Art On 1st is a very special art gallery, as you will see from my review. Last Friday was the…read moreOpening Night of their current exhibition "Love in Many Colors: An exhibition of art exploring the many different colors and types of love." I considered it very appropriate to visit it and write a review, today, Friday, on Valentine's Day. This Art Gallery and Studio is owned by and features the paintings of Annie Schultz and the photography of Rick Sheridan. Their Mission is to strive to support, established, emerging, and aspiring artists and photographers through exhibitions, classes, and occasional open Studio time. It is dedicated to showcasing diverse artworks from local emerging artists and fostering a creative community. Through a diversity of workshops, it is also committed to teach and assist new artist how to prepare their artwork for exhibition and sale. The gallery space is also available to rent for photo shoots, art lectures, and other related activities. Located in Downtown, Roanoke, in the heart of some of the best art galleries and restaurants in the area, on the corner of 1st Street SW and Kirt Avenue, it is the ideal location to experience the best of the best of what the City of Roanoke has to offer to its community and visitors as well. The building itself is Historic and very well renovated, maintaining its beautiful, original mosaic and hardwood floors. The corner entrance glass doors and two display windows are perfectly placed to allow the natural light in and to be able to observe all beautiful sunset as well. Besides the art gallery and studio, it also has a fully equipped modern darkroom, for young photographers to be able to learn, through workshops offered, how to take traditional film photography and how to develop and print their own photographs. As I entered through the gallery's front door, I was amazed to see a variety of art media in their current exhibition. There was oil paintings, stained glass hanging windows, sculptures, photography, jewelry, artisctic works in rare and exotic woods such as a beautiful carved wood set to play cards, among others. There was also a square table next to their computer full of brochures, business cards, and other very informative art and photography literature from around the area. Both the owners of this gallery were amazing individuals, very warm and welcoming with wonderful personality and a desire to enjoy their art and assist the newer artists by sharing all their knowledge, experience, and expertise. I highly recommend to all those reading my review and viewing my photographs that accompany it, to definitely give this gallery a visit. You will find some lovely artworks at very reasonable prices that will make beautiful gifts for yourselves, special friends, or loved ones. As you purchase these items, you will be supporting and encouraging young artists, and giving special meaning to their lives.

Great gallery space! Lots of emerging artists and affordable art pieces. Exhibitions and fun art…read moreclasses offered regularly. Could be great for an event or Girl's Day Out!

Left of Center Art Space is a vibrant co-op gallery and working studio that opened its doors in the…read moreold Woolworth Building in downtown Roanoke in October 2019. They are a collective of artists sharing studio, exhibition and teaching space. Along with their artwork, they also feature guest artists throughout the year. The gallery showcases a variety of artistic forms, including painting, pottery, oil pastel, jewelry, sculpture, and weaving. With a focus on diverse creativity, the space also hosts guest artists who contribute to Roanoke's growing art scene. Visitors to Left of Center Art Space can not only observe the artwork in exhibition there, but can also observe the artists in action and interact with them by asking them questions and experience the artistic process firsthand. They also can engage directly with the creative process by participating in art lessons, paint nights, and art receptions. These activities provide a fun, interactive experience for people of all ages and skill levels. Additionally, the gallery offers custom picture framing services, perfect for preserving personal artworks or showcasing your favorite pieces. When I visited the Art Space all the artists there were very welcoming and hospitable, providing me with much information about the place. It was clear that they loved creating their art and also enjoyed sharing the process, as well as the art itself, with visitors and art enthusiasts who visited the place. I walked around observing the artworks being exhibited and the tags with information about the art and sale price. It was a great opportunity to purchase a reasonably priced artwork to decorate a special space in your house, while also supporting and encouraging the local growing art talent. I would definitely encourage all those reading my review to take the time to visit this Art Space and take advantage of all its has to offer. Mingle with the artists here and watch their artistic creative process firsthand, ask questions, and grow with the experience, for art is the food of our souls and enriches our lives.

My wife and I went for date night on a Friday evening. The class was really fun, and we wound up…read morewith several nice items, which we'll be taking home after they're fired. Hannah, the owner and instructor, is a really remarkable young woman who built the school from scratch after graduating college. She has a has a real easy instruction style that just makes the whole evening a lot of fun. We highly recommend Common Clay Pottery for a fun evening or longer term classes (which we'll probably come back and attend).

Love this place and these ladies so much!! I made 3 bowls my first class, and had so much fun i…read morepurchased a punch card, and I just signed up for a 4 week class!

From the owner: Motel Studios is a dynamic creative space hosting a lounge, pottery studio, and flexible workspace…read more From classes & workshops, to private events such as birthday parties, team building workshops, showers, and more, Motel Studios can offer a one of a kind experience for you and your guests.

An amazing place to paint your pottery. We've been going for a while now, and I've made plenty of…read moreprojects. Here's photos of some of them. Some are after firing and some are before.

My friends and I had a wonderful experience initially creating the artwork. The employees we…read moreencountered were more than helpful and accommodating. We were told by staff that our art work would be ready to pickup within two weeks. They also informed us that one person in our group could return to pick up the art for everyone. I want to note, the owner was not present at that time. However, upon returning to pick up mine and my friend's art , I had an unpleasant experience with the owner. The owner was very hostile and combative towards me. She became angry because our group (4) requested separate tickets at the time of purchase. The interaction continued with the owner as things were very disorganized as she struggled to locate our art pieces. She later refused to allow me to pick up the art for my friends. Despite us being told by staff that it's a common practice for one person to pick up art for people in their group. I was required to show physical proof of others in my group. I felt as though I was singled out in this experience and will not be returning to this location.

Jason is an amazing art teacher! I can't believe the art he's helped my daughter create.read more

The Knittin' Coop is a women-owned business founded in 2019 by Robin Ferguson who currently owns…read moreand operates the business. Located in the Historic Downtown Salem, it is a BBB Accredited Business with a rating of A+, offering a wide selection of yarns, patterns, accessories, and classes for knitting and spinning enthusiasts. With a focus on local and indie dyed yarns, as well as popular brands like Malabrigo and Rowan, the shop provides a vibrant community space for crafters of all levels. After being awarded the Yelp Triad Squad Yelper of the Year 2024 Award at the Yelpies Award Ceremony last year, an event that honored the highest-performing Yelp Elites, celebrating their contributions and accomplishments throughout the year, I decided that this year, as an All-Star Yelp Elite, I not only wanted to be the first to discover new restaurants, businesses, and entertainment venues, and bring them to the attention of the public, but also to uncover those found in hidden paths that for one reason or another have not reached the public in its totality. And the Knittin' Coop, in Salem, Virginia, is a perfect example. I discovered this, one-of-a-kind, women-owned business one day after having had breakfast at the Bean Bliss Coffee Bar on S College Ave, in Salem, Virginia. It was the shop next door, and I couldn't help but to go in and visit after seeing their colorful and lively Holiday Season decorations on the windows of their shop. Inside, I found a cozy shop for yarn and fiber arts, plus classes and event led by the friendly owner, who greeted and welcomed me with open arms. Besides having a special talent for selecting a wide collection of beautiful merchandise, she is a survivor entrepreneur of the covid era which began shortly after she started her business. This hardship led her to create one of the most beautiful and practical websites that I have ever seen. Not only creating a place for customers to purchase her merchandise contactless, but establishing a strong relationship with her customers this way, so now they can visit her shop to gather for one of her workshops, borrow a book from her lending library, feel the products before purchasing them, or simply spend some time chatting with the owner who has a wonderful personality. Beside the great variety of very unique and quality, colorful yarn, of which I had never seen before in larger, corporate shops, she also carries items such as books, accessories, sweaters, scarfs, just to name a few. I invite you to view my photographs accompanying this review to get a better sense of the place and the variety and quality of the products sold there. The place is also decorated with artworks with meaningful and some funny quotes. There is also a good size room on the side where people can gather to attend one of the owners workshop, or simple to relax and knit. I highly recommend this place and encourage everyone to give it and the friendly, entrepreneurial owner your total support.

Adorable store. Great selection of yarns, tools, and notions. Robin is so knowledgeable!read more