Patrons can paint different kinds of pottery.[/caption]

Since childhood, Dipali Parikh had a passion for art, she said. She grew up learning about art so when she and her husband, Amit, opened Make Expression in 2014 in Frisco, she returned to her passion.

Dipali has an accounting background, and she spent some time as a teacher at Montessori schools in Frisco. She said she would often incorporate art in her daily life in one way or another.

“I was a regular teacher, but I would always use art activities to teach the kids,” she said. “I also held art classes and art camps at our home.”

Dipali said she spent her free time at do-it-yourself art studios where patrons can paint their own pottery or canvas.

Dipali liked the concept, but she said she wanted to offer different arts and crafts rather than just focusing on one or two activities.

Customers can use mosaic glass to create patterns on their pieces.[/caption]

“I wanted to do everything because, growing up, I always wanted to learn different types of art,” Dipali said. “I wanted the community to learn different art forms instead of just one thing.”

At the studio, patrons can choose from a variety of activities, such as glass fusing, pottery painting, candle making, canvas painting and mixedmedia art.

“This is a place to come and relax and explore art,” Amit said. “In a world where we are surrounded by digital influences, here you actually get to create

Customers can paint pieces of pottery.[/caption]

something with your hands, and this is a place for people to create together.”

Amit said he was excited to see his wife return to her passion and wanted to help her make it her full-time job. When they found a space, the couple redesigned it from the ground up to go along with Dipali’s vision.

Throughout the process, Amit and Dipali collaborated on ideas for the studio and even included ideas from their employees, who are all artists.

The art made by customers and employees is displayed throughout the studio.[/caption]

Inside the studio, an aqua-colored wall features art made by Dipali, employees and patrons. On the other side of the studio there is an assemblage of pottery, small pieces of colored glass, stone and other materials patrons can choose from to customize.

At Make Expression, the cost of doing an activity is the cost of the pottery, glass or candle picked out. The paint and materials are included in the price.

Summer camps are held at the studio as well as art classes for children and adults. The studio can also be rented out for events or parties.

A membership program will be launching soon in which a customer can pay $10 per month to be a member. A membership includes discounted prices and some free classes.

“We have a lot of repeat customers, and we wanted to offer this membership program to continue to encourage people to keep making art,” Amit said.

Dipali said since opening Make Expression, her biggest surprise was the community support.

“At first, I didn’t know how they were going to react to us, but now they’re like family,” Dipali said.