Art Cafe, Hilton Head Paint-Your-Own Pottery

Shelves of unpainted white ceramic mugs, plates and figurines on blue shelves in the Art Cafe pottery studio

A paint-your-own pottery studio at 5 Lagoon Road: choose a piece, paint it, and come back a few days later to pick it up.

  • What: paint-your-own pottery
  • Where: 5 Lagoon Road, South Beach
  • Ages: all ages
  • Turnaround: about 4 days

Art Cafe is a paint-your-own pottery studio at 5 Lagoon Road, near the South Beach end of the island. You pick an unpainted piece from the shelves, paint it at a table and leave it with the studio, and it is ready to collect about four days later. The shelves hold hundreds of pieces in a range of prices and styles, from mugs and plates to figurines, so there is something for small children and adults alike. It is one of the easiest rainy-afternoon plans on the island, and it works just as well on a hot afternoon when everyone is tired of the sun.

How a Visit Works

  • Reserve first: the studio says reservations are necessary for guaranteed seating, and walk-ins may not be accommodated. Call (843) 785-5525.

  • Allow time: the studio asks you to arrive at least two hours before closing.

  • Pick up in about four days: pieces need a four-day turnaround before they are finished. If you are not staying that long, the studio can ship a finished piece to you.

  • Groups: Art Cafe hosts birthday parties, corporate events, anniversaries and team-building outings. A party of six or more, counting painters and spectators, gets an 18% automatic gratuity at checkout.

Hours

The studio is open Monday to Thursday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. It is closed Fridays except for pick-ups, which run 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Since a finished piece needs about four days, a Monday painter can collect on Friday morning.

More ways to spend the day

Arts and theater on Hilton Head

Hilton Head Island theater guide: the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, Sea Glass Stage, May River Theatre, the symphony and Art Cafe, with tickets.

Arts Center of Coastal Carolina
Arts Center of Coastal Carolina

Arts Center of Coastal Carolina on Hilton Head: upcoming shows with dates, tickets, box office hours and student rush at 14 Shelter Cove Lane.

Hilton Head restaurants

Where to eat on Hilton Head Island: restaurants by meal, cuisine and area, from Sea Pines and Coligny to Shelter Cove, plus private chefs and catering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Art Cafe on Hilton Head?

At 5 Lagoon Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, near the South Beach end of the island.

Do I need a reservation at Art Cafe?

Yes, the studio says reservations are necessary to guarantee seating, and walk-ins may not be accommodated. Call (843) 785-5525.

How long does it take to get my pottery back?

About four days. If you are leaving the island before then, the studio can ship the finished piece.

What are Art Cafe's hours?

Monday to Thursday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday noon to 5 p.m. It is closed Fridays, except for pick-ups from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Is Art Cafe good for kids?

Yes. The studio describes the fun as for all ages, and it hosts birthday parties. Parties of six or more pay an 18% automatic gratuity.

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