Is there an artist inside of you struggling to get out? A new Red Deer business might be able to help.
Color Me Mine offers customers a broad selection of unfinished pottery pieces that they can paint, and then have fired on site.
Based in Glendale, Calif., the company has franchises in about dozen countries. There are eight Color Me Mine studios in Alberta, with the Red Deer outlet expected to open by next week at Unit A, 2085 Gaetz Ave. — the former premises of Laptop Depot.
Ray Jaber, who will operate the studio with his wife Suzy, said their 1,650-square-foot space will have tables and chairs for up to 65 people.
There will also be a computerized design centre for those seeking inspiration.
Jaber pointed out that Color Me Mine does not have a studio fee, and there is no charge for firing.
“Whatever you pick off the shelf, that’s what you pay for.”
In addition to ceramic items ranging from plates to piggybanks, Color Me Mine has glass and even canvas that customers can work on.
No appointment is necessary, but group bookings can be made for events like birthday parties, said Jaber.
Some businesses even use Color Me Mine studios for activities like team-building and holiday parties, he said.
Wednesday and Friday evenings are designated as “Kids Night Out,” with youngsters able to paint, eat pizza and watch a Disney movie.
Parents are not required to remain, said Jaber.
Hours at Red Deer’s Color Me Mine will be 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday and Monday.
The Jabers also operate Mia’s Pizzeria in Blackfalds.
hrichards@www.reddeeradvocate.com