HappymessART Studios, Classes and Supplies

Durham, United States

4.4

Closed now

11 reviews

Accepts Credit Cards

Contacts

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Telephone:
+1 919-286-9763
Website:
happymessart.com
Address:
718B Iredell St, Durham, NC, 27705
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
600 ft096
0.4 miEast Campus
0.8 mi120
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Bussiness info

Accepts Credit Cards
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible
No

Today

Today 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Closed now
Local time (Durham) 8:50 AM Thursday, June 19, 2025

Business hours

Monday –
Tuesday 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Wednesday 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Thursday 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Friday 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday –

Description

Specialties

We are proud to be Durham’s newest Art Supply Store. We try to carry as many Eco-​friendly and made in America art supplies as possible. We also are open to stocking your favorite supplies as well. Come visit us and see for yourself. In addition, for the past 4 years, we have been offering ART classes for all ages, ARTensive workshops, smARTkids summer camps and after school art programs, private pARTies and more. Our goal at happymess is to inspire creativity and enrich lives through art in a «happy» space.

*Painting & Collage*Shrinemaking*Girls Night Out*Needlecrafts*Encaustic Wax*Private

pARTies*Watercolors *pARTner Night*Batik*“Paint like…”*Acrylic Painting*Teambuilding*Open Studio

*Encaustic (painting with wax)*Altered Books*Visual Journaling*Felting *Jewelry Making*ARTini Night*

*Drawing/​Figure Model*Kids Classes & Camps*Photograph*Pastels

History

Established in 2011.

In 2011, we opened HappymessART after identifying a need for a safe space for those who might not otherwise have a chance at trying their hand at creativity. At first, we offered art classes in a wide variety of medium. We tried to differentiate ourselves from the other paint and sip operations. Our ARTistas are all local artists that pride themselves in sharing their knowledge. In 2014, the opportunity to expand our space and after realizing that Durham lacked a quality art supply store, we opened the supply shop. We like to pride ourselves on providing a happy environment where it’s OK to making a mess, it’s encouraged.

Meet the Business Owner

Holly B.

Business Owner

As an art history major, Holly has always found joy in all aspects of art, not just looking at it or analyzing it, but making it as well. She has always encouraged her family and friends to test the waters of creating, to not be afraid of making a mistake, because the beauty in creating is, there are no mistakes. With an in interest in a variety of medium, she has been creating for years and teaching those around her for just as long. So the idea of a shared art experience for all to enjoy came naturally to her. Out of that, the idea for happymess was born. She is driven by igniting a creative flame in all of us and relishes in watching it flourish in an open, welcoming environment. She welcomes you to join in this experience.

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11 reviews of HappymessART Studios, Classes and Supplies

No registration required
Place rating: 5
Raleigh, NC
Happymess is a fantastic place to get your art on, and run by people who are very open to your interests in art as a hobbyist or a pro.
I have used the standard butane torch for encaustic painting, and I was recently delighted to be able to purchase a sort of crème brûlée torch there this past weekend for my encaustic work! This newly acquired torch has a simple self-​lighting trigger so no more two-​handed lighter-​to-​gas anymore. The flame/​cone on the torch is well-​controlled using a dial-​up or dial-​down twist setting. In short, that Happymess had this wax fusing tool in stock was superb.
They don’t have everything, but they do have some nicely curated products as well as harder to find items. Best of all, the classes they offer are super relaxed yet you are working with experts. It’s very un-​uptight, as evidenced best by the name of the place — Happymess.
Place rating: 3
Durham, NC
It’s OK. I’ve been to this place a couple of times and while everyone is friendly and I have a good time, I do have some qualms. First, the good. Instructions are great, they give good direction, it’s local.
The bad. Well the times I went when an employee/​friend of the person also paints in the class, that person is extremely insufferable, for lack of a better word. She just went on about promoting the lady teaching the class, go see this place go buy this art etc.
We are paying customers and her braggadocio almost ruined the experience. Other than that most customers are great when I come to this place. Second BIG qualm is canvas size. For the same price or less, at other paint and drinks, the canvas is much larger. This place always gives a much smaller canvas. Yes supplies are expensive but generally the quality of canvases they give out aren’t the fanciest. I paint at home and have my own supplies and sometimes I’m tempted to just bring my own, but I am caught between I’m already paying for theirs so why bother. I wish they would offer a dollar off amount for bringing your own canvas.
Also, the teachers do come of not genuine when they are constantly going around with faux «wow you guys are doing great!» «Didn’t expect such great work!», constant talking to grown adults like we are children. Criticism is welcome, but not when its cloyingly not sincere. I think they mean well, but maybe another way to express positivity?
Other than that I do like the place, it’s fun and I’m glad that they are into it. I also do like that it’s local and that the girls who teach are welcoming. I don’t generally go here unless someone else wants to go, mostly because of the canvas size. It’s almost disheartening to work so hard on something when you can go else where and get a better value.
Place rating: 5
Fayetteville, NC
love this little gem! Do not drive by! Parking is easy in the back and you can go in thru the kitchen/​studio. I bought some sweet watercolor pencils for a fabulous price and some way neat new sticky canvas I cannot wait to try. The staff was super helpful and fun without being pushy. Loved the whole place! I stop at art supplier stores over from SCAD favs to Atlanta haunts and I have to say… although small this place could hold their own even in a town like Savannah. I will totally be back!!!
Place rating: 5
Durham, NC
Last Thursday, I was feeling adventurous and decided to sign up for a class. From the moment I walked in, I was at home. I was greeted by Holly who gave me the lowdown and offered me a PBR; I felt like I had known her for years! Libby was our super helpful and encouraging instructor. I created a work of art that I’m quite proud of. I will most certainly be back this week!
Place rating: 5
Durham, NC
Happy mess is now more than a fun place to learn to paint.
It is an art supply store too!
I stopping in on a rainy cold day in March, and the very atmosphere felt like a change in the weather. So bright and warm.
If you are looking for a unique variety of art supplies — beyond the same old that ever chain store carries — or want some new inspiration — check out Happymess.
Place rating: 3
Durham, NC
We went to Happymess a few months ago when we had a groupon. There were a ton of different classes and times on the schedule. We ended up doing the «paint your pet» themed class. It was $ 10 more than the groupon for canvas prep fees, which they let us know ahead of time.
There were about 8 people in the class. We brought a bottle of rose and some beers, since we were walking from a couple streets away. Honestly, the instructor was great and super attentive, but she was also incredible overwhelmed. There were different people with cash, credit, different value amount groupons, and she kept emphasizing that the owner was supposed to be there (but wasn’t). I am also irritated when a business «prefers» cash, but doesn’t state any kind of preference on their website, or any of the emails you have with them!
The instructor (I honestly can’t remember her name) tried to hop around and help everyone, but with so many people doing so many different types of paintings/​different colors, I think she would have benefited from an assistant (and she mentioned the class was never supposed to have more than 8 people. I mean, what are we supposed to do about that? Just feel weird?). Most people did not finish their painting in the allotted time (three hours?) and were told to come back to finish.
That being said, we did have a great time and came home with some great pieces of art. I think the studio has great potential, but a little more organization is needed. Like I said, the instructor was awesome, but she is obviously an artist and not one for the bookkeeping /​payments /​finishing on time. Go if you want a leisurely afternoon, some day drinking, and a fun experience, but don’t go to learn about art or create a masterpiece.
Place rating: 5
Chapel Hill, NC
I’ve been to Happymess for a «Paint Like van Gogh» class and also arranged a private party with them. Both were great experiences. Holly (the owner) was very accommodating, and Hattie (the instructor) was helpful, hilarious and made sure we all had a blast.
I think the key to getting the most out of these BYOB classes is to understand that you’re not going to paint a masterpiece in 2 hours, but instead relax, connect with some nice people and have a great time — and as a bonus you have a painting to take home at the end.
The only downside I can think of is that this place is on the second floor of a renovated house. The stairs are super treacherous on the way down!
Place rating: 4
Chapel Hill, NC
My husband and I tried out the «Paint your pARTner» class last weekend (our first Happy Mess experience!). I saw their special on Groupon’s website so I thought we’d give it a shot. It was $ 29 for both of us and that included all of our art supplies/​canvas. I had been in contact with Holly (the owner) and was informed that it would be a full class. However, when we showed up, there was no one there but us!
Erin was our instructor and she was so GREAT (especially in handling my husband’s many questions).
Since this was our first time taking a «paint your partner» art class, we really didn’t know what to expect. When we ended up being the only people there, it was kind of a nice surprise, because it was almost like taking a «private class»…however, I don’t know which I would have preferred. Since we were kind of hoping to meet other couples and mingle, I was also a bit disappointed, so, I suppose I am giving a mixed review! Oh, well.
We were provided canvas and acrylic paints (which I am fairly familiar with). I really only signed up for this class because I thought it would be fun to do with my husband (not so much for the ‘art’ aspect of it). I would, however, be interested in trying out other classes for the «art aspect» (i.e., encaustic, batik, etc.)
Anyways, I hope this review makes sense! Overall, it was a nice experience and I’ll definitely visit Happy Mess again (though, I guess I still don’t know what to expect but that’s okay with me). :-)
Place rating: 5
Durham, NC
So, went back for the Pop Art Pets «ARTini» last night, and loved it too. This place just makes me happy. Holly and Libby (our instructor) are super nice and very helpful, with everything from technique to color choices (who would have thought picking out 4 colors would be so difficult?).
I do agree with the previous reviewer that 2 hours was not enough time – I think probably 3 hours would be more reasonable. (I was there until 10:30, but did take a little extra time to pick colors, plan, chit-​chat, etc.) Despite this I never felt rushed and definitely felt welcome to stay as long as I needed to finish the project. I love my finished painting, and am looking forward to my next class… maybe I’ll try encaustic!
Place rating: 5
Chapel Hill, NC
More fun than I have had in years!
Place rating: 3
Durham, NC
I really wish I could give Happymess 4 stars, and I hope that after another class I’ll be able to update and upgrade them.
A great thing about Happymess is that they offer a TON of classes – practically every day of the week. I heard through the grapevine that there were still some spots available for the Thursday night Artini (BYOB) class, where participants would be doing a Warhol-​style pop-​art piece of their pets. I quickly emailed my favorite picture of my canine companion to Holly at Happymess, and my spot was saved.
The class cost $ 35 plus a $ 10 materials fee. I know that art supplies are not cheap, so even though the cost made me cringe, I was okay with it. I was disappointed, however, that the selection of colors was pretty bleak, because a shipment of new paint was a few days late. Both Holly and Libby (the instructor) apologized for this several times, and made new colors as needed.
While Libby never rushed any of us in the class, the 2 hours allotted was not nearly enough to finish. The class was supposed to end at 9:00pm, but I ended up finishing and leaving closer to 11:30 (and I was the first to leave). I think it’s great that Happymess isn’t cool with you paying for and leaving with an unfinished product, but more realistic class times should be posted.
Other than those things, Libby was a great instructor (offering advice on color choices and technique but ultimately letting us do our own thing), the class was really fun, and I’m very happy with my painting!