OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Welcome to That Pottery Place.
"We have wet clay where we do impressions of the children's hand and then we decorate it and make it into an ornament," said that Pottery Place owner Nancy King.
It's where you can make art and memories at the same time.
"We have a lot of families that come every year and they do a family platter or they'll do ornaments. And they'll collect them through the years. They might have 20 years' worth of ornaments," King said.
King saw a need for something like this more than 20 years ago.
"Omaha didn't have a lot of places where people could go with their families and little kids could paint or grandmas could paint," she said.
Since then, she's had one mission: help customers create. It's pretty simple.
"So you come in, you pick out your piece of pottery," King said.
There are plenty of options to choose from, from holiday favorites like vintage trees and wreaths to more popular pieces like the gnomes and llamas.
Then, pick your paint.
"We have move than 50 different colors and specialty glazes, stamps and stencils. So, if you're not an artist, don't let that bother you - we've got something for you," she stated.
Next, the fun part.
Sit down with friends and family and paint away.
While the pandemic is bad for business, it's good for families looking for a safe activity.
"We clean everything from the chair and the tabletops to the brushes and paint bottles so that the next customer coming in has everything sanitized," King said.
It's also good for those looking for and a family-friendly outing.
"Get out of the house, away from the computers and create something as a family," King said.
College students agree, it's a nice way to unwind.
"My brain is stuck on school and papers. So, to be able to have a creative outlook is fun," Kyla Nitzel said.
"It's just like a warm environment. And it's a good creative outlet, and everyone here is so willing to help and just wanting you to have the best experience," added Abby LaPlant.
If you don't feel comfortable going inside, there is another option - to-go kits. They come with a piece of pottery, paint and instructions. When you're done, you just bring it back to the store.
"Then we will clear glaze it and fire it up so they have the same end result, but they're in their home painting, It also makes a good gift," King explained.
The pottery baskets also make good gifts. Nancy creates them herself.
While Nancy loves this time of year, she's is hoping for a Christmas miracle.
"We would hate to have COVID be the one thing that closes us after 23 years," she said. "We are only surviving because of our customers."
Her wish is that customers keep coming, creating and painting memories.
That Pottery Place is having a family night on December 5th from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
You can safely visit with Santa, work on a family project and make a keepsake for Christmas.
For a reservation and more information, visit their website.
The store is located at 78th & Dodge Streets. It's open Tuesday through Saturday.
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