MOM'S MASTERPIECE

The Artful Potter helps children prepare for Mother's Day

Jayden Given, 7, decorates a coffee mug for his mom during an Artful Potter class at the International Christian Academy, April 27. Photo by SHELLY DONAHUE/VIEW Advertisement

Six-year-old Moriah Salerno's goal is to fill her mother's house with artwork she has created.

Moriah added one more creation to that collection on April 27, as she carefully painted a mug in her first-grade class at the International Christian Academy in the Summerlin area.

The Artful Potter, with two valley locations, donated the mugs, materials and kiln time to the class, just in time for students to create gifts for Mother's Day, which is Sunday.

"I really want to be creative, so I have paintings and stuff so my mom will be proud," Moriah said.

The Artful Potter has a variety of projects available for Mother's Day or other special events. In addition to mugs, the Artful Potter carries salad plates, cereal bowls, tiles and vases -- 600 ceramic pieces in all that are available to be decorated.

In addition, with The Artful Potter's Something's A Foot, children can have an imprint of their feet or hands placed on the piece. After that, one of the artists will paint a design of the child's choosing around the imprint.

"It's great for mothers and grandmothers," said Liz Le, owner of The Artful Potter.

Le said at The Artful Potter, employees coat the paint with a food safe, non-leaded glaze and fire it. Pieces are ready to be picked up within five to seven days.

Le said there is no age requirement for those who wish to participate.

"Babies come in a few days a month, and we do their handprint or footprint," Le said.

For those adults who need "adult art therapy," Le said, gift certificates are available.

Moriah said she often goes to The Artful Potter with her grandmother.

"You get to paint with all different colors. If you get messy, that's OK," she said.

Six-year-old Javid Fathi chose to decorate his mug with a smiley face and the message "I love you" on it.

"I think she's going to feel happy," Javid said of his mother's reaction to the gift. "It's pretty fun, and I think these are great colors."

First-grade teacher Denise Astle said she was thankful for the donation of the mugs from The Artful Potter.

"This is pure fun. Six- and 7-year-olds need pure fun. They work hard at this school," Astle said.

Le said most designs take about a week to complete the firing process, and may take longer during the holidays. Professional design work can take about 10 to 14 days, she said.

The Artful Potter has locations at 2351 N. Rainbow Road, Suite 102; and 8826 S. Eastern Ave., Suite 114. For more information, visit www.artfulpotter.com.