Group photo

Image Credit: Work of Art Pottery Studio

Cheryl Gawley has a fabulous job as the owner/operator at the Work of Art Pottery Studio in downtown Kelowna, BC. She runs a business that brings smiles to her client's faces every day. Almost as good as that, she is following her dream. After leaving the corporate world behind more than five years ago, Cheryl opened her Work of Art Pottery Studio to explore her creative side in a safe and fun space. As it turned out, her personal goal is one that many people share. People love the escape that painting pottery gives them almost as much as the rewarding pieces of pottery that result.

Cheryl planned a place of escape for her clients. With the idea 'build it and they will come', Cheryl created a safe space for people to make art. "Work of Art Pottery Studio is about allowing people to tap into their creativity - in a cozy, relaxing space." That vision grew from the age-old knowledge that painting pottery can be a therapeutic and meditative experience. Sit, relax, chat with friends, and let the pressures of life slip away. You do not need to be an expert to create beautiful art pieces, either. "People are always surprising us with their creativity," Cheryl says. "Even the most timid individuals come into their own once they know we are there to guide them through the creative journey step by step."

Creating memorable gifts is front and centre on most of Cheryl's clients' minds at this time of year. A beautiful gift can usually be completed in about two hours. Considering the difficulty of finding that 'perfect gift' for your special person, Work of Art Pottery Studio could be a lifesaver. Many choices of preformed ceramics are available for painting.

Cheryl and her team have some fantastic ways to spend your time in the pottery studio, too. There are Sip and Paint nights, where participants choose from 3 options of projects and enjoy a selection of wine while they paint. Another popular option is to organize your own group of friends for a pottery night get-together. Corporate events are popular, too.

Sip & Paint schedule

Image Credit: Work of Art Pottery Studio

Individual spaces are also available in a wide range of time slots for those who like solitude while painting. When you step through the doors at Work of Art Pottery Studio, Cheryl tells me, you leave the outside behind; some people like to come in on their own and create that way. Cheryl goes out of her way to ensure her client's experience is fabulous, hence the kid's play area she set up. When families come to paint, the children often finish their projects before their parents do, and that is where the play area comes in. Kids can play with Lego or games in the play area while their parents finish up their pieces. The Studio is open later on Fridays and Saturdays too, until 8 pm.

With so many different classes and groups, I wanted to know which class or event Cheryl likes the most. "All of them," she tells me, laughing. "Yesterday, we had a group of young Girl Guides, and they were so much fun to host." Cheryl says it is rewarding to see the diversity of people who come into the studio. Every age and every type of person are welcome to come in and learn at the Work of Art Pottery Studio on Harvey Street right next to Browns Socialhouse. Painting pottery is an art form that crosses all boundaries and demographics, and anyone can find the joy of being creative through painting pottery.

Painting pottery is not limited to the studio, either. Work of Art Pottery Studio has take-home kits available for individuals or groups who want to create their projects outside of the studio — for painting at home, offices, or schools. Everything from the pottery to brushes and paint is provided, and artists need only to return with their finished project in order to have it fired in the kiln.

Take Home Kits

Image Credit: Work of Art Pottery Studio

If you are thinking of creating an artisan gift for someone special, Cheryl has some advice; do it soon. The reason for that is the process that follows hand-painting the pottery — it requires firing in the kiln. "A common misconception people have is around the pottery firing," Cheryl continues. "Our slow, methodical process to firing the pottery means that a piece may be in the kiln for 24 hours." Even though the kiln at Work of Art Pottery Studio is large and can fit multiple pieces at one time, busy holiday times of the year can mean a longer wait of up to a week to get your finished piece back.

I tell her that I am curious about what items are the most popular gifts. "Mugs and plates," Cheryl tells me. "People choose all kinds of pottery for gifts, certainly, and our inventory choices are many, but it seems people really like creating unique, artisan mugs and plates the most." Kids, perhaps predictably, love painting animal figurines. As for me, as soon as I can get into the studio, there is a cute little garden gnome waiting with my name on it.

To see some of the fabulous works of art created in Cheryl's Work of Art Pottery Studio, check them out on Instagram or visit their Facebook site. For full details on their wide range of classes, check out the Work of Art Pottery Studio website.

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