Art on the Rocks Ribbon Cutting Officially Opens Leominster Pottery Painting Studio
LEOMINSTER — Dozens of people flocked to the Art on the Rocks ribbon-cutting last week, officially opening the pottery painting studio that owner Stacey Sparrow relocated this summer from Fitchburg to 875 Merriam Ave. in the Twin City Plaza.
Leominster Mayor Dean Mazzarella, center, watches as Art on the Rocks owner Stacey Sparrow and her daughter Mckynlie Murphy, 9, cut the ribbon at the grand opening on Sept. 3. (JOHN LOVE/SENTINEL & ENTERPRISE)
“We have seen lots of new faces, we love our new home,” Sparrow said.
Sparrow was happy with the large turnout for the grand opening celebration that featured free face painting, cupcakes and raffles for a basket of art projects and a $100 Art on the Rocks gift card. Attendees milled around the welcoming space that is dotted with tables and dozens of pottery options waiting to be painted and fired in the kiln such as flamingos and other animals, mugs and platters.
Sparrow, who grew up in Ohio and moved to Fitchburg in 1997, said she was inspired to open Art on the Rocks after finishing her art education degree.
Piper Anderson, 2, paints a fox at the ribbon cutting on Sept. 3 for the new Leominster location of Art on the Rocks. (JOHN LOVE/SENTINEL & ENTERPRISE)“It was really difficult to find jobs as an art teacher and a lot of programs were being cut,” she recalled. “I wanted to follow my passion, so I created my own job.”
That leap of faith has paid off for Sparrow, who said her business attracts patrons of all ages has been well received in the community.
Piper Anderson, 2, paints a fox at the ribbon cutting on Sept. 3 for the new Leominster location of Art on the Rocks. (JOHN LOVE/SENTINEL & ENTERPRISE)
“I believe there’s a lack of art and a need for it,” she said. “People have always been able to find that with us.”
She said she enjoys providing a creative outlet to her customers, who can walk in or sign up for a class, as a “very hands on model.”
Leominster Mayor Dean Mazzarella (l.) presented Art on the Rocks owner Stacey Sparrow with a citation following the Sept. 3 ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of her business. With them is Sparrow’s daughter McKynlie Murphy, 9, and Art on the Rocks employees Katie Burnette and Crystal Norat. (JOHN LOVE/SENTINEL & ENTERPRISE)
Leominster Mayor Dean Mazzarella (l.) presented Art on the Rocks owner Stacey Sparrow with a citation following the Sept. 3 ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of her business. With them is Sparrow’s daughter McKynlie Murphy, 9, and Art on the Rocks employees Katie Burnette and Crystal Norat. (JOHN LOVE/SENTINEL & ENTERPRISE)
Sparrow has had studios in Fitchburg, Gardner and Worcester. She said she chose the new Leominster home base, which has been open since July 1, because of the convenient locale.
“I love the visibility and central location to all of our local customers,” she said.
Like so many other businesses, Art on the Rocks has certainly been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. During the studio closure last year, Sparrow had to evolve and pivot in order to keep it going and ensure its survival.
Dozens of locals flocked to the Art on the Rocks ribbon cutting ceremony on Sept. 3, officially opening the pottery painting studio that owner Stacey Sparrow relocated this summer from Fitchburg the Twin City Plaza in Leominster. (JOHN LOVE/SENTINEL & ENTERPRISE)
“As a small business we had to change everything,” Sparrow said. “This is not a side gig or a hobby, this is how I feed my family and how my staff feeds theirs. We changed our model drastically and started offering to-go pottery and virtual classes. I am so thankful we survived and have worked our way through this difficult time.”
Sparrow is the only Bob Ross certified instructor in the state, one of the aspects she feels makes Arts on the Rocks unique along with carrying a large, rolling inventory of pottery that changes weekly as well as weekly classes offered for children and adults and special events.
Dozens of locals flocked to the Art on the Rocks ribbon cutting ceremony on Sept. 3, officially opening the pottery painting studio that owner Stacey Sparrow relocated this summer from Fitchburg the Twin City Plaza in Leominster. (JOHN LOVE/SENTINEL & ENTERPRISE)
Art on the Rocks pottery painting studio moved from Fitchburg to Leominster this summer and features a large selection of pieces to paint including flamingo mugs. (JOHN LOVE/SENTINEL & ENTERPRISE)
Art on the Rocks pottery painting studio moved from Fitchburg to Leominster this summer and features a large selection of pieces to paint including flamingo mugs. (JOHN LOVE/SENTINEL & ENTERPRISE)
“I am hoping to spread art and creativity to all of our local friends,” she said. “I want people to understand that they can be creative even if they aren’t the artsy person or crafty type.”
For more information, call 978-400-5749, visit https://artontherocksma.com or follow Art on the Rocks on Facebook and Instagram
