When Patricia “Patsy” Deaver started working part time at Ceramic Lodge in September 2015, she did not expect she would become the owner of the creative arts studio less than two years later. At that time, she was pursuing a career as a nurse. However, after getting into nursing school, she found herself longing for an environment that fueled her passion for art. “I’ve always loved doing stuff like this,” Deaver said. “My whole life, people have always complimented me on how artistic I am. Never did I ever think I would grow up and do something like this.” Ceramic Lodge originally opened in 2001 on Chisholm Trail Road in Round Rock. Deaver took ownership in May 2017 after her predecessor, Carolyn Cowan, retired. The creative arts studio offers walk-in crafting hours and scheduled classes for pottery painting, glass fusing, acrylic painting, metal bracelet stamping and clay building as well as kids camps and birthday party packages. Deaver said Ceramic Lodge’s location on Chisholm Trail in Round Rock comes with a history and unique personality. “This is such an eclectic little part of Round Rock,” she said. Deaver said each owner brought their own ideas to Ceramic Lodge over the years. In her two years as owner, Deaver said she incorporated fused-glass art as well as instructional canvas-painting packages. She said her staff of six also brought in additions like the “I love art so much” mural in the studio inspired by Austin’s “I love you so much” mural on South Congress Avenue. Amidst working 80 hours a week to fire and glaze pieces for customers and working hands-on in art classes, Deaver said the most gratifying part of Ceramic Lodge is the customer’s experience of creating art. “I love that they’re building a memory,” Deaver said. “I love when kids come back and tell me, ‘I have a [piggy] bank on my dresser I made here.’” Ceramic Lodge 18 Chisholm Trail Road, Round Rock 512-248-2100 www.ceramiclodge.com Hours*: Mon., Wed. 11 a.m.- 7 p.m.; Thu.-Fri. 11 a.m.- 9 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun. noon-6 p.m.; closed Tue. *Summer hours may vary