Owensboro’s newest creative space, The Happy Art Studio, opened its doors Monday. Owner Alison McFarland describes the studio as equal parts classroom and hangout where anyone can drop in to paint pottery or canvas, take a guided lesson, or sign up for kids programs.
McFarland called Monday’s debut a soft opening. Regular hours moving forward are 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
She said the goal is to create a space where anyone — from beginners to experienced artists — can explore creativity in a relaxed environment.
“This has been a dream for a lot of years,” McFarland said. “After years of saving, I finally had the opportunity to make it. There’s not a lot of places in Owensboro for art, so I just felt like it was really important.”
Inside the studio, shelves of completed pottery pieces line one wall for walk‑ins. Guests choose a figurine or functional item, grab brushes and paint, and settle in. Prices for most pieces run $8-$12, and McFarland said the listed price covers everything.
“With a lot of other pottery studios, there are hidden fees — you add on paint, the kiln, studio time,” she said. “Here it’s the final price for everything. What you pay for the figurine is what you get for everything.”
For those unsure where to start, staff can pull out stencils and offer tips. The studio also keeps a separate “glow room” stocked with fluorescent paints.
“We have our glow room in the back with fluorescent paints,” McFarland said. “You can come in and do fluorescent painting in our glow room, and it makes a really neat effect.”
That space doubles for glow parties, birthday groups, bridal showers, and other private events.
Beyond open studio time, the calendar leans heavily into instruction. On Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, McFarland will lead guided painting or mixed‑media projects from a small stage at the front of the room. A camera setup allows her to mirror the canvas to a TV so larger groups can follow along.
“It’s a lot like a sip‑and‑paint,” she said. “You can follow along with instruction.”
Painting classes are $40 and include a 16×20 canvas, two hours of instruction, and snacks and drinks.
Tuesdays and Thursdays are reserved for pottery nights, with wheels available in the back for more advanced students. A longer pottery course costs $425 for three months and meets twice a week; materials, wheel use, and kiln firing are included. On Saturdays, she plans to rotate specialty workshops — pottery, glass, and other media.
The studio’s after‑school program runs 3:30-5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and is open to kindergarten through high school students. Each day features a planned activity that can be adjusted by age and ability.
“For the kids, we have an activity every day that I have planned out,” McFarland said. “It’s going to be guided. We’re going to have snacks and a drink for them, and if they need some chill time, we’ll have some games and stuff too.”
Families can pay $15 per day or $50 per week, and students can come as often as they like. Daytime homeschool sessions and Mommy & Me classes are also on the schedule.
McFarland said her own art path has been a mix of self‑taught experimentation and formal study. She first studied English in college, then, after working at a fine art museum, decided to go back to earn a degree in art and art education.
“I really enjoy teaching kids and adults, and just finding an excitement for art,” she said. “But at the same time, I want this to be a relaxing place to chill and hang out with your friends. If you don’t know how to do art at all, totally OK — just come have fun.”
She’s filling the walls with her own pieces for now, but hopes to turn some display space over to other local creators.
“I hope to include more members of the art community, where they can display their things,” she said. “Everybody needs a little art in their life. It just makes things more fun.”
For more information, search The Happy Art Studio on Facebook or visit their website happyartstudiollc.com.
