Growing up in this area, I remember constantly complaining that there were not fun activities around. Now, as an adult, I feel like I can’t keep up with all the things to do in Huntsville! We’re so lucky to have such an influx of new businesses, providing much-needed “third spaces” that invite community.

The new local restaurants and shops are great, but I’m most excited about Huntsville’s flourishing creative scene. Located conveniently in Stovehouse, Bisque by the Vessel is the perfect creative spot for a family outing, date night, or girls night out.

When I heard the name Bisque, I thought of the soup. And I know I’m not the only one (see this Reddit thread). In the context of pottery, “bisque” refers to pieces that have been fired once. At that stage in the process, they are hard enough to be handled, yet still porous enough to absorb glaze. That sweet spot is perfect for painting.

Walking into the Bisque storefront feels calming and inspiring. It’s a beautiful space that’s elevated and artistic without overwhelming the senses. They have a wide range of options for various price points and skill levels, from tiny trinkets (You can add magnets the back. How cute?!?!? That’s what I’ll be doing next time) to seasonal pieces to functional items like mugs and bowls.

Robyn and I both opted for the “Perfect Mug” (16 oz) and her 7 year old chose a palm-size fox and an even tinier bumblebee. We jokingly said we should paint our logo on them, fully knowing that level of detail is above our skill level. Turns out, they have special tracing paper that we could use to stencil on the design.

The staff guided us through the painting process, helping us choose colors and reminding us to not overthink little mistakes. They have this little tool to clean up the design when you’re done painting, so the stakes didn’t feel too high!

The process is straightforward and engaging for toddlers, adults, and anyone in between. We’re so obsessed with how everything turned out!!!!

At the heart of the business is its owner. Jordyn Brummett is an artist herself with a background in art education. She taught elementary art for awhile and loved working with kids, but always felt drawn to the community atmosphere of working with people of all ages. She created The Vessel in Huntsville as an inspiring community space for ceramicists of all skill levels to hone their craft. As The Vessel became more and more popular, the studio eventually outgrew its space.

The Vessel moved into a bigger location (a GORGEOUS studio filled with natural light right up the road), leaving its former location available for a new concept.

Because The Vessel offers an experience that can be more in-depth and time-intensive, it was only natural to create a more accessible option for the community. That’s where Bisque comes in. Bisque has the approachability and fun of a classic paint-your-own pottery studio, while retaining The Vessel’s elevated, minimalist aesthetic and relaxed, inviting environment.

Bisque combines the minimalist aesthetic of the Vessel with a classic paint-your-own-pottery format to create an elevated pottery painting experience set in their inspiring, light-filled studio on Gaslight Alley at Stovehouse.

Walk in anytime during business hours and create a piece you can be proud of. You’ll find a curated selection of “bisque” pottery for all ages, interests, skill levels, and price points.

Bisque’s glazing & firing process (included in the price of each piece!) means your final pottery creation is food-safe, dishwasher-safe, and designed to last for decades.

When you visit Bisque, you of course have a fun experience and make great memories. But you’re also creating a physical heirloom. Case in point: every day while we drink out of our Fauna & Film mugs, we are reminded of the joy we felt during our visit to Bisque.

Paint-your-own pottery at Bisque by The Vessel great for kids, couples, groups of friends, or on your own. (Have you ever gotten the urge to try out a new hobby, but you didn’t want to commit to researching and purchasing all the supplies needed for that hobby?!) After just a couple visits, it has already become one of our favorite things to do in Huntsville.

The details:

Location:

3414 Governors Drive SW STE 440
Huntsville, AL 35805

Soft opening hours:

• Tuesday – Friday: 10am – 2pm
• Saturday: 10am – 6pm
• Sunday: 1pm – 6pm
• Closed on Mondays

Keep an eye out for changes in their hours!

For more information, visit their website and follow along on Instagram at @bisquehsv!

If you’re looking for more Huntsville content, check out Activities to Do in Huntsville with Kids and Indoor Birthday Party Activities for Kids in Huntsville!

Fauna & Film is a family photographer in Birmingham specializing in nostalgic film photography, camcorder home movies, and custom heirloom artwork for couples and families in Huntsville, Alabama and beyond.

From bespoke photo albums to custom, museum-worthy framed artwork, their passion is to serve clients by designing artwork for them that will last generations. 

Currently serving Huntsville, Madison, Decatur, Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, and surrounding area.