When Amanda Talley purchased The Paint’N Place in 2016, she didn’t know anything about ceramics.

The business had been in Bowling Green for about 20 years, and after talking to friends and local artists, Talley thought it would be a great way to be part of the community.

Located on Magnolia Street, The Paint’N Place is a creative studio that allows customers to walk in and make a variety of pieces from pottery to canvas paintings.

The business offers lessons in painting and pottery, as well as paper quilling and felting. On Wednesdays, it hosts Story Hour where children can come paint ceramics while listening to a story. They host birthday parties, sip-and-paint parties, bridal and baby showers, and just about everything else in between.

“It’s amazing that it has been there for so long and people still don’t know about it,” Talley said.

Talley transformed the interior look of the Paint’N Place when she purchased it, hoping to make it more appealing to customers of all ages. Now it’s a colorful and relaxing space for anyone hoping to get creative.

Talley, who works full time as a speech pathologist at a nursing home, also finds the studio to be a peaceful space where she can unwind.

The Paint’N Place purchases ceramics and raw bisque, allowing customers to paint and decorate the items before the employees fire them in the kiln. The business also offers custom work that customers can request and come pick up.

“I hope people can see that they can make cool stuff too,” said Sydney Denton, an employee at the studio. “You don’t have to be a great artist to make a really good piece. Anyone can come in here and make a really good piece.”

Talley said she values her business’s interaction with the community and enjoys seeing the impact it has.

Recently, a family came in to the Paint’N Place and purchased gift cards, filling them out in memory of their daughter who died in 2016. They told the business to randomly pass the gift certificates out to customers as a random act of kindness in honor of their daughter’s birthday.

“I believe we want to support the community just as much as they want to support us,” Talley said.

Above all, Talley said she puts emphasis on her employees, crediting them with being helpful.

“I couldn’t do what I do without those girls,” Talley said. “They are amazing artists. Without them I would be lost.”

The Paint’N Place’s next event will take place on Feb. 2. Customers can reserve a spot to paint Valentine’s Day door hangers.

Features reporter Kelley Holland can be reached at 270-745-6291 and [email protected].