Busy Bees Pottery & Arts Studio offers a creative twist on summer camp
By Patricia Nugent
Since 2015 Busy Bees Pottery & Arts Studio, has provided a cheerful creative outlet for people ranging from youth to adults to get in touch with their inner artist.
Parents looking for “that something different” for their creative kiddos should check out the summer camps offered by the studio inside Great Lakes Mall.
“Within the camps, our instructors take kids on a journey, exploring our offerings, from paint your own unfinished bisque pottery pieces to mosaics, canvas painting, glass fusing, clay hand building, board art and more,” says owner Beth Brinton.
“There’s really nothing as special as seeing a child’s face light up when they finish creating something.”
Beth and her artsy staff have come up with a range of half-day and full-day camps to appeal to kids ages six to 12. Running the second week of June through the first week of August, camp themes include: Animal Planet, Around the World in 5 Days, Arctic Blast, Sweet Summer Treats, Fiesta, Deep Space Sparkle, Mythical Mayhem and Party in the USA!
“The kids will create one to three pieces of artwork each day during the camps,” says Beth. “And their pottery, or clay or glass pieces, should be ready to take home by the end of the week.”
Party Central
Beth says local families are already familiar with them, as they are busy Saturdays and Sundays with so many kids’ birthday parties.
“We offer a variety of themes, starting at three years old,” she says. Parties include 90 minutes in the party room, invitations, a party host or painting instructor, ice cream and drinks, all the paint, glazing and firing, as well as a handprint left on the birthday wall by the birthday child. Plus, guests receive a free coupon for future visits.
Mother’s Day Gifting
There is a plethora of keepsake figurines, paintable picture frames, and art that can be fashioned with a child’s hand imprint that are ideal for thoughtful Mother’s Day gifts. And the glass fusing medium allows you to design earrings and pendants or decorative art pieces she’ll love.
If it’s a hands-on experience and spending an afternoon with Mom you’re after, no problem. The studio is open on Mother’s Day.
From the unfinished pottery pieces—mugs, platters, plates, bowls, figurines, boxes and home décor items—there’s always a seasonal grouping to pick from.
With Easter a few weeks away, popular items include bunny figurines, egg-shaped lanterns, plaques, carrot-shaped platters and Faberge-worthy eggs for painting.
Not Just for the Younger Set
In addition to parties for junior Picassos, Busy Bees is a happening destination for girls’ nights out, baby or bridal showers, youth groups, scout outings and more.
“People can bring in wine and snacks for our evening parties, too,” says Beth.
This month don’t miss the Canvas Painting Class on Tuesday, April 30, where you’ll follow an instructor to create a 16” by 20” canvas painting called Abstract Peonies.
“No matter your age, even if you don’t feel that you have an artistic streak, you’ll still have a ball here,” says Beth. “We have plenty of stencils and stamps to make your projects look stunning.”
Busy Bees Pottery & Arts Studio is located in the heart of Great Lakes Mall, near the Fuji Japanese Steakhouse entrance, at 7850 Mentor Avenue, in Mentor. You should book parties in advance, but for regular art projects, walk-ins are always welcome. Register for summer camps online. The studio is now open seven days a week, Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, call 440-571-5201 or visit BusyBeesArt.com/mentor.