage. Highly, highly recommended!

The teachers are great and support kids in music! It is a laid-back and fun vibe. The owners are…read moredisorganized with class times/ schedules, which can make things difficult if you are driving in from out of town. I recommend you get/ keep everything in writing.

I came for a wine glass painting class ($25). I love the concept, but I didn't love how it was…read moreexecuted. There were about 25-30 people in the "class," which seemed to be a lot to handle. We never received any instruction about how to paint - though we figured out how to do it - and people didn't really always want to share stencils and paints. By the last 30 minutes or so, the lead of the session started coming around and making sure we had the colors we needed and ways to clean the brushes (baby wipes?). The $25 did include two tastings of wine, which was a nice touch. Wine tasting was certainly not the focus of the event. Good experience overall but probably just a one-time thing.

WOW! The Art Truck is an amazing way to have a unique party for any age! The ladies make it so…read moreeasy for you to host a party, you book em, pick out what you want to do and they show up, it's really that easy. Plus you can get some yummy snacks for your event--they have thought of it all! They really encourage you to bring out your inner artist. It's fun, creative, educational and not intimidating at all. The part I LOVE is that you don't have to do any of the setting up or cleaning up. Two thumbs up for The Art Truck!!!! Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you, I can't wait to see you again!

From the moment I walked into Summit, there were smiling and friendly faces greeting me! Im a 35…read morey.o woman who went to Summit to learn Bongos but ended up switching to the drums! I even got a nickname there which truly made me feel like I belonged. Also, I find the prices to be reasonable which is appreciative! I cant speak highly enough about Jodi. He has a great energy, is kind and incredibly knowledgeable. I feel his lessons progressed me far! After 10 sessions, I know proper form, can read music and can play one of my favorite songs on the kit! Just an FYI, you may need to park along the side walk across street. No biggie.

No other performing arts studio can rival the quality and variety of training that Summit Studios…read morehas to offer! Over the course of four years, I took private voice, piano/theory, and acting lessons, and I also participated in musical theater and audition workshops. Summit Studios provided me with a solid technical foundation and also gave me the confidence to pursue a career in music, which includes undergraduate and graduate degrees in Voice/Opera Performance and professional work with companies such as Ohio Light Opera, Wolf Trap Opera, Seattle Opera, and Santa Fe Opera. I had never even HEARD opera before studying at Summit Studios, but my knowledgeable teacher heard the potential in my voice and steered me in the best possible direction. I am now enjoying a career as a young professional opera singer largely because of the musical education and mentoring that I received at Summit Studios!

You should travel from far and wide to experience the visual fiesta of fair-trade arts & crafts at…read morethe Mansfield Art Center!! This is a truly local, small, family run business and the owners/shopkeepers have quite the tales to tell... The goods and crafts sold at the Arts Center are collected by the owners who have traveled to all these destinations around the world making connections with the artisans . The items here are more unique and vibrant than I see at a lot of boutique craft/jewelry shops and there is usually an interesting story the shopkeepers can tell about where the items come from/who made them. Just perusing the store feels like a trip around the world (or at least Epcot ) and is genuinely fun. Most locals know to come here for their Holiday gifts though I live in Boston and make a point to come every year! The store is typically open only seasonally as owners are traveling much of the rest of the year- so make it happen this Christmas season. Some good restaurants in nearby Willimantic, UConn on the other side, and the subtle beauty of the Quiet Corner of CT makes a stop here a lovely day trip. Check it out!

The perfect place to find a gift for almost anyone. I did much of my Christmas shopping here and…read moreeveryone loved their gifts. This is the place to find unique gifts and jewlery from all over the world. The owners go all over the world and come back with beautiful items to sell at a very fair price. I love the set up of this store also- differant sections for differant countries from India to Mexico to China. Also, the owners are so friendly. You will most definetly be offered free tea and maybe even cookies too when shopping.

My wife and I went to see the Cannibals of McGrower County on a Saturday night. What's not to love…read moreat this very quaint and charming theatre located downstairs from the street level. There are no bad seats. The staff was warm and welcoming. We even bought some nice merch at 60% off since it was the last show of the season. The price to see the show was very reasonable and I would not hesitate to go back. Best yet, there is free parking behind the theatre.

This was a fun night of theater. This show really kept me on the edge of my seat and I am really…read morehappy that I got to see an actress I was looking forward to seeing in person. Constance Shulman, famously known for her role in orange is the new black portraying yoga Jones and voicing as Patti Mayonnaise in the animation of Doug. Although this was a world premiere, it was really fun to watch a new fresh play produced by theaterworks. I really hope that this show goes very far and I was very captivated to every scene. Everyone's acting was top-notch and I'm planning to see the show again before it closes. It opened on July 30th and it runs through August 30th. If you are in Connecticut or in the area, stop by and catch a show you won't regret it.

Got to witness the historic partnership of TheatreWorks and Hartford Stage's production of Sweeney…read moreTodd. Brilliant production directed by Rob Ruggiero. I also enjoyed their specialty drink crafted by the Hartford Flavor Cocktail Parlor on Pratt st. It was delicious! was Made with Sour Cherry Vodka, Wild moon liqueur, Cranberry liqueur, and grenadine. It was smooth and it came with a special souvenir cup for $19 dollars. A bit pricey but the drink was enjoyable.

Come to see a Christmas Carol on its 25th year at Hartford Stage. There's a parking garage next to…read morethe theater and only costing $7 for the evening which is pretty decent. The doors opened about an hour or so before the show leaving enough time for concessions, bathroom and finding our seats. I don't think there's a bad seat in the house at all. We came for pre-opening night so the cast was rehearsing songs and it was lovely to get to hear the tunes before the show. The experience was entertaining and love that some of the cast came from the audience giving a different feel to the show.