When 2-year-old Emma Oakes found out that the Painted Turtle reopened last month in Mancos, she was jumping for joy, said her mother, Theresa Oakes.
Theresa Oakes was excited too.
"We love the Painted Turtle," Theresa Oakes said last week inside the studio, which opened in a new location.
As Emma Oakes proudly showed off her creations - she painted a ceramic turtle and a ceramic train - co-director Sarah Allen was quick to point out the changes to the studio since it closed in Mancos almost a year ago.
First, it opened in a new location, across the street from Fahrenheit Coffee Roasters in Mancos.
"We almost doubled in space," Allen said. "I just love this space. It's so much more open and well lit and better for teaching classes."
Emma Oakes was also quick to point out the "open" sign out front and her favorite glaze color and colored glass.
Theresa Oakes said the store opened just in time, so her kids can make handmade gifts for family members.
"The handprint on ceramic is the best gift," Theresa Oakes said.
Co-director Allen said the space is great for birthday parties and she was always amazed at how quiet kids can be once they start concentrating on making a piece of art.
"There was a party here over the weekend, and you could here a pin drop," Allen said.
Theresa Oakes said it is a great place for adults to unwind as well.
Painted Turtle Studio is nonprofit, and community members can paint pottery and ceramics, make glass art, take a class and learn how to throw pottery on a potter's wheel.
The popular store went into storage for a while starting last Dec. 1 until it reopened on Oct. 23 this year.
Allen said that after four years as the director of the nonprofit, she needed a break. She headed down to Mexico for about four months.
"It was rejuvenating," she said.
The store also offers a retail space now, selling trinkets, art, photographs and other interesting items. Some of Allen's photographs from Mexico are featured.
The studio will be closed Thanksgiving through Dec. 1 for the holidays this week.
And because the studio is a nonprofit, it relies heavily on volunteers to man the studio.
"I am always looking for volunteers," Allen said.
