Stonybrook Fine Arts

Walter, the assistant was very abrasiveness, rude, and antagonistic. He yells at people rater than talks and teaches. I was cutting something and he just screamed to the point that I jumped and almost cut myself. He is a safety hazard. When I asked him why he screamed he just said he wanted me to know that the I was getting close – as if that was useful or reasonable. He doesn’t explain things very well. He tried talking over the instructor at some point which came across as unprofessional and confusing. Fortunately the teacher was very professional and handled it well. When I asked him a question about the shape of my welds he became irritated with me and walked away. He left the class for about an hour and then returned. not really knowing what was going on with my project and began making demands without consulting me about my progress. He ruined my vision. The owner/​manager was also extremely rude to my best friend when she tried to get studio space from them. She told me that they owners were so disrespectful to her that she didn’t even feel comfortable being there. I don’t know the full story but it seems like there are a few bad seeds there who are fortunately countered by some amazing staff who carry the weight.

This place is great. I went with a friend for the ring making class for two and had a really fun time. I am very much terrible at all things art, and the instructors helped me produce something that even my friends think looks like I bought it at a store. I don’t even wear jewelry, but I am proud of the rings I made and have them on display. It was fun to learn the intricacies of even basic metal work and I hope to share my knowledge with more people.

I love this place, everyone is so nice. Take a class — very inexpensive
Easy walk from the T or park nearby. Not an issue

I took a «Make a Ring» workshop at Stonybrook this weekend, and I could not be happier!
I’ve taken many ‘classes’ at other places (sewing, knitting, etc.) in the past (some good, some bad), but I’ve always gone in under the assumption that I was there to learn basic techniques, not that I would leave with something I actually really liked and would want to wear. (ex. I took a great, helpful knitting class at Michael’s, and while I learned a lot… I would not have been caught dead in that scarf!). I try not to get caught up in ‘design’ at things like this, because obviously with any art, practice makes perfect, and one’s first attempt usually does not usually turn out terrific.
Little did I know, I walked away from this class with a STERLING silver ring that I actually like and that looks professionally made even though it was the first ring I ever made.
The teachers, Sophie (or Sophia… I’m horrible with names :(.) and Michaela were so helpful and informative. I cant wait to go back and learn more.
ABSOLUTELY recommended!!!

I learned about Stonybrook when I was wandering around JP Open Studios and I was excited when I got a Living Social deal for a class. I went to a pendant making workshop with a friend of mine and had a great time. The teacher and assistant were very friendly, helpful, and patient with everyone. They were also very efficient and would offer to help when asked or if they thought it would help time wise.
One thing I recommend if you’re taking the pendant making class is to bring your own small cabochon (stone with a flat back). You can buy them online on Etsy, eBay, bead stores, or bead shows. The stones that they offer for the class are (I think) plastic, which is understandable given the added cost of providing real stones (especially since everyone is a beginner). I brought my own stone, and since it was a consistent size with the ones they were offering, they were fine with me using it.
Stonybrook really offers an interesting variety of classes that are not easy to find. I’m looking forward to taking another class there in the future.

i had a great experience at stonybrook. i had wanted to work in bronze sculpture and took the mold making class. it was gratifying to make molds, pour bronze, use the metal shop to grind my pieces, and gain experience with patina. i also got to take the figure sculpting class for a few months. it was powerful to learn more about capturing the beauty of the human body — with a model and in a circle of other dedicated artists.
i love the studio vibe at stonybrook. its truly a community that welcomes you in! i enjoyed having the opportunity to connect with other artists about what they’re doing and to share my work. i liked getting to work side-​by-​side in good company, in a cool studio space, with great music! :)
i recommend stonybrook fine arts: to create what you want, to learn through your own experience and from the very knowledgable teachers, to enjoy seriously supportive/​caring management, and to be in a community of artists. i love this place, and look forward to coming back! :)

We made pendants out of sterling silver and our instructor helped us through every step of the way. We picked out our own «stones» and designed the pieces to our own individual liking. I say «stones» because they were actually just a mimicry, made out of some sort of hard resin. I was disappointed in this regard, especially after the price for the class itself. That said, it was overall a great introduction into silversmithing and soldering.

I was lucky enough to take the ring making class here at the studio. The staff was amazing with tons of talent but also the patience to teach and a sense of humor. The class started with a demo of the process then allowed a practice copper ring with the final ring being sterling silver. We had free use of all equipment and I was able to learn so much. Not one of our rings turned out bad and it was an enjoyable evening with others!

Purchased a living social make your own ring coupon. And LOVED the experience. The staff was friendly, helpful and very patient. Our instructor Peter, gave great instructions, and his assistant Sophie was very supportive and encouraging when blade after blade broke for some. Excellent instructors, I hope to return taking a more formal class soon. Parking is tricky, I had to circle (10 min. Late) to find a spot for my mothership, so get there early, also the main entrance is on the side in the driveway.
FYI — Sam Adams brewery is across the street –winning!

Had a very mixed experience at Stonybrook. Instructors were great and liked what I made but the management needs to work on delivering a better experience. Bought a Groupon for a two person ring making class. It was difficult to schedule the class because on their web site they do not mark classes that are full or remove them from the list of available classes. This resulted in a flurry of emails back and forth and since I was bringing someone with me I had to keep checking the dates with my guest. The class began with the instructor explaining step by step what we were going to do. It was impossible to hear him because it was pouring rain out, people were talking in the office in the back of the classroom, music was on the sound system and there was welding going on. When it was clear no one could hear the instructor went into the office and had the music turned off. Immediately the welding instructor came in and asked why the music was off. Our instructor explained we could not hear him over the rain, the music and the welding. The welding instructor walked into the office and turned the music back on so it could be heard in her half of the building but we could still hear it our classroom. Throughout the class people kept walking in and out to go to the office to eat and hang out. We could hear these people talking throughout the class.
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Our class had 16 people in it and as soon as we started to work it became apparent that this was too many people. Spent a large portion of our time waiting for a turn to use hammers, saws, measuring tools, safety glasses, etc. The area where you hammer and shape your rings is small and with people vying to get a spot on the bench and use the tools you felt hurried and cramped. One of the guys on his way to the office asked the assistant why there were so many people in our class so I guess 16 people is more than usually have. The instructor and the assistant were terrific throughout the entire class. They realized there were too many people, apologized and worked incredibly hard to see that everyone made rings that they were happy with. The assistant in particular was outstanding. Several times Stonybrook people came in to tell her that some materials she had bought were getting wet due to flooding in the building and that she might want to move them. She was so patient, nice and helpful while dealing with this trying situation.
I had no experience with welding so I liked getting a chance to try this and am pleased with the rings I made. These ring making classes are a newer addition to Stonybrook’s offerings. Think that if the management kept theses classes small enough so you did not have to wait for everything you need to do and limited the constant flow of disruptions that these would be terrific classes. I would like to give the instructors 5+ stars and the management 2 stars which would make it 3.5 so I am going to round up to 4 stars because I left with rings I like and the instructors were so good.

I always stop in here during the JP Open Studios and this past weekend (Sept 2012) I actually bought a small installation. Extremely fair price. You can wonder around the whole studio and see pieces in various states of creation. You can’t miss the giant sculptures outside. If I ever have unlimited cash, I’ll be back to buy one or two of those things. Check it out if you have any interest in metalworks. They have classes too!
The piece I bought was by Walter Clark at
and
. I also uploaded a pic of the framed metal woman’s head to encourage you to check them out!

Had an excellent experience at the ring making class at Stonybrook! The instructors, Peter and Ruth, were excellent — encouraging, knowledgeable, and just great teachers. In class we made two rings — one copper and one silver. We learned the in depth process of how to treat the metals, different options for designing the rings, soldering, and sizing the rings. It was great!
Even if I never actually wear my rings it was totally worth the experience and I’d do it again in a heartbeat. If you are at all interested in making something with your own two hands, even if you think you wouldn’t be any good at it, you should take a class at Stonybrook. I wasn’t sure I would be able to make something cool but with the great hands on teaching I did!

I got the Group-​on for the Workshop/​Ring making. I had some experience using a MIG Welder and Oxy Torch, 10 years ago, but I never did stick welding (strange I know) So I took the Stick welding class. I think personally I could have gone to a less «intro» class, but the instructors were great, the size of the workshop was awesome and the whole experience was really worth while. They are steps from the Sam Adams Brewery. I had a blast, and this workshop is ideal for anyone who wants a great intro class.
I will be looking forward to their emails, because I am excited to hopefully be more active with them in the future. Dale was really encouraging and understanding with everyones learning speed. He was helped out by Wally (I think) and Wally was a great addition. He would chime in with some great trivia and tips from time to time. Small parking lot, so either take public transportation there or a bicycle… or get there early like I did to snag a parking spot! (you might get parked in though). I’ll be back!

This is a warm, welcoming place where there is practically always someone there to teach you whatever you want to learn how to do.
It’s equally good for both the professional sculptor/​artist and first timers. I found Ben particularly knowledgeable– (Hey, Ben: is there anything you don’t know?) — and helpful.
Highly recommended.

So after reading my Unilocal review the owner Anne contacted me and offered for me to come back and take the class again free of charge so I could make something I wanted. It was more than a gracious offer and I am glad I took her up on it.
I brought in the ring that I made and was able to alter it to work for what I needed perfectly! I also paid to make another ring I was having so much fun.
Steph was a great instructor. She spent time with each of us. I have to say the rings made in this class where much more creative then the first. She really helped everyone accomplish what they wanted.
I will be back to do more jewelry with her in the future. It was so much fun and I get comments all the time on the pieces I created!

Took a make-​a-​ring workshop with Dale and Stephanie last weekend. They were very helpful while still letting you be hands-​on. I’d definitely take another class here!

Just took a very good workshop here with David Dowling on electrolytic etching. He was very helpful and enthusiastic, as was the crew. Looks like a very energetic place and if you are interested in metalwork, sculpture etc. I would strongly recommend checking it out.

Stonybrook fine arts is for all people .I enjoy spending lots of time here.
There are classes for everyone here, every age, every type of crowd .
There are studio blocks for people to go nuts creating!!!
simply and awesome creative «playground» (no running) for kids and adults alike !!! (no staring into the welding flame either!!!) Dale!!!
It seems to me there is something for everyone to enjoy here at this place. Doesn’t matter if you are taking a class, or waiting for a class to begin. or even doing studio time outside of a class… there is always something new, innovative, and exciting !!! going on in the foreground of things, and all around the backround.!!
It is simply amazing how much fun I have had here. I have made many longtime friends here and enjoy everyone who visits.
It is next to a great coffee shop and has many bodega markets around to get some smokes or a soda.
It is right off the orange line T stop at guess where??? Stonybrook LOL
Frequently there is even a cookout once in a while, with everyone pitching in… there are also always goodies, healthy ones alot of times… but usually just as much junk food.
and plenty of coffee around.
had some pork and chicken that was cooked on the grill outside and it was great .
This place is a home away from home kind of destination.
You will make many friends and create many memories here.

Stonybrook Fine Arts is an amazing place to explore all kinds of metal work — from Jewelry to massive sculpture. People from beginner to advanced will find a warm collaborative environment to explore, design and freely create. Students — from teens to seniors work in the space together & collaborate daily.
I started taking silversmithing classes here and have moved onto small metal casting. In the future I look forward to Bronze casting and Welding!
The staff is amazing. Every time I walk in the door I feel like family and my creativity is embraced. What more could a budding artist ask for?
I recommend Stonybrook Fine Arts to anyone interested in exploring metal work or developing your skills further. There is truly a place here for everyone. Get your METAL ON people!

My teenage daughter enrolled in the jewelry workshop and had a really great experience. The staff were welcoming and encouraging and allowed her to explore the options available. She was particularly excited about the opportunity to make molds for jewelry, which is an advanced technique that is not routinely available.
Morris, Ben and Ann are all great. This is a wonderful community based organization that provides access to metal work and artist training. They need our support and will earn it if you give them a chance.
I’m excited about enrolling in Ladies Welding for the fall; see you there?