Canvas, Corks & Forks - Schenectady, New York

Caitlin D.

If I could give a review of 0 stars I would.

My friend reserved a party to celebrate his birthday, which clearly the business was aware of, given that it was listed on their website’s calendar as a scheduled private event. This event was booked to start at 11:30; however, the artist that was supposed to lead us through the painting arrived nearly an hour later at 12:30.

Then, instead of jumping right into the painting process, the artist was openly bickering with the other employee who had been there since 11:30. This employee was the only one to offer an apology the whole time. The artist never once expressed any remorse or apology for being late, or for her lackluster instruction.

Below is the painting that was selected online vs the canvas the artist painted on to "instruct" us through the steps. When my friends asked about the other details that were supposed to be included in the painting, like the hills, the artist made condescending remarks that we should be able to do that on our own. That is not the purpose of a paint and sip.

The price of this party was $750, and on top of that, my group spent money on drinks and extra food (of the mac and cheese that was advertised, only one selection was available). We tried to address our concerns but were met with dismissiveness.

I would not recommend this place. For the "instruction" you receive, you might as well drive to your local art and liquor stores, buy canvases, paint, and drinks. You'll save yourself a buttload of money, especially considering the artist thinks you should be able to paint all by yourself already.

Emiliana B.

Absolutely amazing. Me and my boyfriend had so much fun while painting out bongs. The owners are so fricken friendly. Mac and cheese was exquisite. And the garlic Parm truffle tenders were sooooo good. 10/10 wanna go back

Megan N.

"Not the Painting We Agreed On – Poor Instruction & Service"

I have had good experiences at this studio in the past, which makes this experience even more disappointing. Our private paint & sip event was scheduled for 11:30 AM, but the instructor didn’t arrive until after 12 PM. Another employee repeatedly apologized for the delay, but when I brought it up with the instructor, she denied being late.

We had selected a specific painting (attached for reference) that included hills, shading, and details that added depth to the image. However, the instructor significantly simplified the painting, omitting key elements without explanation. When I asked why the full painting wasn't taught, she dismissed my concerns, saying it was just ‘a simple circle and trees’ and that we could add the missing details ourselves if we wanted. Instead of taking accountability, she told me I should be 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑘𝑓𝑢𝑙 we stayed 30 minutes past our scheduled time—even though we started over 30 minutes late due to her tardiness.

The final result (also attached) was nowhere near what we agreed upon, and the dismissive attitude made the experience even more frustrating. Given that this seems to be the only instructor, I’m hesitant to return, which is unfortunate because I’ve had positive experiences here before. I hope this was an isolated incident, but the lack of professionalism and unwillingness to take feedback makes me question whether this business values customer satisfaction.

Crystal B.

The food is outstanding. Go hungry and get the truffle fries and the pretzels. The Mac and cheese is delicious. I will be back. We had a great night for my sons birthday. Thank you so much. The complimentary cookie was right out of the oven and delicious.

Kevin R.

I can't even put into words how unprofessional and disappointing our experience at my friends birthday party was. The artist that was meant to be leading our group showed up 45 minutes late, and didn't give us any instruction. See below for the INSTRUCTORS finished product, next to what we paid to be instructed on.

The audacity to not even offer an apology or a refund for this is absurd. I have half a mind to file a charge back. I feel like we got scammed today.

When we brought up our disappointment they scolded us for staying 30 minutes late(we were waiting for the lesson to continue). And then we were told something along the lines of "well it's an easy painting we didn't think you'd need help." Which is absurd! that's literally what we're paying for is the instruction!

Some friends have been here before and said this was not how it was the other times, but I could never in good faith recommend someone spend money here unless they offer an apology and some sort of refund.

Attached to this review IS THE INSTRUCTORS PAINTING and a screenshot of what was selected on their website.

Mommy5dearest

IN REPLY TO HER ANSWER:

So generous of you to extend out time since we ran over because the artist was late. It would not have mattered if you gave us additional hours if we had NO INSTRUCTIONS of course the guys were using pictures from the internet as we were trying to make the best of it. The bad reviews are within reason as nothing posted is a lie. It does not matter if they didn’t nibble on the plain 1 order of Mac and cheese if the other 2 flavors were never offered. Your defensive attitude is very telling of how we were treated.

The party was for 11:30 AM with 20 attendees. One gentleman was working the kitchen and setting up food. We were all patient as we saw he was alone, and he did a great job taking care of us. He was the only person who expressed any sympathy for us as we waited for the instructor.

After about 45 minutes, he handed out paint and told us to prep the canvas by painting it black. 20 minutes later, the instructor showed up and started arguing with him about bills. She drew a circle on the platform, handed out shimmer paint, and disappeared. When someone asked about additional details for the painting, she gave green paint and said to draw a tree and again disappeared into the back.

We were waiting for instructions, and it became clear she wasn't going to give any. My son emailed your business, as he had paid $750 for instruction and food. Only one basic mac and cheese was served, not the three that were included. Everyone bought food and drinks as well, but that was part of the party.

My son has been there many times and knows you are the owner and operator. Yet, in your email response, you're gaslighting him as if you aren't the same person. This is not how you should treat your customers. You refuse to take any accountability for the situation. You were paid for a service that was not rendered to any of the 20 people at the party. Every single one has complained about how awful the service was or rather lack of. That's at least 15 additional customers you've turned away who will not be returning and are telling everyone they know about their awful experience.

Sincerely,
Cristina

Peta L.

Went to a Bridal shower at this place. They had mixed cocktails and a mac’n’cheese bar. I had never been to a paint and sip event before. But it was easy to do, we had fun! We had a full house, as the shower was well attended.

The location has a parking lot, which could use better signage, but there is also street parking. The location was easy to find, especially for first time visitors to Schenectady.

Dan V.

Had a wonderful time at The Golden Girls Trivia paint and sip. The atmosphere is awesome and the food is really good!!!. The hosts went out of their way to make us feel welcome and provided us with a fun, entertaining night!