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View Winners → Business Profile: Paint ‘n’ Play
Arcadia Weekly Aug 03, 2015
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By Amelia Favela
-Courtesy Photo
Paint ‘n’ Play is a ceramic arts studio that provides a fun learning environment for anyone who wants to create their own work of art. The studio came to life in 2001 as sisters Lisa Barrios and Rachel Quimayousie had the goal of bringing ceramic art to the San Gabriel Valley. With the help of Jules and Betty Sandford, Barrios and Quimayousie were able to secure a location in Old Town Monrovia, later becoming deeply integrated into the community.
Paint ‘n’ Play provides a variety of opportunities for people to experience the creative aspect of art by providing numerous classes and workshops, such as “Potter’s Wheel,” “Clay Hand-Building,” “Oil & Acrylic Canvas Painting,” “Mommy & Me Painting Pottery,” full service birthday parties, and much more.
Aside from hosting workshops and parties, Paint ‘n’ Play also works with numerous organizations to provide outreach programs to youth groups, special needs and senior citizens. Some of the organizations and programs include the Santa Anita YMCA, the Monrovia Unified School District Boys & Girls Club, Monrovia High’s Workability ROP program, Rosemary’s Cottage rehabilitation program, and Alzheimer’s, autism, and special needs classes.
-Courtesy Photo
“We feel very grateful to be able to provide classes that serve as a therapeutic experience to so many different groups,” Barrios said. “One of my biggest joys comes from working with underprivileged youths, who otherwise probably wouldn’t be able to participate in such workshops.”
Among the many outreach services, Paint ‘n’ Play is the sole founder of “Holding Hands, Helping Hearts,” a program that gives free keepsake handprints for families of terminally ill patients. After attending the funeral of one of the programs first set of handprints, Barrios vowed to make the program succeed. “It touched my heart to see Lance’s family so moved by the handprints,” the owner said. “I realized that the art is more than just a keepsake, it’s a last moment of a loved one captured in clay.”
-Photo by Amelia Favela
Paint ‘n’ Play also lends its storefront to serve as an art gallery for the Monrovia Association of Fine Arts. Being that Barrios holds a seat as a board member, she and the non-profit share many of the same beliefs, including the mission to “Enhance the lives of those within the community through interaction with the arts. Increase the opportunities for our children through art education.”
The studio’s challenges come with being a family-owned business. “We don’t have corporate to back us up, so we have to be available 24/7 to deal with all aspects of the company,” said the founder. Although there are many small business challenges, they are able to overcome them because they absolutely love what they do.
-Photo by Amelia Favela
Barrios looks forward to sharing Paint ‘n’ Play ‘s special line of premade art, Sentimental Ceramics, through an online platform the business is currently setting up. “We plan on using the web while continuing to offer our in-person services to help the community.”
Contact the studio at (626) 256-4848, or visit at 418 S. Myrtle Ave. Monrovia, CA 91016. Www.paintnplaystudio.com.
