GENESEO, Ill. — For years, Derick and Deanna Burton loved going to Fireworks in Moline to paint pottery together. When the studio closed, Deanna missed having a place to slow down, make something and enjoy the experience with family and friends.
The high school sweethearts, now married for 25 years, talked about opening a studio of their own someday. Then, on a drive home about a year ago, Deanna said it out loud: What if they opened one right here in Geneseo?
That conversation led to Unwind By Design, a new paint-your-own pottery studio in the lower mezzanine of Smith Studio and Gallery at 124 S. State St. The Geneseo Chamber of Commerce will celebrate its grand opening with a ribbon cutting on Monday, November 2, at 5 p.m. The studio will remain open until 8 p.m., and visitors are welcome to stay and paint.
The Burtons wanted to bring an experience they loved closer to home. They visited pottery studios in neighboring states for inspiration and worked with the Small Business Development Center and the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce to figure out their next steps. Then a connection through church introduced them to the owners of Smith Studio, who happened to be looking toward semi-retirement. The timing couldn’t have been better: the Burtons had found the perfect place to bring their dream to life, right in the heart of downtown Geneseo.
At Unwind By Design, visitors choose a ready-made pottery piece, pick their colors and paint it however they like. The studio fires each piece in a kiln, and customers return later to pick up their finished work. Prices vary by pottery piece. The space is designed for creativity and connection, whether you’re bringing the kids, catching up with friends or trying something new on your own. You don’t need to be an artist or have any experience with a paintbrush. The point is to relax, have fun and make something that’s yours.
The studio will welcome walk-in painters and offer themed events, private gatherings and birthday parties. For Geneseo, it’s one more reason to spend time downtown - and a new place for families and friends to make memories together.
Their regular hours will be Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 3–8 p.m.; Saturday from noon–8 p.m.; and Sunday from noon–4 p.m. The studio is closed Tuesdays.
The community is invited to meet Derick and Deanna, explore the studio and try pottery painting during the November 2 grand opening.
Learn more at unwindbydesign.com or follow Unwind By Design on Facebook and Instagram.
