Terra Mia Decorative Art Studio is a paint-your-own pottery studio, located at 1314 Castro Street in the heart of downtown Noe Valley. Guests purchase a piece of unfinished ceramic pottery to paint however they wish. The studio then fires and finishes the piece for you to pick up later. 

We think that Terra Mia is one of the most awesome places in Noe Valley for adults and kids. Here are a few reasons why:

Painting is fun and relaxing.
Tactile experiences, such as painting, promote stress relief and relaxation. Even if you are not the most naturally talented artist, the act of brushing paint on ceramic can bring on a sense of peace and calm. This feeling is upgraded when it includes a social element by painting ceramics in the company of good friends. 

It is locally-owned.
Yes! Nothing says love more than giving time and money to a business that is locally-based. Terra Mia has been in the Bay Area for 24 years and in the Noe Valley location for 18 years. 

Kids can party.
Throw your child a birthday party where somebody else does all the clean-up, and each kid gets to make their own party favor. It is a perfect celebration for little artists that doesn’t mess up your kitchen. Bring in your own snacks and cake to make it as simple or over-the-top as you like. 

Summertime day camp is a snap.
Childcare plus creativity plus a simple sign-up process. It’s a San Francisco parent’s dream. In the summer camp round up stress factory, this gem is sometimes overlooked by parents who just want a simple, entertaining option for their kids without having to endure the sometimes grueling SF Rec & Park registration. 

Adults can party.
Book Terra Mia for a grown-up birthday party, bridal shower, baby shower, or any sort of adult get-together. Get creative with party themes and the types of ceramics to paint. We love the story of a friend who invited her entire wedding party to come paint plates that were then used at the wedding reception. They can host up to 55 people for private parties and the party hosts can bring in their own food and beverages.

Terra Mia hosts Pride Painting Parties.
The last Friday of every month is Pride Painting Party, with two-for-one specials when guests bring a friend. Bring your own bottle of wine and have fun! The studio is open later for Pride Painting Parties, from 6pm until 9pm. Reservations are highly recommended for this popular recurring event. 

Date nights get artistic. 
Break up the monotony of dinner and a movie with a clever adult night out at Terra Mia. Established couples can enjoy doing something new together, or if it’s early in the relationship this may be a good chance to see your potential partner in a new and colorful light. Date nights take place on the first Saturday of each month and include two-for-one studio time. Bring your own bottle of wine and be sure to make a reservation in advance to save your spot. 

The location is prime.
Keep the date night going by hopping next door to The Peaks for a beverage to unwind after all of that mindful and relaxing painting. Terra Mia is also around the corner from many delicious Noe Valley restaurants. If you are with the children, keep the family fun alive by hopping into Paxti’s Pizza or grabbing a treat at Noe Valley Bakery.

Terra Mia gives back.
Terra Mia has worked with the SF-Marin Food Bank for 18 years, supporting canned food drives. This year, from January through October 2018, guests can receive free studio time each Wednesday from 11am to 6pm by bringing in three cans of food for the food bank. 

Terra Mia Decorative Arts Studio
314 Castro Street 24th St.
San Francisco, CA, 94114

(415) 642-9911

www.terramia.net

Rates are $12 for studio time for adults and $9 for children under 12, plus the cost of the piece to paint. Check out their website for two-for-one deals and other special events. 

Robin Dutton-Cookston is a writer and editor based in San Francisco. She has a day job as Director of Communications at Parents for Public Schools of San Francisco. Her night job is managing her three children, sipping bourbon, and eating chocolate, although not always at the same time.