With business experience in both Bradford and Bishop Hill, Polly Lawrence has brought her talents to Galva’s Front Street, where she holds painting and other crafting classes. Her shop, PollyAnna’s, opened early last month and is located just east of Crescent City Tap. The new business also offers merchandise for sale, including painting kits, craft supplies, and a variety of gift items.
“As a child, I was given a sketch pad and a pencil and I’ve been drawing ever since,” said Lawrence who credits her mother with encouraging her to create.
For a long time, she and her mother joined forces under the name “Like Mother, Like Daughter,” offering classes for adults and children for nearly 20 years.
“After my mother’s death, I found that my art was great therapy,” she said, adding that, at the same time, her husband suffered a serious accident and was hospitalized for days, with a long recovery time.
When she turned 60, she had an overwhelming realization, she said.
“God has given me this to do. And my solo venture into my craft business began.”
Lawrence offers painting parties, where canvases are outlined and paints and brushes are supplied. “Anyone can do this,” she said. “Once you try it, even the most amateur painter can create something lovely.”
Painting parties to celebrate birthdays are popular, as are those for “girls’ night out” and fundraisers. She offers kids’ classes on Sunday afternoons and two adult sessions on Wednesdays.
The costs are nominal, and bundled pricing is available. Her winter schedule is still in the making but she plans to offer plenty of holiday ideas. Her group sessions are held in the dining room at Crescent City Tap, and a free drink for adults is included in the cost of the materials.
Calling her shop a place for “Chronic Creative Creators,” or “CCC,” Lawrence shares her love of art and design with her customers. Whether it is creating a wreath, constructing a door hanger, painting a landscape, or making a decorated sweatshirt, she enjoys sharing her talents with the public.
Her Facebook page states “A small-town gal in a small village being a chronic creator! I teach others to find their creativity through painting and craft classes for all ages. FUN art, not FINE art! God has blessed me with a talent of creativity and sharing with others.”
On Saturday, Nov. 9 she is offering a painting session with a patriotic theme from noon to 2 p.m.
“A veteran can paint for free if accompanied by a paid participant,” she said.
Reservations are required so that enough materials are available. Lawrence accepts Venmo, cash, or a local check for payment. Interested parties can contact her through her Facebook page.
In addition to her Galva shop, Lawrence works part-time at Breedlove’s Sporting Goods in Kewanee, offers her work at the Bishop Hill Commons, and in her spare time, she sews and quilts.
“I’ve always been a busy person,” she admits. “I don’t intend to slow down any time soon.”
Pollyanna’s is open on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from noon to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For information on classes, workshops and sample paintings, check out PollyAnna’s on Facebook or call Lawrence at 309-883-1658.