The Mudpie Company owner Teri Wilson credits her late grandmother for sparking a passion for art she now extends to patrons.


“I’ve always liked art and doing things with my hands. My grandmother, Virginia Simmons Henderson, was a concert pianist and a very talented artist. She did a lot of oil painting, and I got my love of painting from her because neither one of my parents was artistic,” Wilson said.




The Mudpie Company Mudpie Company features more than 600 ceramic pieces.[/caption]

The Mudpie Company offers more than 600 ceramic pieces for patrons to paint in-store with, as well as over 100 paint colors to choose from—including the popular Tahiti teal, lime Ricky, polar bear, bebopping blue and rocking red. Paint tools are provided.


Children and adults can also enjoy canvas and pottery classes. Custom paint orders are available and range from commemorative wedding and birth announcement plates to platters and coffee mugs.


“We have something for everyone—dragons, fairies, you name it,” Wilson said. “People can put any piece of pottery in the oven because it’s already been fired.”


When the business first opened as Artrageous on Kingwood Drive under a different owner in 2001, the former preschool teacher was a stay-at-home mother of six, who enjoyed spending time at the artful escape while school was in session.


Wilson’s regular visits as a patron transformed into an ownership bid 12 years ago, she said.


“At first, I would come in one day a week and volunteer, and I got paid in pottery so I would paint whatever I wanted,” Wilson said. “I loved that it was quiet and peaceful, and you could use their tools.”




The Mudpie Company The store also offers custom paint orders.[/caption]

Manager Whitney Belaire has also held a passion for art since early childhood. Belaire began working at the business as a teenager and is now 30. Belaire said it does not feel like a job, and many of the regular customers have become her friends.


Wilson said her greatest joy has been to watch children and special needs groups take ownership of their creativity and pride in their pottery work.


“One boy who came in with a special needs group gave me a big hug after he was done painting and just said, ‘thank you,’ but it’s moments like that I still remember,” Wilson said. “It’s very rewarding.”