Banana Factory

This is a very cool place. The layout is a bit «maze like» but they offer many classes for youth. We used the place as part of a team retreat and it worked out well. The staff were friendly and the place was clean. Various types of art work are placed throughout.

We came here for First Friday when all the gallery and studio spaces are open and the general public can mill around, watch exhibitions of glass blowing and pottery throwing, and see what artists are up to. It was fun!

My wife and rented their Crayola Gallery for our wedding reception. The staff was great, especially Terry. She helped us throughout with the planning and coordination of our event. The gallery was perfect for our 90 rowdy guests. Us and our guests had a great time. They gave us the room exactly as we had discussed as far as set up and table covers etc. We got alot of compliments from the guests about how great the space was. The walls were also decorated with very tasteful artwork. We used one of their suggested caterers (Cathy’s Creative Catering) and the food was awesome. We definitely got lots of compliments on the food. Great job done by everyone involved. They made sure the happiest day of my life, was just that.

I will not only not go but I won’t even try to call again.
I called today to see if there were any pottery programs for myself, my 14 year old daughter her girlfriend and another Mom because the girls were asking. The woman who answered the phone said they did have a class but went out of her way to chase me away telling me 1) that there would be adult language and conversation — I said I’d be with her and as long as no f words were used it would be ok, and she said,“Well it could be.” Seriously, what? Do they have animals here? The people in the pottery class are brawlers LOL — ok so I thought maybe I was reading her wrong. Then she goes out of her way to 2) tell me that they have a few groups with the same people go over and over again, and the pottery group is such a group. I said, do you mean a clique, and she actually agreed. I said so you are closed and don’t want new people, she said some don’t. Really? Uggh, who needs this. In all honesty this was a disgraceful exchange and I can’t believe they try to say their mission statement is to bring the arts into the valley. Never again, on any circumstances, will I call for any reason or go there, it struck me as a self congratulatory private club that likley operates with donations. Fine if you call it for what it is but terrible if you are pretending to be welcoming — just unreal

Great space for artists with lots of showing rooms and studio space for renting out. I stopped by for First Friday to check out local art and chat with several of the artists in residence. Very cool and friendly vibe.

A great local arts center which offers a variety of classes, and houses one of the best local galleries around. Large participant in First Fridays on the Southside. Definitely worth a visit.