The Creative Arts Workshop is the place to learn art, pick up a new technique, and meet other…read moreartists. My friend, who is an artist, introduced me to this place, and she says that CAW has a strong reputation in the art community. I have zero art background, but I have taken drawing and photography classes here. All the teachers were friendly, enthusiastic, and well-prepared. I felt like I learned a lot and that the teachers were encouraging of beginners. They have a huge variety of classes here including cool stuff I'd like to try like metal sculpture. There are both short workshops (good for artists who are already well-versed in a topic but want to pick up a new technique) and longer classes. The cost is a little pricey, but well-worth it in my opinion. They also have an exhibition space and show really nice artwork there. This past summer, my friend and I went to see a juried show there and it was very good. The Creative Arts Workshop is a fantastic place to learn art and join an artistic community. I can't recommend it highly enough.

My family has had excellent experiences with learning to make pottery and life drawing at the…read moreCreative Arts Workshop. Most recently my husband and I took a drawing workshop. In the Perspective Drawing of Buildings and Architecture workshop, Eric March introduced strategies, gave students a chance to experiment, and consulted individually to discuss what works for each person and how to expand skills. His presentation was clear, and his comments were gentle and specific. For me, as a non-professional with some drawing experience, the class was engaging and informative - a delightful way to spend two afternoons. Being able to see and draw things from different perspectives makes drawing more fun and satisfying. As someone who ordinarily is more interested in life than buildings, I also realized the advantage of starting with boxier shapes, knowing that I can apply the same techniques to the animate world now that I have seen how they work. I highly recommend the workshop and other opportunities to work with Eric March.

I've been taking art classes for at least 30 years at various schools in Connecticut and I can…read moreeasily say this is the cleanest, neatest and most well organized art studio I have ever stepped foot in! The atmosphere is also positive and supportive with both student and owner artwork displayed throughout the space. We signed up our 6-year old for art classes during the summer and he's really enjoying his time here. Several rooms are separated by age groups working in various visual art mediums (pencil, charcoal, watercolors, acrylics, etc.). The school provides adult, teen and children's art classes...they also offer a portfolio prep class. Art supplies are included with tuition for all ages. Their rates are also very reasonable. So glad we found this place!

Purchased a month of classes for my niece who is Ted, the owner was so accommodating, knowledgeable…read moreand professional! My niece absolutely loves the class and the time spent there, she even requested to continue her classes after the month ended!

My daughter took art classes here and loved it. I was so impressed with the art teacher's knowledge…read moreand ability to teach my really young child. The whimsical environment and positivity from the teachers was a great learning environment. I also brought work to do while my child painted or sculpted, and I so appreciated a comfy area to sit. Most parents don't stay, but my child wanted me to stay and the teacher had no problem with it. Thanks Ms. West! (AM's mom)

Give your child the gift of art in a safe, supportive environment by sending them to this wonderful…read moreschool. Mrs. West has put so much work and love into her school and it shows in the smiles of my children every time I pick them up. My children love Mrs. West and so will yours. She has taught my children so much about art. How lucky we are to have her talent available to our children. Better yet she is having summer camp again this year so if your kids are like mine and they dont like huge overpopulated camps and they truely love art and music then this is the place for them. This is an investment opportunity for our children's growth and it won't break the bank.

Really enjoy this crafty place because it's crafting made easy. Everything that you need is right…read morethere. I've really only done the ceramic painting. I've done a paint night and and a resin. It's simple enough. You don't need to pre-plan you can just sort of show up anytime they are open. I can't give five stars just because I think it's pretty pricey. There are some blank ceramic pieces that have a really high price and even the small ceramic pieces are quite high but after you paint it, they contact you 2 to 3 days later and you go pick it up so easy process.

As a big walk in group for my birthday yesterday, Meghan was working at the time and she was…read moreabsolutely awesome! She was very helpful and had the best personality. Very willing to help, I will be attending another day in this month with coworkers and fingers crossed she will be working then too!

At about this time of year, as many of the female contingent of our family who live in the North…read moreEast as possible get together for a weekend in Connecticut. Sometimes we go to New York City and other times we find something to do closer to our home base (the lovely town of Ridgefield). If you've ever participated in one of those paint and sip parties and figure that this is the same-old thing, you'd be mistaken. The similarities are not hard to miss. (1) You bring in your favorite snacks and beverages (particularly the adult beverages that we all love, WINE!), (2) you will paint stuff, (3) there is expert assistance to help you paint stuff, and (4) it's an estrogen-rich environment (think girl's night out). Usually, for the paint parties, you have to paint what the instructor decides to paint. In my experience, it's a forced affair--sometimes stressful and rushed to get the group out and make way for the next--with the end product landing squarely on the floor of my closet until I pitch it. The plank painting experience lets you know that this is different, because when you sign up, THEY LET YOU DECIDE what you want to paint! When you arrive, the project is professionally laid out for you, with your name on it. The individual guidance doesn't end there. There were about 20 people there, working on projects, and 3 staff members, but I never felt neglected. There were announcements that fit everyone through the event, but a lot of the instructions were one-on-one. Suggestions were made and a plan was agreed with each individual. The staff even adapted the projects on-the-fly to make it an optimal outcome, making some of the art very personal. Ample time was given to each person and help was given without stress. The one thing (among many) that I appreciated was that we were allotted several hours and then ended up taking more. The staff was gracious and patient and never uttered a word that we took too much time. They made it WONDERFUL fun and I know that we'll be back in the future!

My first experience with this craft. I loved the way it came out. The owner was pretty patient, but…read moreI guess she has to be it's a learning experience. I went with some friends, we had a good time. I guess maybe my reading prior reviews made me a little on edge, the ones that said the owner was not very nice in so many words. I was a little guarded because of that. She was ok, not warm and fuzzy but well then that's just her personality. I figure you're not there to make friends, just a painted plank! Which I was very happy with. I'd go back again and still do recommend. Maybe the more you go, the better the connection? I'm going back to find out!

Had the chance to take a few classes with Ros when I was in town. It was fantastic! Being in a…read moreprofessional home studio and a small class size meant more one-on-one attention from the instructor and a more intimate experience. Compared to other studios where I've taken classes, the amount of tools available was plentiful and all in good condition, and there were SO many glazes than are typically available making it possible to be much more creative. The 6-class package deal was a great bang for your buck and definitely worth renewing.

I love love this teacher/space & ease of doing my work, in slab, throwing, plenty of space, cool…read morevibe.. so happy to be able to attend! Clay on site, kiln always going to assist your needs, great price point!+ an adorable poodle

Active and evolving displays of fine art, community engaged activities, classes for children, and a…read morewonderful staff. This is the heart and pulse of Old Westport and it's still beating strong.

Great classes for kids. A hidden gem. Both of my children (boy and girl) have taken the vacation…read moreday and ongoing sessions and love it. The instructors are engaging and knowledgable. Kids will study an artist or medium and do an age-appropriate project. The prices are very reasonable.

We hosted a business dinner here and it was the perfect client event. They had plenty of drinks and…read morethe instructor led us in a great painting of a fall scene. Just a lot of fun. Great music too. Highly recommend!

We LOVE Pinot's Palette! The new owner has made some amazing updates -- especially to the bar menu…read moreand cocktail selection! The instructors are all amazing, talented, and patient, (Casey is the best!). Really fun night out with my kids and with my friends! Can't wait to go back!