You don’t have to be ‘Pcasso’ to make a splash

Splashes of paint cover every possible surface at Pcasso Pottery: tables, chairs, floors, doors, walls, coats, boots.

“If it’s a surface, I will paint it,” says Susan Zavagli, artist and owner of the art studio and school, hidden behind several storefronts off of West Street in Chester and marked by a rainbow splattered door.

A fluffy and friendly Bella welcomes guests to the studio. The Maltese poodle is the “prize of the studio” and is also the only thing inside that is spared the color explosion.

“I opened my store to bring to the community a studio where anyone, any age, can come to create and not be intimidated,” says Zavagli. “With art you can’t really make a mistake.”

A little bit of paint and a bare wall was all that Zavagli needed to start her career in art. She was two at the time, but her passion continued over the years. She graduated from Art Students League NYC’s School of Visual Arts and opened her own art studio in Sarasota, where for many years she sold her own paintings. Looking to be closer to her family and grandchildren, Zavagli sold her Florida studio and moved to Warwick, opening Pcasso three and a half years ago.

Zavagli offers everything from a summer camp for children to bridal parties and ladies nights out, where guests can work from a choice of 16 different media.

Kids can paint sculptures shaped like penguins, snails, dinosaurs; food-safe dishware and glasses, lanterns and recycled items are available for adults to put a personal touch on.

“If someone can create something on their own, it is such a gratifying feeling to know they are capable,” Zavagli said. “I say don’t be afraid of it.”