Pottery Garden a creative oasis

Elizabeth Webb, owner of The Pottery Garden, helps Rachael Wohl, 10, of south Fort Myers, write her name on the back of a wine-bottle shaped piece of pottery. Wohl decided to paint the works "Would you like some cheese with that whine?" on the front of the piece. She will be giving it to a family friend.

The creative juices are flowing at the Pottery Garden in south Fort Myers and locals are gathering to learn about the world of pottery painting and ceramics.

Elizabeth Webb is the owner of the shop on McGregor Boulevard that teaches customers how to work on a pottery wheel, paint pots or make a mosaic.

"We are an art studio that offers complete instruction for painting your own pottery," said Webb, of south Fort Myers. She will be celebrating the second anniversary of the shop in February. "It's a nice place to get together with friends and learn something new."

The learning, Webb said, takes place in the studio, which is lined with unfinished pieces and customers' art.

"It is fun and people of all ages come to paint with brushes and other techniques," said Webb who teaches painting using blown bubbles, splattered paint or tissue paper. "It's about having fun and finding out ... we are creative."

Getting that creativity out in the open is why customers can purchase any blank piece to paint or create their own pieces like plates and coasters.

"It's very informal and it's fun to see what everybody does with their creativity," said Gail Reynolds, of Fort Myers, the day manager of the shop, who was once a customer herself.

Reynolds runs the children's day camps, which are available when school is not in session.

Attendees spend the day or half a day playing games, learning to paint on ceramic and making new friends.

Julie Bobman's daughter recently attended a kids day camp. "She loves being here and we have quite a collection at home.

"It's a good way for her to spend her time."

Giving locals a place to spend time and express themselves is why Webb offers Diva Night for adults and after school programs, and she can accommodate large groups.

"It's a fun, safe and creative environment," said Webb about the shop, which uses non-toxic, food-safe products. "We even have an early bird program and specials for those that come often."

Webb opened the shop because of her daughter Victoria Shaker, who teaches art at Gateway Charter.

"I was always crafty and she is artsy so we combined both in the shop," said Webb who created a newsletter as a way to keep customers up to date with the shop's events. "We want this to be a place where the community can come, spend time with friends and enjoy themselves."