Painted by U
Providing a hands-on creative experience for would-be artists of all ages, Painted by U offers reasonably priced activities that are a little out of the ordinary.
Painted by U provides its customers access to a painting studio where they can create one-of-a-kind pottery, fused glass and canvas paintings.
The business opened its doors in February 2002, first in a small studio just off of Acton Road before relocating to the Vestavia City Center. In 2008, owner Amarilys Barnett moved the business to Riverchase Plaza, which allowed her to expand square footage and reach a broader residential area.
The almost 2,000-square-foot studio includes just over 300 pre-treated earthenware pottery items to choose from, seating for 70 including a private party space for up to 18 guests, and four kilns. Painted By U has proven to be a popular destination for all types of events, from bachelorette activities to birthday parties.
Barnett had five years of furniture sales under her belt before making the leap into small business ownership, so consumer marketing comes naturally. Just walking into her shop can’t help but evoke thoughts of the well-known Hallmark ad campaign, “Life is a special occasion.”
The studio infuses creativity into all who cross its threshold from the holidays to the every day and from commemorating life’s milestone moments to finding something fun to do “just because.” A special note to new and expectant moms – Barnett offers a free baby footprint tile to area families who wish to commemorate the first year of baby’s life.
“In the summer, we offer art camp almost every day,” Barnett. said “It’s so great to run into some of my campers throughout town and have them come up to me and tell me how much fun they had at camp. One camper recently told me that I was his favorite art teacher ever. It’s humbling to be able to touch so many young lives!”
Even the most doubting would be artists find something irresistibly fun about Painted by U.
“I think it’s fun for adults because there is no skill required,” she said. “I tell people that a solid color, stripes or polka dots can be achieved by anybody, and it always fires beautifully. Adults are always welcome to bring food and drinks when they visit with us, too. That’s extra popular when we have ladies nights!”