Pottery Painting Pops Up in Wilton

Budding Calders and Chilhulys now have a local Wilton studio where they can start their pursuit of artistic expression. Art on Fire, a paint-your-own-pottery studio, has relocated from Ridgefield to a bigger space at 991 Danbury Road, next to Toozy Patza.

Owner Joe Criscuolo is eager to welcome artists of all ages who want to paint, create and be elated with art.

“After five years in Ridgefield, we decided to expand to offer more things. We don’t want to be just a pottery place—we want it to be an art place. We wanted the opportunity for someone to come here and do something and just take it with them in that moment, like mosaics. Mosaics are a lot of fun—you spend 20 minutes to half-an-hour doing a craft and you have something to show for it immediately, and it’s quick turnaround gift giving.”

Perfect for the rapidly approaching holidays, Criscuolo is also offering a stocking-decorating craft as well.

Of course traditional pottery painting will still be a core project at the studio—glancing at the well-stocked shelves customers can choose from platters, mugs, animal figures and a seeming unending array of ceramics on which to unleash creative energy. Art on Fire supplies the paints, tools, kiln firing, expertise and music in the studio.

“Everything is individually priced, per item, and then we apply a one-time, $8 studio fee per painter. It’s not time based or item based. We don’t charge you any more than the $8, you can paint as many items during the time you stay there,” explained Criscuolo.

He noted that Tuesdays will always be “free studio time” and the $8 fee will be waived. “It’s something we do for customers who want to come in and paint regularly.” They’ll also have a Wednesday Holiday incentive, offering 50-percent off a customer’s entire check (ceramics and studio fee combined).

In addition to traditional kids’ birthday parties, Art on Fire hosts other kinds of gatherings.

“Senior citizen residential centers can have an outing here or we can bring things on-site. We do fundraisers in the studio for non-profit groups like the PTA or scout trips—we can put together auction items or donate 50 percent of the net proceeds of an event here.  Invite all your friends, we do all the work, they get a check, it’s a no-brainer,” said Criscuolo. “We also do corporate team-building and ladies’ nights, from 7-9p.m:  We cater the food, or we can do a wine tasting night, and you come in with everyone; we play some cool music, you chilax for a little bit and paint and have fun.”

The other major focus of the art studio will be after school and toddler enrichment programs, as well as summer camps. Criscuolo said the full schedule of programs for different age groups offers some extras.

“We provide free food and a safe environment and they can paint and socialize and have a great time. We also have a playroom that we’ve expanded so it allows kids to burn off energy if the painting isn’t doing it for them.”