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By Elisabeth Altamirano-Smith | Community columnist 

Locals looking for entertainment can now enjoy making ceramic creations in Jemison. Business partners Rita Brasher, Pat Glenn and Kathy Martin opened SheShac Ceramics in May, which allows customers to select a pre-made ceramic design of their choosing and paint the piece. 

“A customer can take as long as they would like to paint their design,” said SheShac Co-Owner Rita Brasher.  “For most people, it takes a couple of hours. Once someone is finished painting their ceramic piece, they give it to us, and we fire it in the kiln. We fire all of the pieces once a week, so the customer can return the following week to pick up their creation.”

Brasher’s interest in ceramics began when she was a child, watching her grandmother create pieces, which she still safeguards today. Her interest in ceramics was roused again after her friend, Pat Glenn invited her to attend a ceramics group.

“Mrs. Pat kept inviting me to do ceramics in Irondale, but I never went with her because I didn’t think I could paint well,” Brasher said. “I eventually began going to her house and painting in her shed. Once I got started, I loved it!”

The women began offering ceramic classes to Mineral Springs Baptist Senior Group but had to load up the ceramic supplies to transport to the church which was cumbersome. That is when the business trio had the idea of offering ceramic classes to the public at a set location.”

“My daughters encouraged my husband to fix up an old house on our property and convert it into a ceramics business,” Brasher said. “He converted it into a big open room which can accommodate a group. We have all of the ceramic designs lined up on shelves so that people can select which one they want.”

A variety of designs are available to paint including small dogs, frogs, platters, pitchers, pumpkins, churches, angels, turkeys, flower pots, a wide range of Christmas décor including snowmen and multiple styles of the popularized Christmas trees, which include the lighting that fits inside the branch tips. 

The women pour all of the ceramic pieces in advance, except the ceramic Christmas trees which are poured by Pat’s husband, Wayne. Prices range from $6-$250 depending on how large the piece is.

SheShac Ceramics is open to individuals or groups that would like to create a piece. They are currently planning an open house and a few painting parties for children.

“This is for all ages,” said Brasher. “You don’t have to be an artist. You just need to enjoy what you are doing. It is your own masterpiece.”

SheShac Ceramics is located at 11904 County Road 42, Jemison (one mile west of I-65 Exit 219). For more information or to schedule a paint time, contact 205-389-1878, 205-218-2113 or 205-936-1813.