Busy teacher and mom Kay Cummins of Irving had a stroke of creative genius when she was planning her daughter Emma’s 10th birthday party. She was looking for something creative and educational, and she found both with Art’s Afire, an Irving studio that lets pint-sized Picassos paint their own pottery. Once it’s painted, the pottery is fired in the studio’s kiln, and the finished product can be picked up three to five days later.
THE ARTISTS
Cummins says Art’s Afire owner Julie Jones took time to explain the painting process to Emma and her 10-12 friends.
“I was very impressed with how Julie explained everything, how the paints change color, how to use the tools and paintbrushes and how to create different effects,” she says.
MAKING THEIR MARK
Each child chose a small piece of pottery to make her creative mark on, and Cummins also had each child paint a small heart to be turned into a necklace as a party souvenir.
The party cost $15 per child, which included use of the party room, one piece of pottery per child, all paints and supplies, glazing and firing and the help of a staff artist.
A TRUE MASTERPIECE
Emma and her friends loved the party, Cummins shares.“You could hear a pin drop, everyone was so focused,” she laughs. “They were so proud of themselves. They have a real sense of accomplishment.”
Cummins says the party was everything she was looking for — and she has even brought her family back for more painting fun since.
