Make ceramics, memories at new Medina business

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 January 2016 at 12:00 am

Brushstrokes Studios celebrates grand opening

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA Tim and Crystal Elliott, owners of Brushstrokes Studios, celebrate the grand opening of the business today at 409 Main St.

The business opened on Nov. 28 during Medina’s Old Tyme Christmas festival. Brushstrokes has been busy since then, hosting parties, classes and other people who paint their own ceramics or create glass fused art.

“It’s entertainment whether you are 2 years old or 100,” Mr. Elliott said. “You can create a memory.”

Brushstrokes celebrated the grand opening with a ribbon cutting. Pictured, from left, include: employee Jamie Whitmore, Crystal and Tim Elliott, State Assemblyman Steve Hawley, Deputy Mayor Mike Sidari, and Kathy Blackburn, executive director of the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce.

The business is located in what was once the long-time home for The Journal-Register, Medina’s community newspaper.

“It’s unique,” said Blackburn, the Chamber director. “It’s another thing for children and people to do.”

Customers can paint their own ceramics, such as this frog. It is then glazed, dried and put in a kiln, bringing out vibrant colors.

Brushstrokes also has a glass kiln for artwork and pieces made with glass fusing.

The Elliotts say they already have many dedicated customers, and people interested in classes to learn techniques and hone their skills or just have fun.

“People want something new to do,” Mr. Elliott said. “You get a tangible item to take home.”

Crystal Elliott holds one of the glass fused pieces at Brushstrokes. With glass fusing, glass plates and strings of glass are melted in a design and then can be bent with curves.

Crystal is an elementary school teacher currently working as a long-term substitute teacher at Lyndonville.

She has been working on Brushstrokes for about 2 1/2 years, wanting to give families an activity they can do together. She completed a small business class through the Orleans Economic Development Agency.

Tim Elliott fills a palette with paint at Brushstrokes. Elliott, after working a corporate job, has bought and managed properties in the Medina area, in addition to now owning Brushstrokes with his wife.

The Elliotts have created a High Five Hall of Fame for some of their customers. The blue handprint was made by Madelyn, their 6-year-old daughter. Assemblyman Steve Hawley added his handprint to the display today.

For more on Brushstrokes, call (585) 735-5953 or visit the business’s Facebook page by clicking here.