Not being the artsy, painter type – I’m a writer, not a painter, when a girlfriend suggested we have a girls night out at Clay Café in Grandview I was a little hesitant. Normally our girls nights out feature some type of happy hour with food and drinks. Painting seemed like a bit of a stretch, but a bunch of us agreed to try it and I have to say, what a treat!
When you walk into Clay Café you instantly feel right at home. The space is decorated with what else? Clay artwork and there are pieces to fill up every inch of space and to inspire the hidden artist in everyone. It has a very unique charm and really gets the creative juices flowing.
My friends and I went on a Friday night and it was adult paint night, which meant that adults could paint for free. Usually the cost is $8 for adults, $6 for high school and college students, and $4 for kids. But, all that we had to pay for was the piece of clay that we choose to paint. Generally the pieces ranged in price from $6 to $60, and we were all able to find decent sized pieces to paint for under $20. I painted a plate for $16. There were many options of pieces to choose from such as plates, bowls, vases, light switch covers, picture frames, coasters, door knobs and more.
The process is really simple – basically you pick your piece, pick your design, pick your colors and go to work. For us non-creative types, there are a lot of tools on hand to help create a great looking design. There are paper cutters that you can use to create designs and patterns, rubber stamps that turn out well and there is even lace that you can use to create unique patterns on pieces. If you aren’t sure what to do or how to do it, the friendly staff is more than willing to help get you started or offer insider advice. Once your piece is done you leave your piece for the staff to cook. It is generally ready for pick up four to five days later.
Our girls night out at Clay Café was made even better because they allow you to bring in food and drinks. We ran next store and ordered a bunch of carryout food from Grandview Café and before we knew it we had a great painting party going.
We loved this experience so much we are already planning to go back. Clay Café has a several specials a month and they welcome large groups for class trips, birthday parties, girls nights out and corporate outings. Visit their Web site at ClayCafeColumbus.com for more information.
Clay Café
1431 West Third Avenue
Columbus, OH 43212
(614) 486-5815
