One day after the kids got out of school, we headed over to Chez Clay for some family fun. We enjoyed every minute! Parking was right outside the door (pay-to-park meter on weekdays). The atmosphere was relaxed, beautiful and true New Orleans in a renovated warehouse. We had hundreds of items to choose from, but my daughter painted a heart box, my son chose a horse and I painted a vase. We were able to paint with as many colors as we wanted and the owner left the paint bottles on our table so we used as much as paint as we wanted. She showed us how to use everything and then left us to our own imagination (no micro management at all!). I can tell you, I didn't know at first how our art would turn out, but we did great and had so much fun. We ended up spending two hours together at this unique pottery painting place and plan on bringing everyone back again to paint holiday gifts. This time, though, the kids insist we bring Dad, too!

Parents, you and your kids are going to love painting at Chez Clay! They're very family friendly. Most painters really like the extra attention they get at this studio. If you don't want the Chez Clay folks to give instruction, then just let them know. But the best part is the fun that you have when you let yourself go! I've seen kids on the trampoline and they were having a blast; if the younger ones can't reach the handlebar, then they probably shouldn't jump. You'll love the atmosphere, music and terrific pottery choices at reasonable prices (no studio fee either). Try it!

My sister, nephew, and I all went to Chez Clay on a beautiful Wednesday afternoon. Once the owner (who was the only employee there) locked us into a purchase, things turned ugly. I am 23 and have painted clay before, yet she insisted that I paint my plate in a certain way in order to "conserve paint." Now, I just paid 20 dollars for a plate, you would think that I could just paint in peace instead of being harrassed about the way I dipped my brush into the paint. Next, my two year old nephew began to paint. She stood over him and mico-managed the way he painted and told him over and over not to dip his brush in different colors. Ha, all this time I thought that painting was about being artistic and not following any specific rules. No, not at Chez Clay! Be prepared to be chastized and bossed around no matter your age. My nephew went to jump on the small trampoline in the room. The owner yelled at him and, forgetting that he wasn't tall enough to hold the handlebar, continually told him that he must hold the handlebar. The owner really shouldn't own a business that focuses on children and art if she doesn't like kids and can't handle those who "paint outside the lines." She really needs to lighten up or hire someone who actually likes kids and can allow those painting to create their own "work of art," even if doesn't agree with her personal taste. So, unless you can stand being continually watched over and instructed, and if your child is a soldier who doesn't want to move around, stay away from Chez Clay!