Our Blog

Activitites, Blog, Featured Local Attractions

Fall’s Featured Attraction: The Art Cafe

Aug 9, 2019

Subject: The Art Cafe

Type: Paint-your-own-Pottery Studio

Location: 5 Lagoon Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, just above Rockfish

Cost: Depends on what you want to paint plus $8 Studio Fee

Reservations: No

Audience: Everyone

Experience: On Lagoon Road just across from Coligny Plaza, one can find the Rockfish, a restaurant that specializes in steak and seafood. On the floor above it is this season’s featured attraction: The Art Café. Here one can paint their very own pre-made pottery piece(s). There are many things to choose from, from cups, to bowls, to plates. One can even paint figurines and uniquely styled coin banks.

Once one chooses his or her pottery piece(s) they are then asked to choose what colors they want from a menu. One can get more later if need be. While the staff handles the regular colors, one can choose specialty colors such as writers, speckles and neon colors. The staff suggests applying three coats of paint to give it a smoother look. The paint dries quickly so that is no trouble at all. One can choose to get food or drinks from Rockfish below if they are feeling hungry or purchase a treat from the M&M statue.

When one is finished painting his or her masterpiece, they then let the staff know and pay at the counter. Before that, one must sign his or her name at the bottom of their work for identification purposes. The works will be ready for pick up 2-3 days after one’s visit. If that is not possible, they will hold the trinket(s) for 30 days. The staff will let one know when his or her art is ready to take home to enjoy. They will then wrap it in paper and place it in a bag for the customer to take home.

Thoughts: The Art Café is a nice relaxing indoor activity to enjoy, although it is somewhat overpriced. Visitors of all ages are welcome to paint whatever pottery piece they choose to their liking. Not only do they have the generic cups, goblets, bowls and plates; they also have figurines that range from stylized and cartoon animals to pop culture icons and that makes for a great family appeal.

Service was somewhat slow, but good. The staff check on the customers every now and then to make sure they are comfortable, and all their needs are met. They are also accommodating when it comes to the retrieval of finished works. They will hold the customer’s creation for up to a month and will contact the customer when his or her piece(s) is ready to be picked up.

The atmosphere makes one feel like they are in an actual art studio. There are art pieces all around the area ready to be painted or already pained as well as the materials needed to do the deed. Although the atmosphere feels like a real studio it is also quite cluttered. This can create a safety issue as if one of the kilns burst into flames, the only way out is the entry to the studio itself. There are tables and chairs placed neatly all over the studio, but it could be a hindrance if everyone is scrambling for a lone exit to get out of danger.

Nonetheless, it is still a fun indoor activity to do with the entire family. Everyone can choose what they want to paint and let their imaginations run wild. Customers can turn colorless objects to vibrant pieces of art that will serve as a memento for years to come. From professional artist to the creative kid, many will enjoy their time at The Art Café.

Scoring (1-10):

Recommend: Yes, but save for a rainy day.

Contact: P = (843) 785-5525                                      W = https://www.artcafehhi.com/

Gallery: