Family-Run Pottery Studio Offers Painting Fun for the Whole Family

If you are looking for something fun and different to do with family and friends this summer, it may be worth a visit to .

Just Claying Around, at 201 South McPherson Church Road in McPherson Square, is a family-owned and operated paint-your-own-pottery studio in Fayetteville.

First-time customer Patricia Driscoll recently enjoyed a quiet afternoon painting in the studio with her daughter. “It’s a great activity for a mother-daughter day,” Driscoll said. “This is something we can do together.”  

Stephanie Penvose, owner of Just Claying Around, discovered her passion for pottery while her family was stationed in Alaska. Penvose accompanied her son to a camp where they learned to create and design pottery.  

“I’ve been hooked ever since,” said Penvose.  

The cost of each piece of pottery covers the paint, glaze, and firing. If customers are unable to complete the project in one sitting, they can return at another time to finish at no extra cost. Once the piece of pottery is painted, it takes an additional week for it to go through the full glazing and fire-burning process.  

“Sometimes the children who come in may be impatient when they realize how long it will take, but they get so excited when they see the final product,” Penvose said.

Just Claying Around has events geared for children and adults. The studio has even been the site for a few life-changing moments.  

“We have seen proposals in the store,” said Bill Penvose, co-owner of Just Claying Around.

“One man painted ‘will you marry me’ on a plate and then got down on one knee,” added Stephanie Penvose.

The most gratifying part of the business for the owners of Just Claying Around is seeing people unwind and enjoy themselves.

“I really want them to enjoy the product they’re making. It’s almost like therapy—everyone is so relaxed,” said Stephanie Penvose.

Business Hours and Discounts

Just Claying Around is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Sunday, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays are reserved for pottery camps for schools and larger group events in the studio. Just Claying Around offers off-site events for groups of 35 or more. Military discounts are offered on Saturdays.  

July Events
July 22 is Kids’ Night from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. ($25) 
July 29 is Adult Night from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Customers may bring their own age-appropriate beverages.