The Ceramic Man opens new location in Tavistock, offering creative opportunities for all ages

The Ceramic Man owner Chris Hilts welcomes local residents to his new ceramics shop behind Tim Hortons in Tavistock. The business offers a wide selection of ceramics for customers to paint and decorate, with more than 8,000 moulds available for creating unique pieces. Pictured, from left, are Brenda LeToile, Chris Hilts, Julie Hilts and Linda Skinner. Gary West photo

By Gary West

Tavistock residents looking for a new hobby or a creative way to spend their spare time may want to stop by The Ceramic Man, a local business that has recently expanded into a new location.

Owner Chris Hilts opened his ceramics shop approximately three months ago in a building behind Tim Hortons, owned by Ross and Rose Yantzi of Pavestone Plus.

The new location offers more space for Hilts' growing collection of ceramic moulds, finished products and work areas where visitors can try their hand at painting ceramics.

With more than 8,000 moulds and counting, Hilts has a wide variety of designs available for customers interested in creating their own decorative pieces, gifts and seasonal decorations.

During a recent visit to the shop, Tavistock resident Linda LeToile was busy working on a Christmas-themed ceramic piece featuring the words "Joy to the World" and five geese waiting to be painted in festive colours.

LeToile, who has previous experience painting ceramics, said she enjoys spending time working on her projects in the shop's cozy and welcoming atmosphere.

Hilts said he outgrew his previous location and has been pleased with the increased exposure and interest his new shop has generated.

In fact, he said he has been surprised by just how busy the business has become, with more than 100 enthusiastic painters visiting each month since opening.

With Christmas approaching, customers have been busy creating unique decorations and gifts, while others are discovering ceramic painting as a new hobby.

Hilts explained that creating finished ceramics involves several steps, beginning with forming the pieces using moulds. The ceramics are then prepared for painting and finishing, with glazing and firing completed on site.

Depending on the type of ceramic and finish required, pieces may be fired in a kiln at temperatures reaching 1,840°F or as high as 2,230°F, producing a hard, durable finish.

Along with welcoming customers into his Tavistock shop, Hilts sells and ships ceramic products to customers across Canada.

Although he hopes to hold an official grand opening celebration next July, Hilts encourages local residents to stop by in the meantime and discover what ceramic painting has to offer.

The Ceramic Man is currently open Wednesday through Friday from 6-9 p.m.

For more information, contact Hilts at 519-496-3985.