That Painting Spot — Attraction in Creve Coeur

Let me start by saying that my purpose of this review is to be constructive. By observing interactions with other customers, the studio manager is a nice lady with a pleasant personality. That said, she is not an effective communicator. I contacted her in December 2017 with a series of specific questions about glass fusion. I asked questions about pricing, policy, how the open studio works, etc. I was lead to believe that if I took a class that included a 6x6 piece, I could come back in the future to do a larger piece during open studio. Believing that I did my due diligence, asking the right questions and satisfied with the answers, I purchased $220 in gift certificates. I returned in August to do a larger piece. The event started with ambiguity about the pricing. There was a sheet with published pricing that had the cost of items during open studio. After my wife, adult daughter and I selected our items, the studio manager came back with the pricing crossed out on the sheet and new pricing that was more than double the previous price. When I questioned that, she started talking in circles with responses that contradicted previous statements and in general, seemed illogical. She said the prices are lower if you build the piece as part of a class, of which the piece and the class are included in the price. If you build the piece during open studio, the price is higher. I asked her if she was sure she didn’t have her facts reversed. I told her that didn’t make sense. At that point, I had nonrefundable gift certificates so I felt trapped. As I started building my piece, I could sense that she was getting disturbed with me. When I confronted her, she said if I need glass cut, she needs to be the one cutting it. I have several issues with that statement. First, she was preoccupied with other events and customers to cater to our needs. Second, what is the premise behind open studio if I can't build my own piece from start to finish? Third, I was led to believe by the same manager that by taking the instructional class in December, I would have autonomy the next time I came in. I informed her that none of this was clearly communicated. The web site says one thing. Asking her specific questions elicited contradictory responses. Information in the studio conveyed something different. At nearly $200 in costs, my family and I made the most of the experience but we all felt very restricted with what we were allowed to do and what glass materials we were...

As a general customer this place was great. After trying to inquire about a party after three days of trying to contact someone from the company via phone and FB. I won’t be back as a customer. The woman was rude & unprofessional to the point where she wasn’t even trying to help. She had NO knowledge of the parties and everything she said over the phone contradicted what is on their website. Then wants to say I can have a manager call me back (it already took 3 days to get them to call me the first time) to assist with the inquiry of the party. I am not completely sure why she was even the one to contact me if she had no helpful information or useful answers to the questions. The manager should have just called from the beginning. I proceeded to ask about the studio rental to just rent the whole damn place out BECAUSE THEIR WEBSITE SAYS I CAN DO THAT. Unfortunately they do not. They only allow 15 people for a party, which is also insane. What’s the point of that if parents can’t attend with their children. I would not recommend using their website for any general information. It is misleading and outdated according to the woman who I spoke with. I wish I remembered her name to directly name her but unfortunately I do not. I will never be back to this pottery location as a guest...

Fun place but a little pricey. The previous workers used to be much more helpful but the last time I've come, the current younger Gen Z workers just sit around looking annoyed, gossiping about boys and friends and playing on their phones and make it very clear that they're closing soon by giving you death stares, teeny tiny plates (instead of a regular paper plate) that fits like 2 colors or they bleed into each other, and locking the door early. It's taken me several sessions for my kids to finish a few projects, even though we had just a few details left and had they been more helpful in the process and engaging with the customers instead of busy gossiping and on their phones, it would make the experience much more enjoyable and expeditious. They all just seem irritated with their customers (I even felt like they were texting about us) and like they'd rather be sitting on the couch than helping my kids through the process, despite spending probably $200 there. It really dampens the experience, and after all that's what you're paying for- the experience.

Adding that we just went next door to Silky's for ice cream. The same aged workers greeted us when we entered, smiled when we ordered and were so much friendlier. A smile can...