In the winter 2017, an idea was hatching from numerous family trips: a family-run studio space for painting canvas and earth clay. This would be my second art studio, a long-awaited rebirth of all the things I loved about my previous art studio in Ohio.

Cr8tive Clay would have classes, parties, and fundraisers. A Saturday morning story hour with project, topping off my top favorites for the space. Ideas started hatching and our family kept visiting other pottery studios, eager to paint our next piece. We signed the lease for the space for Cr8tive Clay in the fall of 2019.

Due to open the end of March 2020, we were surprised (like many!) with the Covid Pandemic shutting everything down. Orders for supplies were unable to be delayed, yet suppliers abroad closed, some overnight. With basic necessities like toilet paper being a hot commodity, while our local schools being online for almost two years, the keys had to be returned, and the idea shelved for the interim. Hopefully, a studio space will resurface again over time...fingers crossed.

"Ideas started hatching and our family kept visiting other pottery studios, eager to paint our next piece."

PLEASE FOLLOW ME as I embark on a quest to enjoy, learn from, and raise my little bamBEANos, in the best way this Mama Chickpea can. Art is my "balance" to life and I enjoy all the DIY therapy I can handle!

Artwork © copyright Shelly Arroyo, A.k.a. Mama Chickpea.