Visual Arts Center of Richmond — Attraction in Richmond

Edit. Dropping a star because this is not the first time I've registered for a class and shown up only to find it cancelled without having been provided either notice or a proactive refund. I had to request one instead of doing what was first offered to me (which was taking a different class if any actually happened to be open). While the front desk staff were very polite and helpful when I arrived this is just such a frustrating experience that I think I'm done with the space for the foreseeable future. If you want to take painting classes or do children's art I guess that's a good thing but it seems like all other media are subject to more frequent cancellation. The lack of communication cost me time and energy and kept me from making other plans during the six weeks the class was supposed to run, including some things it's now too late to take part in. Will see if refund shows up; I got an email confirming it. Edit: refund did show up, as expected, so at least that was handled. Still not understanding why they continue to offer sessions of the same classes that never seem to happen while taking money for them in the interim. If people aren't signing up for those classes, why continue to show them as options over and over again, accepting money?

Old review I enjoy the concept of this space and feel good about the experiences I've had. I do wish, however, their offerings were more expansive in some areas. Some other writing workshop styles and classes, for instance. I took a beginning pottery class and enjoyed myself even though I'm absolutely terrible at wheel throwing. (Not because the instructor was bad but simply because I'm not very talented at it.) I like the gallery...

Like others, they lost my piece!

I did a wheel throwing class in the summer. The class was fine, i felt like there were too many students for just one instructor. There was a lot of wasted time, waiting for everyone to be at the same point, and waiting for the instructor if you needed help.

Picking up my project was a nightmare. I was told it would be ready in 2 weeks, it took them 20 weeks for me to pick it up. I called them frequently asking for an update, and was often told they couldn't find my piece. I was CC'd on an email to one of the clay instructor to help find my peice and I also emailed her - never got a response.

Finally they told me that my classes pieces were ready for pick up however, they couldn't find my piece. I had to drive to them and find the piece myself. I do not live in Richmond anymore so this was a bit of a hassle. I'm happy to finally have my piece, but am further disappointed because it was not even glazed the correct color. Viz arts seems to offer some really fun classes that I was interested in taking. However after this experience, I will not...

How lucky we are to have such a lovely community and space in Richmond to express ourselves! I was intimidated at first as I had never tried art classes outside of high school photography. Fear not! you will rarely be the only beginner and the staff is always welcoming & happy to teach you with openness, warmth and humbleness. The teachers I have had this far have been Marisa G and Julie E. for ceramics and Cathy C. for painting, all of which have been inspiring to me. I highly recommend their classes. VisArts has been the best therapy for me. I recommend this place to anyone seeking good art “therapy”, a new hobby, or anyone interested in exploring or expanding their artistic scope. The customer service is great - Adam at the front desk is extraordinary at his job! I am very excited about continuing classes...