WILLMAR — Having an accountant own and operate an art business may not seem like the most obvious choice, but for Bonnie Eller it’s the realization of an idea she’s had for many years. While she likes numbers and everything adding up, Eller is also a big fan of just picking up a paintbrush and unplugging.
“It gives me an outlet,” Eller said. “It’s very relaxing to get rid of the stress of the day, just to be in the moment.”
Customer-finished art projects adorn a table at Artsy Fartsy on Wednesday, June 19, 2024.
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
Artsy Fartsy , located at 1025 19th Ave. SW, Suite 1 in Willmar, offers people of all ages and artistic abilities the same opportunity. In the studio, visitors can choose from a variety of ceramic and wood pieces and can paint them however they want. A horse can be black and brown or pink and yellow; The only limit is the painter’s imagination.
“You can do whatever you want,” Eller said. “The first rule here is that there is nothing wrong with art.”
Eller’s love for ceramic painting dates back to when she was a child painting with her mother. She continued while she lived in Boston, where she worked as a nanny. She would take her two young charges to a local studio called Plaster Fun Time.
“You could come and paint your piece,” Eller said. “I would take the kids there and they would love it. They would have a great time.”
When he returned to central Minnesota, where he was born and raised, Eller couldn’t really find a similar business to take his nieces and nephews to. He began to toy with the idea of opening his own.
“I thought about it for a long time, planning it in my head but not actually doing anything,” Eller said.
Various colored ceramic glazes adorn a table at Artsy Fartsy on Wednesday, June 19, 2024.
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
The opportunity to make the idea a reality finally came when her sister, owner of Hive, an event space specializing in art, offered Eller space to open Artsy Fartsy.
“That was really the starting point,” Eller said.
At first, Artsy Fartsy was open only a few hours each Tuesday and one Saturday a month. Eller also had to put away all the tables, chairs and supplies every time he closed. Recently, Eller was able to take over the lease of the space. That, in addition to being able to do her full-time job remotely, has allowed Eller the opportunity to relaunch the business with longer hours and more creative enjoyment.
A poster completed by a client hangs on Artsy Fartsy on Wednesday, June 19, 2024.
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
Artsy Fartsy reopened its doors on June 15. In the future, the studio will be open Tuesday to Friday from 1 to 6 pm and two Saturdays a month. Eller said the hours will be posted on a calendar that will be handed out in the front window of the studio and on
.
“We just want people to come and have fun,” Eller said. “Explore that artistic side of them.”
The business is also available to host private parties and events. Eller has even begun to carry out artistic activities in companies and public events.
“We’ve had bridal showers, birthday parties, girl scout groups,” Eller said.
On Artsy Fartsy there are many different types of ceramic projects to choose from. There are animals, lighthouses, fairies, bowls, mugs and more. Once a piece is chosen, visitors can use a rainbow of acrylic paints to make each piece their own. And, if you’re not able to finish a piece in one sitting, don’t worry; you can save it to Artsy Fartsy and come back for another session.
“You can come back as many times as you need” at no additional cost, Eller said.
Several ceramics are waiting to be painted on Artsy Fartsy on Wednesday, June 19, 2024.
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
Once the entire project is painted, a sealant is applied to protect the piece. If someone wants to use their bowl or mug for eating and drinking, Eller has food-safe glazes available and can fire the piece in the oven.
There are take-home kits available for those who enjoy crafting in their own spaces. Eller also hopes to offer other types of art projects, such as mosaics and even some glass work in the future. There is also the idea of offering a space for local artists to teach classes.
Eller’s favorite part of owning Artsy Fartsy is seeing the different ways people paint their projects.
“You can give eight kids the same piece and none of them will look the same,” Eller said. “I love that look.”
She also likes to provide a relaxing, judgment-free space for people to stretch their artistic muscles, create, and feel proud of what they’ve accomplished. Eller firmly believes in the power of art and what it can do for a person.
“It’s essential. It’s a great creative outlet,” Eller said. “You may not think you’re creative, but it allows you to create something; you’re doing something.”
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