Hands-On Experience Art Studio Lets People Express Their Creative Side

Jan Meyer likes watching the combinations of people that gather at Hands-On Art.

Some days, the “do-it-yourself” art studio is full of grandparents painting pottery with their grandkids. Other days, it’s a place for birthday parties, book club gatherings or women’s night out.

“I think that in our society, people have the creativity driven out of them,” said Meyer, co-owner of Hands-On Art. “They’re in those corporate jobs, and they spend so much time driving their kids around. This gives them an opportunity to be social and creative.”

Meyer and Barb Scarth started Hands-On Art two years ago.

The studio’s specialty is bisque pottery. Customers pick out a piece and paint on the glaze. Prices range from $3 for a refrigerator magnet to $50 for a large platter.

The business also offers workshops in fused glass, painting and other crafts. Hands-On Art is modeled after studios the two women visited in Portland and Seattle. The trend - called contemporary ceramics studios - has become popular for several reasons, the partners said.

People don’t do crafts at home like they used to, and pottery is fairly technical to make without training.

The activity also makes a good family outing, said Andrew Baucom, who owns “Art by Yourself,” a similar studio in Spokane.

“It’s kind of a cerebral alternative to Chuck E. Cheese,” he said.

Hands-On Art grew out of Scarth’s love for ceramics, Meyer’s business experience and both women’s work in art education.

“Barb is one of those potters who’s always dreamed of having her own studio,” Meyer said. “I told her that we could probably put together a business that would allow her the luxury of having one.”

Meyer and her husband, Steve, formerly owned The Bookseller in downtown Coeur d’Alene. The two women met through Art Shop, an art program for elementary school students.

“I think being involved in the creative process with people is the most satisfying thing,” said Scarth. “Pottery is a real basic human activity … it’s primitive, elemental.” Unlike other retailers, the studio at 6680 N. Government Way stays busy year around, Meyer said.

The weeks before holidays - Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day and Christmas - are particularly busy. But the Hands-On studio is also busy during January and February, when customers are fighting the winter blahs.

“We’re good for boredom,” Meyer said.

Both women enjoy coaxing creativity out of timid, would-be artists. Meyer said she’s proof that anyone can be successful painting pottery. Unlike her right-brained partner, she calls herself “the chief ordinary soul.”

Peggy Leonard of Dalton Gardens, Idaho, made most of her Christmas presents at the studio. “I was intimidated the first time I went in. I thought it had to be perfect,” she said. “But pottery isn’t perfect … All you do is relax and have fun.”

Creativity wasn’t a problem for Melissa Mitchell, 11, and Kelli Duncan, 12, who spent an afternoon at the studio during their Christmas break.

Balloons and bright colors, linked with Year 2000 motifs, appeared on pottery plates the girls were painting. They’ve also made grandma-gifts at the studio, and decorated bowls for each others’ dogs.

“She’s the ultimate idea person,” said Duncan, pointing at her friend.

“I was up till 2 in the morning,” said Mitchell, “thinking about designs.”