Tysons After Dark: Local Pottery Place Helps Customers Paint Pets

Nightlife is zilch in Tysons at the moment due to the pandemic. After a brief hiatus, the “Tysons After Dark” series is back to highlight different online activities from local organizations that keep people busy once the sun goes down. 

Animal parents can now commemorate their household companions with painted pottery.

Kiln & Co (138 Church Street NW) is offering take-home paint sets for customers to recreate a likeness of their furry friend on a piece of pottery.

Though the classes used to be in person at Kiln’s studios around Vienna, Falls Church and Reston, the business decided to allow customers to bring the experience home so they have something to do while in self-isolation, according to the Dmitry Shakhov, the manger of the Vienna studio.

The multi-step process begins when the customer sends in a picture of their pet, which Shakhov will sketch onto the pottery and return to the customer with directions and supplies.

“It’s almost like paint by number,” Shakhov said. “First you start with your lighter tones and then you go darker.”

Orders can be placed over the phone at 703-255-7155, online or using the website’s chatbox, according to Shakhov, who added that people can pick up their sets at the shop.

Though the pieces’ price tags vary, a large platter runs around $30, which includes the supplies, glazing at the studio and the sketch of the animal. If a customer wants to add specialized coloring or details, Shakhov said they can do that without an extra charge.

A spokesperson for the pottery shop also said that Shakhov is in the process of arranging other at-home workshops at well.

Photo courtesy Kiln & Co