Art Plus Studio

I love coming here for art classes. It’s a blast. BYOB and painting are a ton of fun. The instructors are helpful and nice. A perfect location in downtown New Haven near Yale.

I did an off-​site event with Art Plus Studio for a group of over 60. They were able to set-​up the room so that one person was leading on one side of the room, and a second instructor was on the other end, following the same steps but not narrating the experience.
Bella was the main instructor. She was funny, reminded us that there are no mistakes and to take a sip of our drinks if we were in doubt. I wish she had used a bit more measurable language when she instructed, however. She was show us where to make marks on the canvas, but it would have been more helpful if she said, for example, «Start your horizon line about ¹⁄₃ up from the bottom of your canvas.» (I’ve found these more descriptive types of instructions easier to follow from other experiences.)
All in all, though, the experience was pretty casual and a good opportunity to get one’s creative juices flowing in a structured environment.

I will admit. I was skeptical. I had painted several times many, many years ago and had the added benefit of creating whatever I wanted. My old labmate convinced me to go though and try it at least once. She enjoyed it so much and said it was just such a fantastic time. She had already been twice when I agreed to go with her.
Four of us signed up for wine glass painting. The design in mind was paisleys. We came armed with bottles of wine and lots of snacks and baked goods. The whole experience was way better than I had expected. Our instructor let us pick whatever colors we wanted and gave us license to design our glasses however we wanted as long as there were a few paisleys in the design. She gave us a few tips and ideas throughout, but for the most part just let us go to town. The group of ladies we were with were also extremely nice, sociable, and having a blast themselves. I cannot wait to go back and try another class with my friends.

Art Plus is great! I have been to a few craft studios, and this is my favorite. If only I lived closer.
I love the setup (four to a table, two on either side), because both times I’ve gone with my sister, we’ve enjoyed chatting with the others in our group. Another studio I went to had long tables with people seated on only one side, so you didn’t really interact with anyone who wasn’t directly next to you.
The studio was very accommodating when we called and left a message letting them know we’d be late, due to traffic. They calmed us down and reassured us the teacher would help us get caught up (she did). Allison was my teacher both times, and she is FABULOUS. It doesn’t hurt that she also has an awesome soundtrack.
One thing to note is the canvas you get is smaller than some you might get at other Paint Night type events (you can upgrade for a fee), but I actually found that I prefer the smaller size. I really love these types of classes, and how many giant paintings of mine do I really need?

Pretty cool! Enjoyable time with friends. It was nice having music and a bit of Vino! My only real issue with this place, besides it not being Handicap accessible (stairs –studio is upstairs and very very small bathroom stalls) were the very low quality of the paint brushes. If we’re doing fine line work on a painting there need to be better, finer brushes. The other brushes seemed to work, although not great quality.

I am so happy to have discovered this place and now I cannot wait to take another class! Attended yesterday’s morning session with a group of 5 to celebrate a birthday. We took full advantage of the BYOB and brought breakfast snacks and mimosas. Our instructor, Allison, was excellent. She was very patient and laid back (and has good taste in music). We all had a great time. I love the friendly, non-​judgmental environment of the studio. You make instant friends with others, and I would be very comfortable coming back here on my own (and plan to).
You do not need to have any experience or artistic ability what-​so-​ever to take a class. They provide everything you need — smocks, paint supplies, canvas — all you need to bring is yourself and a good attitude!

I should preface by saying that I have no artistic talent whatsoever and I’m giving this place 4 stars. The staff was super friendly and helpful. There was just the right amount of instruction and independence for even the most beginner artist. Went with a group of 5 and all of the paintings came out great. We brought our own food and drink and there were cups an plates available to us. The only reason I would give 4 stars is that the tables were small and didn’t really leave a lot of room for stuff other than the supplies. It would be better if they even had a small side table for snacks and stuff. Overall we had a blast and will definitely be back!

Art Plus is amazing. I’ve been to several classes here and always have a great time. Laid-​back, BYOB painting with friendly, funny, non-​judgmental instructors. I can’t even imagine not being able to enjoy yourself in an environment like that. They provide the paints, smocks, canvases, and guidance; you bring your own wine/​beer/​snacks. The studio spaces are very nice and they limit the class sizes, so if you ever need a few individual pointers it’s pretty easy to catch the attention of whoever is teaching.
My advice? Start drinking early. Steadies the hand, you know. And by the time you’ve imbibed a sufficient amount to end up well on the other side of the alcohol-​steadiness bell curve, you’ll be convinced you’re the greatest thing since Rembrandt and won’t care if a few strokes go awry. Win-​win.

Great environment and lots of fun when you go with a group. Our Instructor was very helpful, patient & did well at explaining the steps to paint. Will definitely be looking into doing private parties!
They allow you to bring wine & snacks so very laid back environment. Of course we couldn’t do just snacks, we brought fried chicken, buttery biscuits, mashed potatoes, wine & the list goes on. We almost had other tables join lol.
They provide all the materials & paint needed, just show up with your snack & drink… or dinner if you’re a girl that likes to eat ;)

I went here last night with 4 other friends and it was so much fun! I’ve done a couple other BYOB classes in the past at other venues but this was by far the best one. We brought our own wine and snacks and they provided the rest of the supplies. The place is mostly geared towards adults so it was decorated nicely and the aprons were really clean (not like some other places that give you smocks previously used by every child in CT!) The instructor, Ciara, was very organized and attentive. She gave step by step instructions on how to do everything and walked around to help anyone who needed it. We had a groupon, so it cost less than $ 20 to go which was a great deal. We also got a punch card, where after 4 classes you get one free! I can’t wait to go back!

This place is clean and the staff is friendly. The music made me felt like an artist painting in Paris. All I need is a beret :) The atmosphere is very relaxing, so you don’t feel like you are been judged. Everyone seem to have a good time at the end of the night. Street parking is easy to find. The only down side is that the table space is very tight. There is no that much space to put our food and drinks. Overall, I would go back in a heart beat.

I think I’ve discovered the inner-​artist in me. Attended my first ever paint night with a small group and absolutely loved the entire experience! Studio is warm and inviting. There are a few small classrooms which are decorated with artwork… very motivating! It’s BYOB and you can also bring food items (apps/​snacks) to enjoy while creating your masterpiece. The instructor was great, very helpful and clearly explained each step of the process. I was frustrated at the beginning, having not painted since middle school, but began to develop confidence as my painting was near finished. I was also able to go back and touch up some areas that I thought needed it. A great way to spend an evening with friends.
I definitely plan to return. They constantly offer promos and discounts (on their website and via groupon/​living social), which I plan to keep an eye on, for my next visit.

I’ve been a few times to Art Plus. It’s BYOB/​BYOF which is nice. I’ve only been there for small groups thus far (first time had 10 people, last time had 6) but it’s perfect because you can really get one-​on-​one help and instruction if you need it.
The instructors seem to be art students and are not super enthusiastic but have been entertaining to interact with. I love all of the art hanging on the walls, the atmosphere is so laid back and relaxing. They have a good selection of paintings and I love how far in advance they offer their calendar.
The only complaint I’ve had is that they offer the classes at a steep discount if they don’t sell out. I’ve asked for a refund of the difference (rather than cancelling my spot and rebooking it) and they have refused to give any sort of refund or offer a credit towards another class. I get that they need to make money, but I feel if you ask for a refund you should be able to get one. It’s good customer service. If they offered it as a credit towards my next class, I would take it!

I had so much fun at Art Plus Studio this week. From the friendly person I spoke with over the phone to register for a class, to the next person who greeted us with a smile when we got there and exchanged our coats for art smocks, to the super fun, yet still relaxing step-​by-​step paint class led by an enthusiastic teacher, I had an all-​around great experience with this studio, and I can’t say enough about how warm and welcoming this place is.
I had wanted to do a one-​night BYOB paint class for a while, and when a Groupon was available around the same time as a friend’s birthday, I picked one up for the two of us to go. We each packed a bottle of wine and some snacks, and we headed over to Art Plus Studio for a two-​hour class this past Wednesday night. Once we signed in and got our art smocks, we were seated at our easels, which were all set up with a paper plate palette of paints, a variety of brushes, and a cup of water. We poured ourselves some wine and were good to go. Our teacher moved a little fast through each step, and we were a little nervous about wrecking our canvases, but the first rule here is not to say anything negative, so we just painted, and we had a great time. We followed the instructions for the same painting — «The Tree,» which had lots of colors in the background — and each painting ended up being unique. It was so much fun from start to finish, and at the end, I had this wonderful painting to take home.
In terms of cost, regular classes are pretty reasonable since you get all the materials you need, a painting to take home, and two hours of fun for around $ 35. Then there are Groupons and other deals that give you half off, and if you sign up for a class after you take one, you get $ 10 off. Plus, there’s a punch card so that you get a free paint class after you take four, and you can tag yourself on Facebook to enter to win a free class. I’m definitely taking advantage of at least one of these deals, and I will definitely be back.

I have been here twice, and each time, it has been a hoot. The instructors are enthusiastic, funny, charismatic, and charming. They make the painting session fun and a breeze. Last time we came here for one of the Picasso painting classes, and it was sensational. We brought in our own appies (crackers and cheese, and some spreads), as well as wine, and had a blast painting each other and getting to know the other patrons. Would definitely recommend this as an activity for first dates, second dates, family events, parties, etc. Check out their facebook page for frequent deals on the classes they offer. They also do wine-​glass painting classes, which I heard were very popular but will try next.

My friend and I have been wanting to do this forever! I came home to CT for the weekend to visit and my friend found Art Plus Studio on google. We went along with my mother to try to leash out our creative side. We did a 1pm session on a Saturday painting the Family Tree. Bella was super fun, laid back and encouraging teaching us to relax and go with the flow! Also being able to bring some wine helped with the relaxation!
This is a fun place where you can visit with anyone! If you enjoy small, intimate gatherings with warm folks– this is the place to go! Will be back next time in town!

Fantastic! Bella is so passionate about her work, and about every person that walks in the door of Art Plus. I have been twice so far and they have both exceeded my expectations! I first went for Couples Night with my partner where we had a plast painting Vino, drinking wine, and met a bunch of great people.
Just recently I brought my mom, dad and little brother who recently graduated college. We were looking for a way to celebrate the graduation, Mom’s Day and the entire family. Painting Sunflowers by Van Gogh was the best! We had a fantastic brunch, with homemade treats, momosas and a little taste of artistic talent. My mom loved all of our renditions so much, that she insisted on taking all 4 paintings home for the hallway wall. She said it was the best mothers day she has ever had. What can I possibly do to top it next year?!
One suggestion for improvement: Some way to make the studio wheelchair /​handicap accessible. I want to bring my Grandmother, but she could never make it up the stairs.

This was the best surprise anniversary outing ever. Thanks to Bella’s amazing instruction I have created a masterpiece. Already have my next class booked. Can’t wait to bring back my whole family!

Had a blast celebrating my husband’s birthday here for the Paint Your Pet session. Four of us came as a group and there was a full class. Bella and Candy paid attention to each of us as we attempted to go Van Gogh on our animals.
All around a great experience! The instructors helped with technique and made everyone feel comfortable.
I’ll be going back again. Thanks Bella and Candy!

I had such a fantastic time at Art with a Twist! I stumbled on this amazing little place through the livingsocial deal they had up a few weeks ago.
My boyfriend and I attended a class where we recreated Monet’s San Giorgio Maggiore at dusk. Though mine looks nothing like the original — I had SUCH a great time creating it and we have our paintings hanging on our wall at home!
You are able to look at the website calendar and see which painting you’d like to recreate, reserve your space, then simply show up on that day with your favorite wine and snacks, and you’re set to go!
Bella did a great job of taking the painting step by step, making sure you were following along and helping everyone with the tricky parts (have you ever tried blending blue into yellow and not getting green?! So hard! But she is awesome about showing you the tricks of the trade.
It’s always a warm, positive environment, because if Bella senses you are getting a bit down on yourself or your painting she douses you in glitter!
We will definitely go here again and bring more friends!