Farsley’s new arty offering opens this week at Sunny Bank Mills, giving folk a chance to paint ceramics and, if they want, to bring their pet dog to join in – or just curl up in the corner.
Pots and Paws is the idea of art teacher and dog lover Rebekah Tinsley. Rebekah and her partner Max have lived in Farsley for nearly six years, and she has always wanted a pottery-painting studio, preferably within walking distance. So after a couple of years commuting and teaching at Tadcaster Grammar School, she said a sad goodbye to them so she could start her new venture at a unit in the Spinning Mill.
The studio is full of blank pots, plates and bowls, along with lots of coloured paints and brushes.
“The idea is that people can chose their pottery, paint it however they want and then leave it with us to be fired in the kiln and collecting it later,” she said. “There are also some ready-made pieces to paint and take away if people don’t want to wait.”
For those not sure what to paint or draw, there are stencils and plenty of inspiration from Rebekah. Or there’s even the option to bring your dog and add a few paw prints.
“I want the studio to be a fun and relaxing place for people to come to,” said Rebekah. “And as I wanted to be able to being Dora my labrador to work, I’ve made it a dog-friendly studio, so dogs are welcome.”
The studio will open five days a week for walk-ins and booked parties. There are also evening Pots and Pour sessions, pots are provided to paint, just bring your own drinks!