A glaze that pays

Mixing red and blue makes purple. Mixing a little bit of music, paint and imagination makes The Latest Glaze.\nThe Latest Glaze studio, 1301 S. College Mall Road, provides a unique environment for the Bloomington community. Owners Bill Benedict and his wife, Mary Jo, encourage customers to put their artistic abilities to work in a relaxing yet colorful environment. \nInside the coral-painted building, customers will find themselves surrounded by shelves with different pieces to personalize, and the faint sound of music in the background. Potential painters can choose from miniature animals, frames, light switches, kitchen appliances and mosaics.\nBill Benedict said the pieces are in a “bisque state,” which means they have been fired in the kiln once. After they are painted they will be re-fired to give them glossy looks. Because a second firing is required, customers must wait three to four days to pick up their work.\n“After the pieces are painted, they are dipped in glaze to be fired in the kiln,” Benedict said. “This makes the piece shiny and functional for everyday use.”\nBenedict added that the studio has three kilns that reach up to 1,820 degrees and can usually hold between 20 to 30 pieces, depending on their sizes. \nSophomore Jamie Porcelius has been to the studio twice since she has been at IU. Porcelius painted a mug during her first visit and a ceramic paddle her second time.\n“I thought it would be something fun and different to do,” Porcelius said. “It is a great activity to do with your friends.” \nFriends can socialize and gossip around the rectangular and high top tables throughout the studio. Each table is covered in brown paper and is equipped with paintbrushes, sponges and a water bowl for washing.\nThe Latest Glaze is also an option for bonding with parents. Senior Laura Young had seen the studio’s sign before, but it wasn’t until her mom came to visit that she decided to give her artistic ability a chance. Young took her mom to the studio to socialize and personalize their own kitchen accessories.\n“It was a nice place to talk and enjoy each other’s company,” Young said.\nA patron doesn’t have to be the most creative or artistic individual to have a good time.\n“The guy working helped a lot with the brushes and the paints,” Porcelius said.\nShe said finished items placed around the studio gave her inspiration for her own pieces.\nCustomers can also choose from stencils, sponges, idea books and a tracing projector to begin their work. \n“People can bring their own pictures and trace them on to their pieces using a number two pencil,” Benedict said. “It (the pencil) is then burned out in the kiln.”\nYoung had a hard time deciding what to paint because of all the unique items to pick from. However, she said she chose yellow paint and stencils to paint a large coffee mug while her mom opted to sponge a butter dish. Young gave her mug to her boyfriend who, she said, uses it frequently. She also said her mom uses the butter dish regularly.\nBenedict said many organizations, such as residence halls and greek chapters, host parties or gatherings at the facility. He encourages groups to bring snacks and refreshments when they visit.\n“There isn’t any type of clay throwing, so it is an extremely clean environment,” Benedict said. \nAs for pricing, Porcelius says it is reasonable. There is an hourly studio fee that varies depending on age, and the price of the item. Most items are between $8 to $15.\nStudio hours and specials vary depending on the month and day.