Thursday, January 17, 2013

Family-Friendly Fun on Metropolitan

The new Oliloli Arts & Crafts Studio opened Tuesday at 103-23 Metropolitan Ave. The place looks great. You can read more about the opening over at DNAinfo.com.

Here are some photos:











11 comments:

  1. I was really excited when this opened and still am. I stopped by and it seems really well done. I just it wasn't so focused on "family." Why not just adults night out? Why does it have to be parents? Non-parents can enjoy painting pottery.

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    1. We're marketing to families meaning that all ages are welcome--it's not just for children or adults. We picked a decor that was gender and age neutral so that everyone would feel welcome. Our goal is to create a space that could be used for a kids party in the morning and an adult party at night. Once we start rolling out classes and events, we hope that there will be something for everyone. - Matt Mandell (one of the owners)

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    2. I don't have kids either, but I'm also looking forward to doing crafts there. I see it as an "everyone's welcome" community space. I'm interested in trying out the glass fusing projects.

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    3. I'm glad to hear that you're both excited about the studio. Thank you for your feedback. Your points are well taken and we're going to use more all-inclusive language in describing the studio and its offerings. I look forward to meeting you both in person at the studio!

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  2. 10-15 years ago there was a similar type of place just off Austin Street, I think on Restaurant Row, where Blockbuster used to be and where Charles Schwab now is.

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    1. I've been told that was a franchise called Color Me Mine. We looked at Austin Street, but the rents are too high. - Matt

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    2. Isn't there a similar place across the street, pre-made plasterware, you just glaze it? I was hoping you'd have clay, a kiln, some real crafts. But I wish you luck, the space looks nice.

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  3. There is a place like this on Metro near Selfridge. It's been there for a few years. I hope that they don't take business away.

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    1. We hope that our business complements their business. Here's a link to a story exploring the idea that clusters of similar businesses thrive:

      http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=121304873

      - Matt

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  4. Good luck, Matt. I think you may be right on the cluster thing. I don't know what else could explain all of the frozen yogurt places in the Austin Street area.

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  5. I sure hope both places, Oliloli and Plater Party Place, survive. They do seem complementary. Good luck. See you soon

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