Now open in Village Shoppes of Madison, Lily Pond Art Studio has two classrooms for aspiring artists. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Nicole Radowski-Stanik had two-fold motivation for opening Lily Pond Art Studio, located on the south end of Village Shoppes of Madison, 12120 County Line Road.

First, Radowski-Stanik encountered a lack of fine art jobs in Huntsville/Madison. Also, she “realized my dad was right: I should have been a teacher.” Nan Tippe is her business partner.

Lily Pond offers open studio, family painting sessions, summer and spring break camps, after-school drawing/fundamentals class and home-school classes, including art history next semester.

For children younger than three, Mommy and Me Art develops motor skills and color concentration. Pre-K Art focuses on colors, shapes and tools. These classes start after Labor Day.

At nighttime, adults can relax at B.Y.O.B. painting sessions.

Lily Pond uses acrylic paint, which requires little drying time, no chemicals for clean-up and is safe for customers and environment. “The process is easy. We’ll help guide beginners, and let seasoned painters enjoy the process. We’ve had some fantastically talented painters,” Radowski-Stanik said.

Parties for business team-building and bachelorettes are offered, along with bridal and baby showers. “We also cater to ‘fandoms'” for fans of Dr. Who, anime or sports teams, she said. Local businesses can use Lily Pond’s graphic design services.

“For birthday parties, we allow 30 minutes for setup and two hours of party time,” Radowski-Stanik said. For a nominal fee, Heartstrings by Heather Photography and Face Painting by Marissa are available.

Tippie eventually will be a co-owner. “I couldn’t have done this with out her,” Radowski-Stanik said. Both Madison residents, they appreciate Madison’s community-oriented nature. “We want to be a part of the community. After all, that’s what a pond is … a community,” Radowski-Stanik said.

All ages can attend open studio sessions from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Painting sessions are open 6:30 to 9 p.m. Monday-Friday and Saturday.

Lily Pond will host police and firefighters nights and observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.

For more information, call 256-374-6028, email to nicole@lilypondartstudio.com or nan@lilypondartstudio.com or visit lilypondartstudio.com, Facebook/LilyPondArt or Twitter @lilypondstudio.