North Olmsted mother, daughter operate Artist For A Day

A North Olmsted mother and daughter turned a longtime tradition into a family business when they took over Artist For A Day last spring.

Amy Shipley and her oldest daughter Emily Winter bought the “paint-it-yourself” pottery experience shop at 28649 Lorain Road when the original owners decided to retire.

But they knew the shop well long before then.

“We had always loved going there together,” Winter said. “We brought my daughter and my grandmother.

“We thought how much fun it would be to work together to keep the shop going for other families.”

Winter, who left her full time career as a graphic and web designer, runs most of the day-to-day operations of the shop.

Shipley performs more behind-the-scenes work as she continues to serve as a full-time pastor in the area United Methodist Church.

The shop remains largely unchanged under their new ownership, but some new displays have been created by Winter’s husband, Andrew, and the team has created several new events.

The studio space is much larger than similar shops allowing for customers to keep their distance as coronavirus pandemic concerns continue.

The shop also stocks a much larger variety than is typical, Shipley said, and keeps holiday items available year-round.

“We’ve been to lots of studios, and a lot of them are wonderful, but they don’t have the variety that we have,” she added, noting Artist for a Day carries more than 1,600 different paintable pieces. “Even now, people will call and ask about social distancing, but the space is so big, people can spread out.”

The studio also has a party room that can be booked for larger groups or birthday or other parties.

In addition to Andrew Winter creating displays, other family members have gotten involved.

Winter’s two children – Adalyn, 12 and Ethan, 8 – often paint samples and help in other ways.

Winter’s younger sister Annabelle Shipley assists with firing the pieces after customers finish painting.

The studio also has 10 employees, primarily high school students.

“We have some really wonderful young people working with us,” Shipley said, citing college student Madelynn Badowski, who is studying art therapy and teaches some of the classes at the studio.

In addition to pottery, the studio offers canvas painting as well.

Classes involve canvases where the picture has been outlined for the student.

Customers also may purchase pieces, underglazes and other supplies to create their own party at home.

All pieces are fired in a kiln and are food safe, Shipley emphasized.

Plans are underway for an adult night from 6-9 p.m., Feb. 10.

Pre-registration is required.

A $15 fee covers appetizers and goodies and customers are welcome to bring their own alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks.

Pottery pieces will be an additional cost.

The pair also hopes to repeat last fall’s popular Diva Night this spring.

Individual artists can walk in almost any time the studio is open, however, they should come at least two hours before closing.

Shipley said most pieces take two hours to complete, although she has seen larger pieces – or different artists – take much longer.

For groups larger than six, reservations are recommended.

After painting, the studio glazes and fires the pieces and they are ready for pickup in about a week.

“People just come in. They know they want a relaxing afternoon,” Shipley said. “It’s nice to see families or friends who are reconnecting.

“It’s a nice atmosphere.”

Winter said her favorite part of owning the studio is seeing creativity come alive in her customers and students.

“When people tell me they’re not creative, then they come pick up and they have tears in their eyes from how excited they are,” she said. “Most people just claim it’s their therapy.

“It’s time for them to be without noise and they leave feeling refreshed.”

For more information, call 440-777-7500.