Brush it Off is a must-visit place for visitors of all ages! From their open studio to their fun paint-and-sip classes, beginners and art enthusiasts alike will have a blast at this dynamic art studio. We had the pleasure of speaking with owner Denise Morgan to learn more about how Brush It Off has become a beloved part of the local scene and what makes it stand out. From its inception over a decade ago to its impressive expansion and adaptation through challenging times, Denise shares insights into the journey of Brush it Off, what visitors can expect, and the impact it has on the Sturbridge community.
Q: How long has Brush it Off been in business? What is the story behind the company?
A: Brush it Off has been in business for 12 years. My daughter surprised me by taking me to a paint-and-sip bar, which was something I had never heard of. A year passed by, and I was frustrated with the Graphic Design business I was running at the time. Out of the blue one day, my husband asked if I had given any thought to opening a painting place. That was my green light, I prayed a lot and made a good business plan including a beer and wine bar, found the location, and with a lot of hard work, I was up and running in 6 months!
I have stayed innovative and slowly added on over the years, from just painting canvases to wine glass painting, lighted bottles, wooden cutouts and more. When the pandemic hit, we started selling take-home paint kits and moved the business down to a bigger location. Brush it Off is now equipped with an outdoor patio and three large rooms for parties. At the end of 2022, the space next to me became available and a friend sold me her pottery Equipment. We busted a hole in the wall to connect both art and pottery and at the same time added another room to accommodate splatter painting parties.
Q: What can visitors expect when they visit Brush it Off? Can you talk about your various offerings?
A: We recommend customers first visit our website calendars where they will find many options on different dates and times, including the art calendar and pottery calendar. We have what we call Open Studio time in the front room with a huge assortment of Bisqueware for people to either paint with acrylics and take home the same day, or we have kilns to fire pieces so they can glaze cups, plates, bowls and more items to make them food safe. During that time, we also offer resin pour sea glass frame art, acrylic paint pouring, slate, glass blocks, glassware and more. On the same art calendar on our website, customers will find step-by-step art classes and our popular splatter painting options. On our pottery calendar, customers will find all sorts of classes to register for. We also offer private parties, and we can even travel for parties!
Q: What is your mission?
A: Life can be tough; we all need a way to unwind and rejuvenate. I created this venue as a means for people to do just that. Creativity can be soothing and therapeutic.
Q: What does being a part of the greater Sturbridge community mean to you?
A: FAMILY. I love how 12 years ago I heard over and over “There is nothing to do in Sturbridge” I recently had a young lady say, “There is SO much to do here in Sturbridge now!”
Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?
A: Sturbridge is the place to be! Stay, eat and play! Make a long weekend of it, enjoy some of our restaurants, paint, glaze or make some pottery. Bring out your inner artist and try your hand at canvas or splatter painting!
Click here to start planning your visit to Brush it Off!
