Groovy Glaze is the place to get groovy with pottery. A grand opening is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the 617 E. Main St., Bradford location.
“The first 50 customers will receive a Groovy Glaze custom sticker,” said Mayva Sturzenbecker, owner. “Everyone is invited to come and see what there is to do. If you can color, you can do this. Any age, any ability; I want everybody to know they are welcome.”
A contemporary ceramics studio, Groovy Glaze is perfect for private events such as date nights, birthday parties, bachelorette parties and bridal showers; and, public events like Thursday night trivia: Dec. 14 is 90s Sitcom Trivia and Dec. 28 is Popular Movies of the 2000s Trivia. Both begin at 7 p.m. and are free with the price of the pottery project.
“Walk-ins are also welcome to come in during open hours to paint a project,” said Sturzenbecker. “Members can reserve time.”
Here’s how it works. Customers choose a premade ceramic piece from a wide selection including mugs, plates, bowls, figurines, seasonal decor and other trinkets, which change on a regular basis. Then, they use the shop’s materials — brushes and glazes — to create one-of-a-kind items. The shop fires the work in a kiln for customers to pick up later in the week. Shipping options are also available.
“There are currently 37 glazes out. But they change throughout the year,” Sturzenbecker said. “We have the regular colors of the rainbow, textured, speckled, etc. We also have test coins so that you can see the color after it has gone through the kiln.”
Artists pay for the time and materials on a per-piece basis; all prices are marked on the bottom of each product.
“Pottery painting is a great activity for people of all ages and abilities. It is great for family bonding, emotional outlets and creative expression,” Sturzenbecker emphasized. “You do not need any artistic ability. If you want to paint something all one color, that is fine, the glaze does a lot to make the project stand out.”
Groovy Glaze also has a small gift shop, offering local artists items, as well as some other unique items including items for kids, specialty candles, candy, games and greeting cards. Gift certificates are available and can be used on ceramics pieces or in the gift shop.
One could also become a member. A monthly fee of $10 unlocks special offers, priority access to events, reservations and more. For those who want to dedicate personal time to creative endeavors and connect with others who have similar inspirations, membership is advantageous.
With a deeper mission, beyond creativity, Groovy Glaze hopes to impact the lives of children in the community. The impact of art holds the potential for healing and personal growth, Sturzenbecker noted. To make this effort happen, Groove Glaze has started a sponsorship program, where participants donate to a fund that will pay for community youth to paint for free. “As participation in the sponsorship program grows, so will the impact on the lives of young people in the community,” said Sturzenbecker.
For more information, to become a member or a sponsor, visit https://www.groovyglaze.shop/ or contact Sturzenbecker at mayva@groovyglaze.shop or call (814) 225-8323. After Saturday’s open house, Groovy Glaze is open 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, and closed Monday through Wednesday.
