They call it the “art of having fun.” And it is. It’s art. It’s fun. And it takes you right back to third grade and using your father’s t-shirt as an oversized paint smock. Give it an hour, give it three, whatever time it takes you to create your masterpiece. You finish a hand-painted creation, wait a few days, and then you take it home. Remember the pride you took in stringing macaroni from the Christmas tree or hanging rigatoni from your neck? Well, there’s nothing like the feeling of having a steaming cup of coffee from a mug you painted. Or eating from a plate whose design you created. It’s an amazing thing, this art stuff. Who remembered that it could be so much fun?

Color Me Mine, the leader in the contemporary ceramics industry, has taken over Mechanicsburg. Originating in California, this chain dominated the West Coast for years before creeping into the rest of the country and setting up shop in more than 75 stores across the nation. While it is still finding its niche on the East Coast, David Miller’s Mechanicsburg store has made its mark on Pennsylvania. A large studio with a relaxing, homey environment, the workshop offers the perfect place to create art — and fun.

Since it’s opening last summer, Color Me Mine has attracted a loyal and diverse crowd, drawing everyone from parents and kids to private parties and corporate events to groups of friends and nervous adults on a first date. Over time, the studio has become a home to a wide variety of people eager to flex their artistic muscles — or by those simply encouraged to flex them by the “artists” that have brought them along. Regardless of who you are, once you’re there, the paint starts flowing, the brushes start flying, and the art class mentality takes over. You don’t have to be Picasso, or even the best artist in your entire third grade — because once you’ve started, you can’t imagine the fun!

Founded in 1991, the Color Me Mine chain has done wonders with the concept that pottery is something done only by artisans and people knowledgeable to the crafting world. Rather, as part of its welcoming atmosphere and easy-to-do attitude, the studio relies on its theme of “anyman” as an artist. While the objects on display throughout the studio are crafted with the finest of care with perfect designs and perfectly matched colors, that type of work is not demanded of the average customer. In fact, the franchise lives by the words “Everyone is an artist at Color Me Mine.” And just in case that fails, there is always the helpful staff waiting to “walk you through anything,” according to Miller — including the selection of the wide assortment of paints, brushes, and sponges that are available for use.

Just in case you lack in the creativity department, however, Miller’s studio comes complete with a computer that is stocked with over 25,000 ideas. So, if you’re unsure of what to do — and your dilemna goes beyond the staff’s help — all it takes is the push of a few buttons and an instant design is yours! There is a design for every interest, for every style of pottery. You take the pattern, make a trace, and paint — that’s all it takes … they did teach tracing in grade school, didn’t they? Although Miller says that the ratio of tracers to those who design from scratch is about “half and half,” he is quick to point out the ease of the computerized concept. “It becomes paint by numbers, almost,” he adds. And everyone knows how to do that.

One of the most amazing aspects of Color Me Mine is the vast assortment of pieces to choose from. The shelves of the spacious studio are filled with items ranging in purpose and price. From cappuccino mugs and nacho trays to bathroom accessories and candlestick holders, all are available at a reasonable cost affordable to everyone. “There is a huge price range,” Miller explains. “We have prices that range from $4 to $75, with 400 different pieces of bisque.” Whether the item is for your home, your office, or a gift, there is an item suitable for every occasion.

Miller, who brought his studio to the area after what he called “time-consuming effort,” was inspired with the idea after experiencing the West Coast versions of the store on his visits to California. “It was something I had my eye on for a long time,” Miller explains, adding that he felt the region was a perfect match for the franchise simply because, in an equally business-and family-dominated environment such as Harrisburg, it’s just as easy for the studio to “have a children’s party as it is to have a corporate event.” “It’s almost like a chameleon,” he adds, “It’s just endless, what can be done.”

In its short existence in the Harrisburg area, Color Me Mine has become the place to be — partially because of its atmosphere and partially because of its entertainment aspect. Crowds range from bored customers on a rainy day to experienced artists working on a progress piece to groups of women looking to have a good time on the weekly Thursday Ladies’ Nights. And, according to Miller, most are “very pleasantly surprised” with the finished product and are often eager to come back for more.

Whatever the reason, whoever you are, Miller is quick to emphasize the versatility of his business, saying, “The Color Me Mine environment is suitable for everyone. For any idea you have, Color Me Mine can become that for you.”