Real Art Ways

I took my husband here as part of his birthday extravaganza to see a movie. I love indie films and lived in NYC for some time, where I enjoyed good access to independent film houses. With that as background, having recently moved to the area, I was happily surprised to stumble upon the Real Artways listing on none other than the great Unilocal!The movie was fantastic, many in the crowd appeared to be regulars and thus there was a friendly, warm vibe inside the theater itself. I can’t recall the exact offerings at the concession stand, but I was quite pleased that I was able to order a hot herbal tea, despite it being June. Staff was friendly and approachable. I can’t wait to return to watch another film soon.

I just realized I’d never reviewed this place! Shameful. Where else in the immediate vicinity can you drink prosecco and enjoy a cheese plate or a cold beer with popcorn whilst watching a fantastic indie film, followed up by a stroll around an art exhibit? Nowhere! This is it. It’s a no-​brainer, dearests.

I can’t say enough about how awesome this place is. My company frequently holds events here and it is amazing. The whole staff is wonderful — specifically Jess who is incredibly helpful. The space itself is really cool — several different galleries that always have an interesting installation, and a very comfortable theater. Everything is very reasonably priced as well. While I’ve unfortunately never been for a movie or creative cocktail hour (I hear they’re both wonderful though), I would highly recommend the space for anyone looking to hold an event at a unique space.

I love Real Art Ways, mostly because I love Creative Cocktail Hour, and as someone who loves parties, I would say this is the best party in Hartford. Real Art Ways covers a lot of bases in a city that isn’t all that culturally exciting; it’s the go-​to for foreign and indie films, talks, performances, gallery openings, and other events I don’t necessarily know much about, because like I said, I’m mostly in it for the parties. Creative Cocktail Hour, which is the third Thursday of every month, is a great party that almost makes you feel like you’re somewhere more hip than Connecticut. The crowd is eclectic, there’s always a dj or live music, sometimes there are things like burlesque and interactive art exhibits, and it doesn’t hurt that so many good looking people are always in attendance. It’s a diamond in a pretty rough city. Check out their schedule online and go enjoy.

1 star-​Creative cocktail hour
5 star– movies and gallery
Perhaps I waited too long and this event jumped the shark? Perhaps it was an off night due to the holiday? I’d heard such great things about Creative Cocktail Hour, so perhaps I was expecting too much?
Parking was nuts, as it was raining. There was no clear signage where not to park, so twice we had to get back in our car and move after a staffer chased us down.
Cover charge $ 10: seemed high when the space was filled with merchants. They were all great, interesting, local, but I was perplexed why they didn’t do a discounted cover charge if this was the crafts fair edition. (I didn’t see a band or anyone else that would need to be paid)
I was so disappointed and hungry when we arrived to absolutely NO food left. I thought perhaps they would restock it? No. The minuscule amount of food was gone, and I later learned that one must be there when they open if you want to eat.
There was a long long long line for overpriced drinks.
The crowd was so much Less interesting than I expected. I thought Id see costumes or at least some interesting fashion some drag queens, some hats, nope. There was no indication of any Creative Cocktail. Only Cock and Tail, as it was mostly banal hartford insurance twenty somethings in a bad attempt to dance and mingle and find someone to make a baby with. The only cool people were the merchants, but, they were selling their wares not out mingling and making a fun party happen.
Bletch… At least the art on the walls was interesting.
I doubt I’ll ever go back for Creative Cocktail Hour, but adore their movies and the gallery.

Real Art Ways is a true Hartford gem.
Although it’s not really near anything else in the area, they do a great job bringing together lots of different types of people for unique events.
Not only do they show lots of independent movies, but they also have ongoing contemporary art exhibits, which you can stroll and visit at your leisure. They also have lots of events each month, including Creative Cocktail Hours each month, which always have some great vendors. A lot of their events also include free food. Even their «concession stand» has a nice selection of beers and wines for a reasonable price.
There’s always something interesting planned. If anything, this spot is prime for people watching.

This is such a cool place to have in Hartford. Creative Cocktail hour is a great way to have some fun and see great art. I have also been here for the Odd Ball a few times, and to see a movie once or twice. The space is great, they have a cute little bar with snacks, and parking is easy.

*Really old review that failed to post long ago.
Another awesome night at Real Art Ways. Went for Creative Cocktail Hour with a «Back to School» theme. Tanya Wolski unveiled her project– New World of Deliciousness– consisting of paintings of objects, mostly food, morphed into unabashed, colorful explosions.
There were games galore: geography contests, trivia, and a spelling bee (I got forth place). The crowd is fun. Everyone I had the pleasure of meeting was down to earth and welcoming, as were the staff and Ms. Wolski. Everyone has the same goal in mind: have a good time.
It was a great break away from the happy hour scene. Having a few cocktails, surrounded by art and interesting people – . It’s a shame it only happens once a month. I would definitely go again.

I love Real Art Ways. It provides such interesting events, film, and art exhibits, for people of all ages. My family and I have been members for several years now, and really enjoy all the benefits of membership (membership is very affordable– $ 50 yearly). Films are only $ 5 for members, and there are always the «off the beaten path» movies playing, ones that you won’t find at any cinema nearby. Often, there are discussions post-​movie about a topic that was featured.
The art exhibits are wonderful and often feature unique pieces created from interesting materials. I enjoy wandering through the exhibits before seeing a film. The events that RAW holds are the best part, for sure. Their creative cocktail hour is a monthly gathering of folks for exactly that– a unique, creative few hours of art, cocktail, performances, food, music…
Last year, RAW hosted the «Taste» series, which I fell in love with. Each segment featured a short film, focusing on food and wine, then a discussion and food presentation by a different local chef. It was a wonderful way to get to know my favorite chefs better and to try different things!
Overall– RAW is simply one of the best things Hartford has to offer.

This place is awesome. When I still lived in CT we came here a couple of times for some of their cool screenings. I love that it’s an independent theater. The people working here are friendly and helpful. They also serve beer and wine, which is cool. My mother in law just became a member, so now she can go to screenings for only a few dollars, and they also have fun artsy events going on here. One of the cooler parts of Hartford.

I’ve been in this town for 30 years and RAW is the only thing which continues to improve. Great movies, art exhibitions, concerts, lectures… that you won’t find in predictable conventional museums or for-​profit spaces. Run for the last forever by Will K Wilkins who is a smart guy and takes no aesthetic shit. They got cocktail parties, board games, senior groups, reading programs… almost everything a tuned-​in community responsive arts organization should be but almost never is.

One tip I would have, don’t be punctual to this event as the crowd started arriving around 6:30/7pm.
The back patio had a good display of local vendors ranging from Hartford Prints to an agriculture project that’s going on in the North end. All of the vendors were extremely nice to talk to and potentially purchase something from.
As many reviews stated the crowd is a great mix of people which really helps the dynamic of this event. I’m excited to check out another!

I’ve been coming to this place since moving to Connecticut years ago. It’s still one of my favorite places here and my favorite for seeing a film.
There’s not much that hasn’t been said about RAW already. It’s one of the best places to see films that you most likely won’t find anywhere else. It’s a real treasure for the central part of this state.

I recently saw Congressman Luis Gutierrez speak here. I love that they have events for the community here. Thank you Real Art Ways!

Sometimes I just roll my eyes at the «art,» but it’s always a conversation starter. They take risks, like bringing Poster Boy to the gallery last year after his show was canceled by Trinity College.
Going to the Creative Cocktail Hour is definitely a rite of passage for anyone who wants to call herself a Hartford resident. Personally, I go rarely because it’s too damn loud and alcohol-​focused (for some) for me, but I have seen some terrific musicians perform at these which is why I will go once or twice per year.
Love the film selections!
It’s great to have this in our community. I might not enjoy every last thing they do, but Real Art Ways does a lot. With all that they have to offer, you can probably find something happening there that will blow your skirt up.
(Prices range from free to cheap to moderate or expensive depending on the event)

I have at least a few good stories that start with «Remember that time at Real Art Ways…» This place is memorable because it is eclectic, eccentric, creative, and thought provoking. It’s also a great venue for socializing and people watching. They also have constantly changing, current, captivating art exhibits. Their cinema plays movies that are avant garde, intellectual, risqué, provocative, non-​sensical, hilarious… and you can drink beer, wine, or a cocktail in the theater. What’s not to love about that?
One thing that I appreciate about Creative Cocktail Hour is that there is always a diverse, mixed-​age crowd present. It’s definitely more refined and intriguing than a typical social interaction on the bar scene.
I recently saw Crispin Glover at RAW and it pretty much made some random, fantastical corner of my life complete.
The only down side for me is that Real Art Ways is located about an hour from home. If I lived closer to Hartford I’d definitely take advantage of this wonderful venue more often.

Cool place! I was visiting Hartford when I came here and you can tell they really try to be a part of the community. It has a small, cozy feel, reasonably priced drink/​snack items, and they sometimes hold discussions about the films.
I can’t speak much to the gallery side since we were just there to see Chat du Rabbin (The Rabbi’s Cat), but overall it was a good experience.
Seniors and students can save a few dollars at the door.

I love Real Art Ways, it’s a hub of cultural activity in Hartford. I’m still yet to go to one of their events (like board game nights) but I’ve come for multiple films and perusing the art gallery. I have to say that the best film I’ve seen at this arts center is «The Room.» Please, go see this horribly awesome movie. I can’t even begin to explain how hilarious the interactive experience of watching this film is. Throwing plastic spoons at the screen while shouting obscenities with a theater full of rowdy movie-​goers tipsy on beers purchased on-​site? Yes please! One of the best theater experiences I’ve ever had, and I’m still telling people about it and convincing them that they need to go for themselves!
Real Art Ways also shows educational films for field trips, I bought a group full of Hartford youth as part of a summer employment program that I worked for and we saw Favela Rising. It included a short discussion after the film on topics brought up – community organizing, wealth disparities in Brazil, the power of community to bring light and happiness to a community ridden with violence and poverty. I highly recommend Real Art Ways, and I can easily say that it is one of my favorite spots in Hartford to hang out and watch an eclectic film.

I love this place for art.
I mean, they are constantly updating their expo. They accept local artists. I also like the fact that they play indie films and have a cocktail bar there. Though it is small, Real Artways makes it good enough to never be bored.

Love this place.
An eclectic contemporary arts center complete with exhibits, a café, and a cinema with screenings of indie domestic and foreign films. The art galleries are usually unbelievable, and, if nothing else– conversation starters (even for those scoffing «I could paint that» modern art naysayers).
The monthly Creative Cocktail Hour is always a hit (and, yeah, kind of a hipster haven), whether it features live music, yoga, book readings (I saw Wally Lamb read once!), or some good ol fashioned hula hoops. The event takes place every Third Thursday for conversation, music, art… andddd a cash bar.
I stalk their events calendar like you wouldn’t believe.