Have you ever heard a child at an art exhibition say "I can do that!" while looking at a fancy painting on a vase? If so, give them the chance to create a colourful piece with their own hands at the Ceramics Studio "Paint your style" in Berlin.
Before you start painting, it's worth taking a look around the studio. The walls are lined with shelves of ceramic figurines painted by artists and regular visitors to the studio. Bright or understated, humorous or reflective of the author's philosophy, they are an invitation to try your hand at creating something of your own.
There is no age limit in the studio — even two or three year olds can paint a plate or other artwork. You don't need to bring anything — you can buy painting materials and paint on the spot, and brushes and aprons are free. The paints, the studio assures us, are non-toxic and easily washed off your body and clothes.
You can paint anything: beads, Easter eggs, figurines of animals and birds, cups and other utensils, picture frames — the Ceramics Studio has a huge selection of blanks. You can also try out some samples of what the colours will look like after firing, so that colours that look pale at first won't disappoint. Stencils, stamps and templates can give you an idea of how to decorate your work.
It's important that your child doesn't get bored with this kind of activity: painting usually takes no more than half an hour. But if your child has a talent for drawing, it's worth setting aside an hour or two for creativity. By the way, it's best to come back to the studio in 2-3 days to collect your work after it has being fired at over 1,000 °C. That's when the decorated figurine will shine in all its glory and, if it's a dinnerware piece, it can be used at home. The child will be delighted to see his or her masterpiece on display among the other works.ъ
Another interesting place for kids, Science Center Spectrum, is 1.4 km from the workshop.
There are several studios in Berlin at these addresses:
- Bleibtreustraße 46, 10623 Berlin
- Simplonstraße 8, 10245 Berlin
- Bölschestraße 103, 12587 Berlin
- Mehringdamm 73 / corner Bergmannstr., 10965 Berlin
- Rheinstraße 48, 12161 Berlin
- Schönhauser Allee 88, 10439 Berlin
- Onkel-Tom-Straße 1, 14169 Berlin
