We had such a fun class at Simply Creative…read more They offered DIY classes and we booked it last minute (like 2 hours before the class). They are very accommodating on the late notice. Taylor was our instructor, she's very patient and kind on repeating herself many times for us until we fully understand the process. They even helped me print out my own design. Oh they also offers yummy drinks. It was a very nice experience for us to be there, we enjoyed a nice 2-2.5 hours girls time together, chatting while working in our project. Highly recommended.

A few friends and I were celebrating the December birthdays in our group and decided to do an…read moreactivity before dinner. Enter Simply Creative : a beautiful, artistic space designed to release your imagination and inner creativity. We chose the holiday candle + bracelet making class and it was a huge hit! There were so many choices of beads to choose from for the bracelets, and it was so fun smelling all the aromatic scents for the candles and sharing our favorite scents with friends before deciding on a candle. I absolutely loved it ! The best part was that it wasn't too loud and it was easy to carry on a conversation. Everyone in the group was friendly and supportive of each other's bead and candle artwork. I just loved the environment and space. It was expensive - around $70 with tax - but it was totally worth it for the experience. And like I said, the selection of beads and aromatics were so unique, it was worth the cost for that experience alone! Besides classes, the place also sells art and creative pieces like jewelry and other trinkets. Thank you for making my birthday memorable! I will definitely be back again some day to try the other classes.

Donna is such an interesting teacher. She seems to draw from extensive knowledge, experience and…read morepractice. Her instruction and personal feedback helped me to learn the fundamentals, practice them and create beautiful drawings! I really enjoyed seeing what I could accomplish with the help of her kind instruction and time in her studio.

I took a beginning drawing class with Donna. She creates a safe and supportive environment. My…read moreconfidence in my artistic ability was low before the class, but I was amazed at what I was able to draw following Donna's instruction. I went from drawing stick figures to drawing faces and realistic human bodies! I enjoy remodeling homes and the lessons on perspective have been particularly helpful. I would highly recommend taking a class with Donna if you have any artistic interest. She's a gentle, nurturing soul. Definitely a born teacher.

I have to be honest. Making art usually makes me uncomfortable. I am married to an artist, but…read morecreating art is not an area of strength for me. However, I came to Oya Arts with my Education Evolving team and I truly enjoyed making art thanks to Karen and the way she supported us and encouraged our creativity. It was probably my favorite team building event ever in along history of team building events. We created our art surrounded by her beautiful and inspiring works and in the presence of her incredible kindness. You will not find a better way to build team connection.

It was a blast for mystery Sip and Paint, instruction was amazing, and class had fun atmosphere.read more

This place is fabulous!! If you're looking for a fun new hobby or if you've ever wanted to learn to…read moremake jewelry, I highly recommend Quench. Every time I walk through the door here, I instantly smile. The positive vibes and warm welcoming energy meets you at the door. It is located in the Casket Arts building but has its own entrance on the side. The owner, Sarah, and all of the teachers that lead classes here are very helpful and enthusiastic about seeing and help students succeed. They have multiple ways and ideas to do things. Classes start with a hand out being given and an overview of what to expect. They put you at ease and help troubleshoot issues. I gain more confidence in this craft every time I come here and am more excited and enthusiastic about continuing. If the scheduled classes don't work for you schedule or you have a group of friends with whom you'd like to have a jewelry making party, consider hosting a private class. I've done this and had a ton of fun! After taking classes and learning the basics, come back for open studio hours. I can't say enough about this place! It is an absolute joy to learn and work among the people here.

Wow. I am one lucky girl…read more I've been trying to find a creative endeavor that I enjoy and am half-way decent at (throwing ceramics wasn't it). I've done a bunch of welding and metal work, mostly on a larger scale, but I recall taking a jewelry metal smithing class back in college or high school -- not sure, it all kind of blends together now. But I liked it, and I like the idea that I can make something that I not only enjoy myself, but possibly sell at some point. Anyway, being new-ish in town, I asked around at some jewelry events where I would be able to take classes and everyone I spoke to recommended Quench. I signed up for the Bezel class to get reacquainted with the tools, and was especially excited that we would leave with a piece of jewelry we made! The teacher, Sarah, was fantastic. She demonstrated everything meticulously & expertly, emphasized safety, gave us little tricks to correct mistakes, and was all around just great -- very encouraging & supportive too. The students were too -- really varied, but everyone was supportive and sharing. A great group of ladies. There was a daughter and her mom there, friends together, people just there because they wanted to improve their skills -- women of all ages. I thought the instructor was just a really great teacher and thought that Quench was so fortunate to have someone so good on their teaching team. And the whole studio seems so well-thought out from the layout to the classes and open studios -- I thought it was maybe a large operation that several people had invested their time and money in. After asking some questions, I learned that, Sarah, my humble instructor is THE sole founder of Quench. I am impressed. I've heard the other instructors are good too, but I feel really fortunate that I got to learn from the woman who started the studio and is really a hub for the jewelry arts in the Twin Cities. I can't wait to take more classes and make more jewelry. Check out their website for classes and open bench times. If you're experienced, you can use the studio for $10 an hour on many days.

Public Functionary is a contemporary art gallery with a vision: bring rising national and local…read moreartists whose work expresses diversity in background, approach, inspiration and materials and connect them and their artwork with with the broader Minneapolis community. Hands down one of the best (and non-profit) art galleries in the Twin Cities, Public Functionary has brought in a range on artists from Chicago-based artist Carlos Rolon, better known as Dzine, New York-based artists Sougwen Chung and Eric Inkala, L.A.-based artist Patrick Martinez, to local Minneapolis-based artists Jennifer Davis and Micheal Thomsen, and many more. In addition exhibiting world-class art and artists, Public Functionary makes a point of inviting in community groups and letting them use their amazing, huge (and expanded) space as a resource. PF "Takeovers" (fun party nights where local artists/musicians take over the space to create a scene), fashion shows, NE Mpls business functions and events, musical and dance performances are all regular occurrences in-between/during exhibitions that has Public Functionary truly live up to it's name.

One of the best non-profit, rotating, visionary art galleries in town. A hidden gem that needs to…read morebe un-hidden. The mixture of art, music and style during the opening weekends are inspiring and creative. Tricia does a wonderful job reaching into many different scenes within the city and pasting them together to make this gallery function.

Was great birthday experience. Very helpful, fun environment. Highly recommend.read more

We did a family class for a Christmas present and had so much fun! Anjee was great with the two…read morekids in the group and definitely helped out the four adults!! We would highly recommend Anjee's classes for a variety of ages. It's a great time to connect, be creative, and you have something to take home.

The solar arts building is awesome - the brewery and food truck is a great hangout especially…read moreduring the summer. (Also outdoor patio) The artists there are friendly and welcoming. (Animal friendly) Many don't know there is a venue upstairs which a pleasant surprise to most. They host several events there, what's not to love about NE.

I visited the Solar Arts Building for a fundraiser/beer event called Hops For Hunger in January…read more2014. This review is about the venue and not the event. First. There is almost no parking at this building. The evening of the event was cold and we had to walk from a few blocks away. Not fun for my girlfriend in heels. There is a small lot but it was full as the building is also home to Indeed Brewing Company, a very popular local brewery. We entered the building through the front door and wandered into the hallway. The entry seemed kinda dirty and unkept. There was a tenant directory where names had been crossed off with a sharpie marker, classy. We peeked around the main floor and it was sort of vacant and dingy, dark, white walls, until you got closer to Indeed Brewing's space which was super warm and inviting,... more on this place in my next review. We made our way up to the event on the third floor. The third floor is really cool. Big open space, big timber beams, nicely lit. Only real complaint about the third floor was that there was no bathroom! .,.. And it was a beer event! So where are the bathrooms? Down a floor. Second floor. OK found em. Wow! This is a reason to visit this building alone. Instead of doors on the stalls they have somewhat translucent shower curtains on the stalls!? Is this even legal? Not to mention they were filthy. My GF had her's opened on her while going to the bathroom... There is not way after all to lock a shower curtain. Who knows what these people are thinking. We took a look around on the second floor after using the facilities. Lots of artists seem to live or work there. Nothing to write home about though, I'm no connoisseur but the art all looked pretty bad. Anyway, I would never book an event at this place unless it was in the brewery on the main floor. I will feel sorry for the poor misguided bride that decides to have her wedding there... Grandma is not going to like the bathroom stalls.

It's always a fun time coming here especially during events and open studios. This place is a…read morelandmark in the northeast arts district and is filled to the brim of local art to admire and take home. I've come here multiple times and have left with quite a few pieces now especially from DC Ice and AMF. Artists art friendly and are happy to chat or give you space, accommodating your desired experience. I would highly recommend coming during one of their major events during the fall or during art a whirl when the place is bustling with crowds to really add to the warmth of the space this place exudes.

Something (different) to do on a weeknight…read more On the first Thursday of each month, you can stop by the Northrup King Building (NE Mpls) to check out the galleries and shops of local creators. While there for an event, I got to do some wandering and purchased a few items. 1)Excelsior Candle Co.Snagged a pack of wax melts and a warmer. 2)Tipton-Hammond Arts. There's lots of beautiful art to choose from, and while it was hard to choose, I purchased a cool print. 3)MBMB. Lots of cute merchandise, but as soon as I saw this cute t-shirt that said, "I'd rather be doing arts and crafts", I had to get it.

The Q.arma Building is home to over thirty artists. There are several floors and many nooks with…read morewonderful pottery, jewelry, metalwork and woodwork. I was particularly taken with the bright pottery by Sidecar Ceramics Avail Ceramics and another on the first floor with great vessels and candle sticks that I didn't get a name for (see photos). The first Thursday of each month the artists of the Q.arma Building open their studios to the public (and also for events like Small Business Saturday and Art a Whirl). Complimentary beverages and snacks are often available for patrons. Studios are open until 9pm. Check social media for more times the studios might be open.