The Pottery Piazza, Plainville

Shelves stretch across the walls of The Pottery Piazza, abounding with more than 1,500 bisque mugs, plates, and figurines in need of decoration. Beside them sit stencils, brushes, bottles of paint, and more than 100 types of glaze. At the tables, clients adorn their blank bisque canvases with paint while sipping from their favorite home-brought wine. Staff members stroll up and down the store, eagerly awaiting their chance to offer advice on the best ways to design a piece, perform artistic techniques, or accidentally drop incriminating evidence into the kiln. During fairer weather, painters lay claim to the tables on the front patio, painting, snacking, and socializing alfresco style. Throughout the year, the shop hosts special events, including private parties, kids' summer camps, and BYOB ladies nights.