Ibiza is teeming with creative outlets, from art to music to dance so it's easy to understand why the owners of PJ's Arty Party have set up shop here on the island. Now, this is a party with a difference, you'll spot no DJ here, just a whole lot of paint! PJ's Arty Party studio is a new creative spot in Es Cana where you can paint blank ceramics, creating unique souvenirs, personalised gifts or just fun creating something for yourself to take away. Located in a quiet road just a short stroll from Es Cana beach, opposite Bar Cocoon, it's the ideal spot if you need a break from the sunshine. Suitable for all ages from 0-90, the studio opened in May and has been growing in popularity ever since. I headed down to check it out….
Somewhere Over The Rainbow
Parking easily just along the street, my first impressions of PJ's were good, a light, airy and inviting space and a warm welcome from owners Julia and Pierre. The studio is bright and colourful with a rainbow shaded mural wall and large painting booths that cater well for small groups. When I arrive on an Tuesday lunchtime there are two tables filled with families busily painting away and creating some holiday memories to take away with them.
Julia walks me through to the plain ceramics to choose a piece to work on. The choice is overwhelming with over 50 designs to choose from. From small keepsakes in the shape of butterflies, stars and ice creams to coasters, mugs, plates and then larger items such as garden lanterns and plant pots, the choice is endless. Some of the most popular picks are the slogan ornaments featuring words such as ‘love or ‘family and the mermaid figure - an influx of mermaid-crazy little girls has seen this design fly off the shelves and sell out. The iconic gecko figure is also a firm favourite with budding artists that come into the studio, making a traditional keepsake for holidaymakers and residents alike, to take home. Prices are more reasonable that you would think, with the smallest piece costing just 3€ and the most expensive, a cake stand, coming in at 35€.
True Colours
I settle on a small gecko (5€) and head to one of the empty painting tables to get started. Each table is set up with a carousel of paints. There are 28 colours to choose from with the addition of 5 new speckled colours that have just arrived. There is also a handy instructions board printed in 4 different languages and a paint chart to show the true colours. It's tricky to tell how your design will come out as the colours seem pale and faint when you begin your design but the colours take on their true bright forms once fired in the shop's on site kiln. A sudden feeling of pressure and panic descends but I'm told this is a usual reaction as most visitors don't consider themselves arty or creative. Julia assures me I'll have more flair than I think and provides me with some pre-painted geckos for inspiration.
Once I get started I realise I'm rather enjoying myself and am feeling relaxed. Ibiza's lunchtime traffic had left me feeling quite anxious on arrival but concentrating on painting the ceramic left me feeling in an almost meditative state. Julia tells me this is quite common, “It's a great way to relax recharge and engage your mind, painting uses two parts of your brain, the creative section and the concentration section, so it's great for children and adults alike”. I spend around 30 minutes completing my design, using the smaller decoration paint pots to create dots and squiggles, before it is put aside to go into the kiln to be fired. The kiln is fired up twice a week (wed eve/sat eve) and collection days are Thur after 4pm and Sunday after 4pm, so if you are on holiday it is advisable to visit at the beginning of your holiday. However if this don't fit, postage to home can be arranged on request and t-shirt painting is a new string to the studios bow, and designs can be taken away on the day.
Fun for the whole family
Suitable for all ages, small children and babies are encouraged to get involved by creating hand and foot paint prints on plates, the perfect keepsake gifts for grandparents. The studio also caters for children's parties onsite or in the comfort of your own home. There are various party packages available with discounts for large groups, ensuing a fun, unique party atmosphere.
This is one Ibiza party you don't want to miss!
What? PJ's Arty Party
Where? Es Cana
When? 11am-10pm (final admission 8pm)
Why? It's great fun for the whole family and is affordable too!
Average Spend? Small gifts cost 3€-5€, plates 12€ and the most expensive item is 35€
Top Tips? If you're on holiday ensure you visit with enough time to collect your design after it has been fired before you head home. Collection days are Thur after 4pm and Sunday after 4pm. If you don't have time to paint you can snap up a pre-painted design for the cost of the ceramic plus a small extra fee.
Room for improvement? Nada
WORDS | Lucy Moon PHOTOS | Aide Monge
