The Potter’s Palette, a Place for Creativity
By LaKeshia Knarr
LOCK HAVEN – Alan and Angela Black are the proud new owners of one of Lock Haven’s premier makerspaces – The Potter’s Palette.
Located at 105 E. Main St., Potter’s Palette is a place where anyone can go to release their creativity, says Angela.
Doors officially opened on March 1.
People of all ages are welcome to stop in; select a ceramic ware, knickknack, or other item to work on; and then get creative!
Describing how the shop works, Angela explained that participants can choose to paint on ceramic, glass, canvas or slate – and staff is available for assistance, guidance and feedback. Private classes can be booked for groups of eight or more.
The cost ranges anywhere from $6 to $45 per project, based on the item being painted – and the price includes the item itself, the materials it takes to decorate it, and the firing process for ceramics.
There are ceramic pieces available to suit anyone’s interest: from sports-themed plaques and mugs, to thermoses and boxes, seasonal mementos, Native American inspired pieces, ornaments and much more! In addition, people can paint wine glasses or matryoshka dolls (Russian nesting dolls), and slate stone can be pre-ordered if folks call ahead.
Tables are always set up and ready for the next crafting mess; participants need not worry about the cleanup. And they can even stop before they finish and come back to complete the project if needed, the couple noted.
There is a large selection of project templates available that provide image outlines and detailed instructions to help people of all skill levels, they added.
“I never really considered myself artistic, but I started coming to Sip & Dips and I started learning,” said Angela. “It got me interested and excited about it.”
Back in December, Angela and Alan learned that The Potter’s Palette was going to be closing.
“We saw how upset people were that it was closing. We found some investors and we decided we’d like to try this because if we didn’t, we’d always wonder, ‘what if?’” Angela explained.
This is the couple’s first business venture – but one that they’re passionate about.
“I’d come in here some Saturdays and there would be 20 or 30 people in here and I just didn’t want to let that go,” Angela continued. “It’s something that the community doesn’t really have. It’s something different that people can do – and that parents can do with their kids. It’s time for people to be together.”
“And that’s a memory,” Alan chimed in.
One of their two staff members has played a big role in helping Angela and Alan ease into the new business, the couple noted.
“Cheryl (Reeder) has been invaluable,” Angela said of the general manager. “She has done all of this.”
Cheryl had worked at the shop under the previous management for two years and her love for all things ceramic and creative extends back to her youth. In addition to helping manage the business, Cheryl will be leading Sip & Dips, group experiences, and more.
Pottery classes will be offered by staff member Abby Watkins as well.
Friday nights will be “Family Time” at Potter’s Palette – and participants will receive 10% off.
Miss Candy Moore will soon be offering Children’s Story Time at noon on many Saturdays. During this special activity kiddos will have the opportunity to hear a story and then decorate a creature from the story.
Special programs will be offered and community members are able to book the space for personal events – such as birthday or engagement parties, bridal or baby showers, or just a fun night out with friends.
The Potter’s Palette will be open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m.; and Saturday from 12 to 6 p.m. The shop will be closed Wednesdays, with special classes occasionally offered.
Learn more by stopping into the shop on Main Street, calling 570-927-2708 or by finding The Potter’s Palette on Facebook.
