Exploring Affordable Art in Modesto
From brunching at an iconic Modesto coffee shop to browsing the stands of a buzzing Stanislaus County flea market, I’ve been exploring fun and budget-friendly spots all season long. For this month’s “On a Budget” destination, a Modesto Bee reader named Edward Echeverria recommended I check out Pottery Magic Modesto for my next affordable adventure. He mentioned that their website advertises “most people spend $18 to $35,” so I decided to put that statement to the test on a recent weekday morning.
Where to Find Modesto’s Painting Studio
Pottery Magic Modesto is located at 3501 McHenry Ave., Unit B6, in Modesto. The painting studio is easy to overlook, as it’s tucked away in the Promenade Shopping Center next to big-name stores like Ross and Barnes & Noble. However, once you step inside, you’ll find a charming hidden gem full of creativity.
What’s Available at Pottery Magic Modesto?
Before heading out on my next budget-friendly adventure, I did some research on the destination. Pottery Magic Modesto has an average rating of 4.8 stars on Google, with more than 200 reviews praising the studio’s variety, atmosphere, and affordability. One reviewer, Slurmy Gunch, wrote, “They have a very nice selection of blank clay sculptures to pick from, ranging from classic garden gnome-type figures to dishes like plates and bowls to various animals, like a snake or a cat.” Another Google user, Ruby J. Macias Hernandez, gave the studio a five-star review, saying, “Prices were reasonable and you definitely get the tranquility and comfort. (I) definitely will be coming back!”
Most reviews suggested going with friends or family members, so I invited my sister and sister-in-law to join me. When we arrived, we were greeted by a friendly reminder to wash our hands before painting. The studio had a cozy, relaxed vibe, with the soft hum of conversation mixing with a Norah Jones song playing in the background, creating the perfect setting for a calm, artsy escape.
How I Spent My $25 Budget on Pottery Painting
After washing our hands, we wandered around the studio to choose our pieces. The shelves were packed with everything from ceramic dishes and whimsical animal figurines to bongs and flower pots. I had originally planned to paint a bowl inspired by some Pinterest ideas I had saved the night before, but most of the dishes were priced over $20. Since I also needed to factor in the $5 studio fee and tax, that pushed the bowls just outside my $25 budget.
Luckily, there were plenty of more affordable options. Smaller figurines—such as a ceramic cat and a little girl reading a book—started at just $5 and topped out around $20. Larger pieces, like a chunky ceramic piggy bank, were closer to $30. The cheapest ceramic I could find was a star key chain fob priced at $2.50. There was something for every taste and budget.
After a few laps around the studio debating my choices, I finally settled on a small ceramic plate for $18, leaving me just enough room in my $25 budget to cover the $5 studio fee and tax.
Is Pottery Magic Modesto Affordable?
Pottery Magic Modesto offers weekly discounts to help guests get creative without breaking the bank. On Mondays, the studio waives its standard $5 studio fee. Wednesdays bring a bit of surprise, as guests can draw a random discount, ranging from a free studio fee to 20% off their purchase. On Fridays, groups of four or more receive half off the studio fee.
Since I visited on a Wednesday, I got to try my luck and ended up drawing a free studio fee—which saved me $5 at checkout. I also paid in cash to avoid the 2% service charge that comes with card payments. In the end, my total was $19.60 for the $18 plate and $1.60 in sales tax.
Now, we wait 10 to 12 days for our creations to be glazed, fired, and ready for pickup.
Next Steps
Thanks for the suggestion, Edward! I can’t wait to see how our pieces turn out. Where should I go next? Have any ideas for where I should go next in or around Modesto? I’m exploring the area on a $25 budget. Send your suggestions to [email protected] or fill out the form below. Can’t see the form? Go to tinyurl.com/3euwab47. The latest local, national, and international news delivered every weekday morning.
