<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Theresa Oakes was excited too.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe love the Painted Turtle,\u201d Theresa Oakes said last week inside the studio, which opened in a new location.<\/p>\n
As Emma Oakes proudly showed off her creations \u2013 she painted a ceramic turtle and a ceramic train \u2013 co-director Sarah Allen was quick to point out the changes to the studio since it closed in Mancos almost a year ago.<\/p>\n
First, it opened in a new location, across the street from Fahrenheit Coffee Roasters in Mancos.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe almost doubled in space,\u201d Allen said. \u201cI just love this space. It\u2019s so much more open and well lit and better for teaching classes.\u201d<\/p>\n
Emma Oakes was also quick to point out the \u201copen\u201d sign out front and her favorite glaze color and colored glass.<\/p>\n
Theresa Oakes said the store opened just in time, so her kids can make handmade gifts for family members.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe handprint on ceramic is the best gift,\u201d Theresa Oakes said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere was a party here over the weekend, and you could here a pin drop,\u201d Allen said.<\/p>\n
Theresa Oakes said it is a great place for adults to unwind as well.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s wheel.<\/p>\n
The popular store went into storage for a while starting last Dec. 1 until it reopened on Oct. 23 this year.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was rejuvenating,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
The store also offers a retail space now, selling trinkets, art, photographs and other interesting items. Some of Allen\u2019s photographs from Mexico are featured.<\/p>\n
The studio will be closed Thanksgiving through Dec. 1 for the holidays this week.<\/p>\n
And because the studio is a nonprofit, it relies heavily on volunteers to man the studio.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am always looking for volunteers,\u201d Allen said.<\/p>\n