*This review is for Sarah's weekly session at Eye Street Studios*…read more Like Mikkela, I've been fortunate enough to have had the chance to attend one of Sarah's open studio figure drawing classes. Just not as an artist. From the other end. As a model. A nude model, to be precise. It was something I was contemplating on doing for a while, for a variety of reasons. At the recommendation of Mikkela, I called Sarah a while ago to see if she needed anyone extra to model for her. A week later, I got the fateful call: the regularly-scheduled model couldn't make it that night, and was I available? My chest started to get a little tight as I realized this was precisely where the rubber hit the road. There's no turning back now. The Art world needs me. I was Lloyd Bridges as Izzy Mandelbaum in Seinfeld: It's Go Time! I've always held a certain appreciation for artists, not least of all due to the fact that I could probably screw up drawing stick figures if I applied myself and put the time and effort into it. For me to be able to see people with actual artistic talent that I can only dream about was a real mind rush. I was really impressed by the talent level. I truly wish I had one iota of talent the artists possessed that night. People come prepared to draw whatever strikes their fancy, using a variety of methods. Some painted full body portraits. Others focused on certain body parts. Some used acrylics, others sketched in charcoal. Sarah, to my surprise, drew a head portrait. She was able to recreate the exact same type of poise and demeanor that I literally dream about. I kid you not, I was almost tempted to ask her to paint a blue tunic, medals, saber, and diagonal red sash, as the exact visage she captured belonged out of a Napoleonic cavalry portrait. Watching everyone's progress was amazing: after each 20 minute pose, I put on a robe and took a 10 minute break, and I had the chance to check out everyone's work. To be able to see everyone's work go from start to fruition was simply amazing. The atmosphere was really chill and laid back. Like Mikkela says, the noise level can be loud, but the band in the room next door was quite talented, and it definitely helped me focus. A word on modeling: there's actual work involved. You can't just sit on a stool and daydream for several hours. There's a lot of endurance, patience and mind over matter required. It's not for everyone, and it really takes a modicum of professionalism. I can honestly say I was sore afterwards, but I wouldn't trade the experience for anything. Sarah and her fellow artists are total professionals and really made me feel at ease. The verdict: $10 for open studio figure drawing at her Eye Street location lets you practice art in a chill setting with like-minded professionals. For such a small investment, you really can't beat the experience!

Open Studio - Figure Drawing (Long Pose)... what overwhelming joy! Finally, a place to gather with…read morelike minded souls (on the Metro) and spend three hours painting or drawing from a live nude figure. The artist who arranges this, Sarah, is really nice, and she also teaches art, if you wish for instruction. For my liking, for $10, I enjoy a chance to paint the figure! The open figure sessions are at the Eye Street Studios, 443 Eye St. NW, near Gallery Place/Chinatown. It's a really relaxed atmosphere. A band practices in the next space (so free concert), and there are all levels of art and interests. Different people show up every time, although some of us are showing up every time! Next time is May 7th. So if you want to re-awaken the artist and practice your figure drawing or painting, this is the place! Be prepared that the noise/music is loud (although the band is good).

What the what is this treasure of a place?!?! Former candy shop has become a hide out for…read morecreatives. Miniaturist has her working studio in the back and in the front many of her creations are on display and for sale! Lot's of other goodies like books, cards and sweets also available. L Delaney also hosts crafting classes and I can't wait to sign up for her next one. I look forward to seeing how she continues to shift the space. I definitely encourage everyone to stop in and take a little peek around.

From the owner: Welcome to New Orleans's whimsical whatnot shop, specializing in art, curios, & gifts by…read moreday...events and workshops by night. Home to New Orlean's mysterious miniaturist and her secret Museum of Curious-itinies...

Andy was an amazing teacher. My partner and I went and had a great time and got to make a very cool…read morepitcher and glass set

A unique art and skill. For an initial familiarization class this was excellent we had a 12 & 16…read moreyear old and to adults. The presentation was well paced clear and concise. The ability to be hands on and create an end product was awesome. A pleasant couple of hours.

Im not originally from here but I have a huge appreciation for the handmade throws from krewes and…read morefabulous headpieces on Mardi Gras day. I've been wanting to get into crafting more and have really struggled to find anything like what Nola Craft Culture offers. I realized everything I've been struggling to buy elsewhere was available for reasonable price. And amazing quality. I can't wait to come to a class and learn how to make a shoe or paint a house flower!

There is a nice selection here. However, they do discriminate against people who do not follow…read moretheir opinions. It's sad when a good business would rather shun away its customers because they don't have the same opinion.

This was a first date for us and it was SO fun! She was able to fit us in last minute too which we…read morewere so thankful for as we were out of state. It gets HOT so light clothing would be recommended. You get a lot of hands on, not like some glass places where you just choose a color. You get to twist the glass in the furnace. You get to dip it and roll in your color and you get to blow your own! Everything is safe and sanitized. Very affordable and more people should give glass blowing a try!

Thank you girls for a fun Christmas present; a glass blowing class. We went to Swamp Girl Glass…read moreBlowing in Slidell, LA and had a blast! Our wine glass creations came out exactly as hoped for. Solange Ledwith, the owner/instructor was so patient and worked side by side with us, explaining as we went. If you are anywhere close to Swamp Girl Glass Blowing, we suggest you give her a call and create your own masterpiece. Bet she has gift certificates for that last minute Valentine, birthday, housewarming gift. Phone: 985.710.3873

Very professional, nice work. I purchase supplies there, good selection. Always see full classes…read morethere. I understand they do repairs in addition to new work. Highly recommended .

I have a vintage home goods shop online, and have been holding a matching pair of flyer de lis…read morestained glass pains for many years. They needed minor repair and I wasn't sure if they were had any value at all. I brought them by their shop, not knowing if they would even look at them. The ladies were very knowledgeable and able to determine the approximate age of my item. They identified every type of glass used in my pieces. And pointed out a rare and valuable glass used. I learned that their maker was skilled and not a novice hobbyist. Still, I'm thinking... the pair had seen its better days. I was interested in selling the pair for what I thought was a good price, when the owner said she would buy them as is for more than my offer. She also explained, her intentions were to repair and refurbished them then sell them in her window for an even higher price. She gave me the option for the shop to repair them, (at a very low cost) and try to sell them myself at retail value in my online shop. Note: ACTUAL RETAIL VALUE WAS 10x GREATER THAN I EXPECTED. In addition to it all, the offer still stood for them to be purchased by the shop and be resold in the window if I was unable to sell them online. I give 5 STARS FOR EVERY CATEGORY BUSINESS COULD BE CONDUCTED!!! The staff was friendly, knowledgeable, courteous, informative. Shop is clean, inviting, and uniquely charming.

The London Clayworks offers guided group pottery classes, taught by ceramic artist/owner Karin…read moreBurt, at four day/time offerings. In addition, the studio may be used by potters in what is called Open Studio. The third option is use of the pottery studio facility by the hour. I have taken pottery through the years at various locations and from a variety of teaching potters, but none can match the teaching skills of Karin Burt. In just two class sessions, I learned the reasons behind pottery techniques that I had not known before. All I can say is Karin is an exceptional, patient and talented educator. Karin is an artist in her own right, whose distinctive pottery pieces can be seen in the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) Gift Shop (in historic City Park) the gift shop of NOCCA (New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts) Gallery and the Press Street Cafe (both located in the Bywater neighborhood of New Orleans.

My girlfriend and I had an awesome Valentine's date night here. Our instructor was very nice and…read morepatient with us with it being our first time. We definitely will visit again soon .

I am so NOT an artist but I am a huge art aficionado so I've mostly been to this location for art…read moresales and exhibits. It's a beautiful building and has some parking out front. I know people who pop into the open figure drawing classes as they can but they also have courses of study during the day and in the evening with working artists. It's a wonderful space to see an exhibit with room but also able to get up close

My daughter went to camp here and loved it! Artists teach the kids all sorts of different art…read moreforms, it's fun, and there's a show in the gallery of all the kids' art at the end of each week. Wonderful!

We had an amazing experience here today celebrating my niece's birthday. We were greeted by Khloe…read moreas soon as we walked in. The space is decorated so nice and it smelled really good. Khloe was so friendly and so helpful. She helped us get prepared to enjoy our time in the splash room and she even took a picture of us. The splash room experience was so much fun. We had a blast creating our canvas and splashing each other. I want to go back to try some of the other activities. Overall this experience was a 10/10 all around! The birthday girl was over the moon with excitement.

At first I was like.... Nope but when I walked in the door I was like Woooooowwww. So many cool…read morethings to do!!!!!!! Way too many to say.... You have to go see for yourself. I had so much fun. All materials are supplied, even an apron and gloves. The building is nice and cool, easy to park, and just right for a group or for a space just to be creative.

I've tried three of their throwing classes and thought it was really affordable with their BIPOC…read morefellowship prices. Though the studio is old, each class provides EVERYTHING you need to practice on the wheel - clay, tools, aprons, etc. You have to pay extra per piece you want to fire and we didn't get free reign with glazes and trimming (the instructors do it for you). But I didn't mind for the price, and it makes it easier for those who take the class to spend it entirely on honing in the art of throwing. Overall a great start for beginners who have always wanted to try ceramics! They really create a safe space for you to mess up and learn. Taught by experienced instructors, Byrdie's has reasonable membership prices as well!

You are reading this here first: Byrdies makes the best sandwich I've ever had. What's more? It's…read morealso the cheapest sandwich in New Orleans! The value is incredible (ie, I don't mean shitty American "cheese" and limp iceberg lettuce-cheap. I deserve better than that. *You* deserve better than that). Those tomatoes on there are probably heirloom and for greens, we're talking arugula. The specialty veg sandwich has an avocado spread that's out of this world divine delicious and the other day, I was introduced to the joys of buttermilk cheese sprinkled on top. They make their own *bread* for god's sake... If you don't like red onions or red pepper, Chris will gladly substitute you with something else. And whatever the ingredient, there's just the right amount of everything perfectly combined to make a sandwich into an edible piece of art. OK, so the price for this incredible sandwich that I still can't stop thinking about and have had to have twice in less than a week when I normally don't eat lunch out? FIVE FUCKING DOLLARS! Make that four with the Yelp Check-In offer. I shit you not. And yes, I'm cursing up a motherfuckingstorm because I feel like I've discovered something not many people know about (with the exception of Yelptern, Emily A, who introduced me to the joys of Byrdie's sandwiches just recently). And just so you know I mean business. I consider this place to be really off the grid when it comes to food. For the love of a good sandwich, stop in immediately and do yourself a favor with one of these incredible concoctions. See a fantastic art installation that a righteous feline might be guarding along the way... One other thing: I haven't tried it yet, but you should probably also know there's a homemade lavender bread with homemade strawberry jam, along with other pastries made in-house. These folks aren't fucking around.