Circle Drive studio offers paint-your-own pottery, clay sculpting and glass fusion
Art is a form of problem-solving, said Kelly Emmert, The Art Garage creative director and owner.
"There are all [kinds of] different answers, and the way that you can come to [a solution] is going to be an individual experience," she said.
The Art Garage's focus is art education. Emmert said instilling confidence and encouraging the thrill of discovery students get when they learn a new skill make her job worthwhile.
The former art teacher moved to Austin in 2007 and started the business in her garage, offering art lessons and hosting a camp for her daughters' friends in summer 2008. In June 2011 she opened The Art Garage in a storefront on Circle Drive.
In March 2014 the studio expanded to include another suite.
"Having three separate spaces for camp was something I really wanted to do so that we could offer age-specific art," Emmert said.
The studio hosts a variety of classes, camps and parties. Children and adults can also walk in and paint pottery, make candles, work with clay, make mosaics or fuse glass projects.
Glass projects have included making jewelry and tiles, she said. Fusing glass involves cutting colored glass pieces, arranging them in a design and heating them in a kiln so they melt into one piece of art. She said customers do not get near the kiln, which is separated from craft areas.
Prices are per project, and there are no hidden fees, Emmert said. Spin art projects start at $3, paint-your-own pottery starts at $5 and glass starts at $15.
"If you're looking for something to do for yourself and your friends for a night out or with a couple of kids in tow, most people are OK with spending $20 on entertainment," she said.
Renai Eads, lead teacher and summer camp manager, said sharing art with the community and empowering children to create are among The Art Garage's goals.
Art offers skills students can use in life, including patience, following directions and connecting with others, Eads said.
"What I love about art is that despite the fact that I've spent years and years studying and making it, it is still endless," she said. "There will always be things that I don't know, and there will always be new things to share with others."
Creative pursuits
At The Art Garage, customers with no previous experience can walk in and work on art projects any time during business hours, owner and Creative Director Kelly Emmert said. The studio also offers a variety of classes and camps. Regular classes include Adult Nights, Kids' Night Out, Wednesday workshops and Tie Dye Fridays. Once a month, the studio also hosts a free activity day for families.
Pastel preparation
The studio provides instruction in several different art forms, including drawing, painting and paint-your-own pottery. Visitors to The Art Garage can choose from a wall of pre-sculpted pottery pieces to paint.
Color theory
Camps are scheduled from 10 a.m.–2 p.m., and additional care is available from 9 a.m.–6 p.m. during the summer. The studio's summer camp program continues through Aug. 22.
The Art Garage, 11190 Circle Drive, Stes. 202–204, 512-852-9900, www.theartgarageaustin.com, Hours: Sun. noon–6 p.m., Mon. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Tue.–Thu. 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
