The Midlands only paint-your-own-pottery premises, The Paintworks Studio, was formally opened on Mary Street in Mullingar last Friday (February 5 ) in front of 70 guests.
This new and innovative venture is the brainchild of Ballagh man, Ronan Leavy, and offers individuals and groups a place to exercise a very satisfying pastime and paint their own pottery which will be fired and glazed to professional standards in either of his two kilns.
The premises, operational since before Christmas, was officially opened by Ronan’s neighbour, and most recent arrival on Mary Street, Cllr Peter Burke.
Kevin Kidney, regional manager of Failte Ireland, spoke at the opening.
“This new innovative business is a very welcome addition to the activity base available for visitors to the area and is an ideal venue for families looking for something unique to do when on holiday in the area,” he said.
“The Paintwork Studio has a seating capacity of 34 persons, which makes the studio an ideal venue for a birthday party, school tour, family outing, hen party, or just the perfect place to unwind and be creative,” said Ronan.
“Paint your own Pottery” is also ideal for visitors to the locality who are interested in taking away a special souvenir of the area – created while on holiday in Mullingar.
The choice of items to paint is wide, varying from the functional - plates, mugs, bowls, etc.- to the decorative figurines, money and trinket boxes which are particularly popular with our younger cliental.
No painting experience or artistic skills are required to enjoy this fun and creative activity. There are also lots of books and items on display for inspiration and help is on hand to guide those who require a little assistance in getting started.
Otherwise just select a piece of pottery, draw your design and paint and when completed, it will be glazed and fired in the kiln and ready for you to take away in a few days. Alternatively, if your chosen piece is a figurine painted in acrylics it can be taken away on the day.
The Paintwork Studio has a wide range of pieces of pottery ready to paint; from plates and mugs of all shapes and sizes to moneyboxes, figurines, teapots, jugs, bowls and so on ..............even the classic egg cup!
Coloured underglazes and paint pens are available to aid customers to create each individual masterpiece.
There are two kilns on site where following the glazing process the pottery is fired to an amazing 1,000 degrees+. The glazing and firing process is vital in order to make the pottery pieces safe to use with food and drink.
There are also acrylic paints for the paint-and-go customer which is dry within an hour and items can be taken home that day - these are not to food safe standard but are safe to touch and are particularly great for money boxes.
A studio fee of €3 per person per visit applies, while the kids’ club is on Sundays 2-4pm and with specials from €10.
Membership is €100 per year, with no studio fee. Vouchers may be purchased in store.
Tel: (044 ) 9338735, email:[email protected] or the website: [email protected]
