Located just few doors down from The Gobbler Grill in Broadway, the Messy Brush offers a vibrant space for creativity and community. Owned and operated by Shelly Widener, this pottery painting studio is a dream realized, combining her passion for art and her desire to provide a local, family-friendly activity.
Originally from Pennsylvania, Shelly brings a piece of her past to Broadway. “In Pennsylvania, I used to take my kids all the time to a place called Paint-A-Plate,” she shares. After moving to Broadway seven and a half years ago, Shelly saw an opportunity to create a similar space here. “I just thought it would be nice to add a store like that,” she explains.
The Messy Brush is more than just a pottery painting studio. It offers a variety of classes and events for all ages. “We offer pottery that you can come in and paint, and then I glaze and kiln it for you to take home,” Shelly explains. Additionally, the studio hosts canvas painting classes, where participants can sign up to create different paintings each time, all of which they get to take home.
Shelly is keen on keeping her events dynamic and inclusive. “I’m going to do a whole bunch of different kinds of events, some for adults, some for children,” she says. Information on these events is actively updated on the Messy Brush’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
The studio can comfortably host between 20 and 25 people for painting events, making it an ideal venue for birthday parties, girls’ nights out, Christmas parties, and more. “We have aprons that you can wear while you’re painting, so your clothes don’t get messed up,” Shelly notes, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their creative time without worry.
Shelly also collaborates with local vendors, offering crocheted items from Hollow Creek Crafts and tote bags from Mags Bags for sale in the studio. Pottery prices at the Messy Brush range from $8 to $42, making it accessible for families. “It’s very affordable to come bring your child and do that,” Shelly says.
Once the pottery pieces are painted and fired in the kiln, they are fully functional and durable, safe for use in the microwave, oven, and dishwasher. “They’re durable,” Shelly assures, highlighting the practicality of the art created in her studio.
For those interested in the time commitment, Shelly recommends allowing at least one to two hours for a project, depending on the complexity and detail. The studio is equipped with hair dryers to help speed up the drying process between layers of paint.
The community response has been overwhelmingly positive since the Messy Brush opened its doors on June 15th. “People seem really excited,” Shelly says. She has already seen significant engagement on social media and steady foot traffic in the studio.
While people are painting, the Messy Brush offers a variety of flavored waters to keep guests refreshed. Shelly is also open to customers bringing their own snacks and drinks.
To cater to families with young children, Shelly provides coloring books, crayons, and even plans to set up a projector for movies or cartoons. “I just want this to be a really affordable, fun thing for families to do locally without traveling into Harrisonburg,” she says.
Shelly’s entrepreneurial journey is rooted in years of experience managing and helping others open businesses. Now, she has channeled that expertise into creating a space that reflects her passion for art and community.
The Messy Brush is open Thursday to Saturday with extended hours and on Sundays from 12 to 5 PM. Shelly is also exploring options for field trips and summer camps, aiming to provide a creative outlet for all ages year-round.
For more information and updates on events, visit The Messy Brush on Facebook and Instagram. Shelly invites everyone to come and experience the joy of creating art in a welcoming and supportive environment.
The Messy Brush is a testament to Shelly Widener’s vision and dedication, offering Broadway a delightful new venue for artistic expression and community connection.
