Artopia Studios

I wish there was a rating lower than one star… Terrible customer service, rude staff and constant «that is an additional charge» leaves me not wanting to go back.

Used a GROUPON discount to do the pottery wheel for two. This was okay but we were only there for a max of 30 minutes (the coupon was good for up to 60 minutes) and that is both of us sharing one wheel. I made a bowl but there wasn’t time to explore anything beyond a simple bowl shape. We were told we’d receive a call in one to two weeks to let us know the ceramics had been fired and we could come in and paint them. I was told the coupon did not include the painting and I was told I had to pay for the painting right then, upfront*.
After two weeks, we had not received a phone call, so I called the studio and was told that it is not guaranteed that they will be fired within two weeks and that it often takes up to 4 weeks. After 3 weeks, we did get our phone call that the pieces were fired and we could come in (no appt necessary during the week) anytime to paint them. We went to the studio two weeks later and staff could not initially find our pieces and they casually said, «Oh maybe they were thrown away.»
When they found our items, my bowl was broken. They said I could still paint it if I wanted to. When I said I was disappointed that it had been broken after I had left it with them to fire, and that I wanted the opportunity to make a new bowl, I was told to speak to the manager. The woman I spoke to said flat out, that was not allowed, that I could not make a new bowl, that I could either paint my broken bowl (she said it probably broke during the firing) or paint a staff-​made item instead. When I said that neither option was acceptable to me, I was given no other alternative. When I said I would like a refund of the payment I made for painting (as I would not be able to paint anything) I was told that there are no refunds and that I had been given the option to paint «something».
There was never any apology made that the bowl I made had been broken, and in fact I was told that I had made my bowl too thin and thin items do not fire well. I pointed out that during the bowl making session, the instructor had finished my bowl for me as my hands were making it wobbly, and she had told me it was suitable for firing.
Overall, a poor customer service experience, and for the sake of some clay they have lost a customer for good, and perhaps this review will turn some people away as well.
* Now I see why.

Used a groupon for the ceramics painting. Lots of ceramics to pick from and the painting was very relaxing. While we received some instructions on the paint, our group still had some trial and error learning how best to use the painting tools available. Lots of fun though — great Sunday Funday activity. Was a reminder of the fun of playing in art class that one forgets a bit when grown up. Looking forward to picking up our glazed ceramics in a few weeks. Will likely go back again.

I’ve been to Artopia at least 4 times, always for ceramic painting and with the Groupon. I’ve been to pretty much all the other ceramics painting studios in Calgary and I think Artopia is the best value and has all the cool paints (like the speckled colours and the bumpy pen ones). The prices are, of course, more than what you would pay for a regular cup or bowl or what-​have-​you but if all you want is a regular cup then go to IKEA! They never rush you so you don’t have to worry if you end up spending all day working on your masterpiece! They also do a pretty good job with the glazing and firing; I’ve noticed few to no chips with my pieces from here, despite putting them in dishwasher (which I think is not recommended). I’ve also never had an issue with them not having items ready in a timely fashion. Overall I think it’s a super fun activity to do with a friend, a big group, or just by yourself! You get to delve into painting something for several hours and then you have something useful to take home and remind you of the great time you had afterwards!

I purchased a Groupon for the ceramics and quite enjoyed it. It’s a good deal, so me and my friend purchased a few more. The ladies there are always friendly and helpful. As others have stated, the gentleman there (who I assume is upper management) is quite rude to customers and staff… but it doesn’t seem that he does much on the customer service side.
As I enjoyed the Groupon for ceramics, I purchased one for glass fusing also. I enjoyed it, but the Groupon only gets you a coaster. We ended up doing bowls, so it is a bit of an investment.
I was surprised that I received my pieces earlier than told as they are quite busy.

Not worth your money. The workers there can’t even make a simple art piece. Pretty disgusting seeing as my art piece has bits of hairs ranging from different colours. Also they are overpriced, even my kid can do better. If would be best fitting if there was a lower rating than 1 star.

We did the pottery wheel and it was fantastic! Chloe was an amazing help and super patient with my mother who has a tendency to get frustrated easily. My complaint is about a gentlemen who I assume to be in upper management or even the owner. The first time we popped by on Mother’s Day we had made a reservation for the pottery wheel that got recorded as pottery painting. Well apparently they don’t do the pottery wheel on Sunday’s and he rudely told us that we should book it asap as the wheel fills up quickly. When we went for our other appointment I accidentally washed my hands in the wrong sink and he rudely told me doing so will clog it and then proceeded to yell at Chloe for letting me do so.
Overall the pottery experience was awesome but this individual (bald, larger Caucasian make) needs some better customer service skills and to not treat his staff so rudely!

A group of 6 of us got Groupons for glass fusing and went on March 26^th. When we arrived, we were handed a list of shapes that we could choose from (the groupon covered a coaster only).They were way overbooked and had about 12 – 15 people all trying to cut glass at the same table with only enough tools for 4 – 5 people.
We started at 6pm, and were there until 9pm. For those of us that chose bowl shapes, we were told at the end of the night when we went to pay that it would cost an additional $ 7.00 for the second firing. They only charge this to people using a Groupon.
They call you once your item is ready for pick up. 4 of us received our items after 2 – 3 weeks. It’s been 4 weeks and 2 people from my group still haven’t received their bowls. When we stopped in, they didn’t seem to have any system on who’s items were fired first. One of the bowls was still waiting for the second firing, and they couldn’t locate the other. Said it may be in the kiln.
This could have been a fun evening, but ended up being pricey and frustrating. I was satisfied with my bowl, but would NOT return.