Meet Bethany Smith of Ready Paint Fire! in Breckenridge

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bethany Smith.

Bethany, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I took over a small pottery studio in Breckenridge in Nov 2010 because I love ski town life. I ski-bummed around the French Alpes, USA and Canada in my twenties, painted murals and made mosaics for a living. Mid-30s I found my home in the warmth of a Colorado Ski Town. Chris and two years old Ash complete the picture. This family business is celebrating ten years on Main Street in Breckenridge! We live above the shop on Main St. so that we can play music late for our happy hour events and still serve mimosas easily on a Sunday morning. Oh, and that location is right opposite the gondola – smile… The Studio opens at 11 daily which means fresh tracks if we’re not too tired, sigh.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Challenges were fun to start with- things like repainting and adapting the studio space to incorporate more art projects and different mediums.

We quickly added canvas painting and glass mosaics to the studio with all that that entails ‘back of house’.

We added kilns to speed up the firing and return time for customers who are only town for a few days.

Biggest challenge was obtaining the Beer & wine licensing from the Town!

Having a two-year-old start walking around the studio. He knows not to touch the “WHITE” pottery pieces, only the colored, shiny ones.

Please tell us about Ready Paint Fire! – what should we know?
We invite you in to relax and spend some time creatively. You can do that with family and friends or you can do that alone and you’ll find a warm welcome with helpful staff to get you going with whatever project strikes your eye. You can paint pottery or canvas, you can follow tutorials or let your imagination out. You can break glass and mosaic mirrors. You can drink wine while you paint, you can bring in pizza. You can park for free outback. You can not drop off your kids but you can paint together as a family. Everyone will find something to enjoy. We’re an indoor activity for all ages in a ski town for those who don’t want to ski, and those who need to take a rest!

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Family of course first and foremost. Mum&Dads belief and constant affirmation that I’m doing ok. And to keep going. A strong man as my rock and daily ally. A two-year-old son who makes me laugh and see the big picture.

I’m truly grateful for the staff who have spent time being part of this studio. I’ve had the fortune to work with talented artists and kind, caring people for almost a decade. We laugh that we ‘Waitress Art”. And though many simply leave because that’s the nature of the ski town, we remain dear friends.

Pricing:

• Studio fee $10/valid one week. Kids half price with Adult painter.
• Wide variety projects from $5 to $100
• Many projects from $15 to $30

Contact Info:

• Address: Ready Paint Fire!
  323 N. Main St.
  Breckenridge CO
• Website: www.readypaintfireCO.com
• Phone: 9704535765
• Email: rpfbreck@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/readypaintfire_breckenridge/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReadyPaintFireCO/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/rpfbreck?lang=en
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ready-paint-fire-breckenridge-2
• Other: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g33327-d3592671-Reviews-Ready_Paint_Fire-Breckenridge_Colorado.html

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