Art and Clay Studio LLC — Attraction in Lakewood

In August, H went to the Art and Clay studio with friends. She picked out a ceramic lion to paint in the likeness of her favorite childhood stuffed animal, Li-Li. H is a diligent perfectionist. She made sure to use three layers of paint and even had a reference photo (we were there for over an hour). All ceramics are left behind to be glazed and fired in the kiln by the studio. I am still trying to wrap my head around what happened today at pick-up. We unwrapped the lion to find that someone had altered H’s work adding white dots (eye highlights) to the lion’s all black eyes. An additional blemish (a black smudge) showed up on the back of the lion’s mane- but at least that was likely accidental. H immediately started crying at the alterations- this was supposed to look like her “best friend,” and now her work was permanently changed. I went inside to ask what happened. The owner, Cheryl Johnson, said that she was the one that altered the work and that she thought my child would like it better that way. I have never met an art teacher or artist that has altered someone else’s work without asking permission. Cheryl did not offer a refund but offered to give H a new (free) lion that she could paint anew and I walked away with that blank ceramic lion trying to process the unprofessionalism I had just encountered. I am deeply offended that Cheryl dared to have an opinion on someone else’s work AND that she acted upon it. Every artist, including children, has a right to have their work respected. If you are inviting artists of all ages into your business, please respect everyone equally. I will not return to the Art and...

I thought this would be a fun place, instead I left feeling heartbroken for my 10 yr old. He is autistic and has a certified Canine Companions for Independence service dog. When we entered we were immediately ushered back outside where we were questioned (more than a business is allowed to question) about our dog. We were then allowed to enter, but the owner treated my 10 year old as if he was some kind of problem she had to keep an eye on at all times. If he would not look at her or if he'd verbally stem she would stop talking and repeat herself until o finally had to tell her that he didn't have the ability to give her his undivided attention. She just treated him like a problem. We wanted to come back to paint our items we made, and I wanted to give the owner a second chance. But that didn't work out. When I called she asked me if I was going to bring him and the service dog, and when I responded yes, she said she needed to make sure there would be an additional staff to "watch" us. Because my son is different, we can't be in her business without someone to watch us. I'll have you all know that my son and his wonderful service dog did not do anything wring in her facility. I'm heartbroken that even a full grown adult business woman would discriminate against a...

I used to love this place but haven't been sense covid. There was always this nice young girl working but this time I went it was an older lady who was pretty off putting. When she saw us she said oh you want to paint something at MY shop. Then told us we'd have to pay before painting. Anytime I've gone we pick paint then pay. I have no problem paying first but they way she said it made it sound like she thought we were planning on stealing or not paying. Their product options have changed and don't seem as good anymore. Also they have raised their prices significantly sense the last time we were there. Honestly the original encounter with the lady was so off putting that we didn't really feel comfortable staying and painting which sucks because I used to...