#Feature: Create custom tiles

#Feature: Create custom tiles - A close up of a fish - Milkfish

Open one year now, The Art Studio in Marathon is a fountain of creativity. Its latest adventure is creating glass and ceramic tiles.

“I had one student that came into to make her own tiles for a shower surround,” said potter Lynn Loftus, “but if a client comes in with a custom job, our staff can also work on the project.”

The possibilities are pretty endless — one-of-a-kind tile murals, single-tile accents or custom tile shapes for use around the pool or in the kitchen and bath. The Art Studio staff, or its DIY students, then cut the ceramic and glass tile, paint it and fire it in the kiln.

“We want to work with people and take their ideas to make them a reality,” said Samuel Stephens, vice president of The Art Studio. “We feel there is a niche for custom tiles here in the Keys. We have the capability to create anything you can think of. The process is tailored to those who are looking for something special.”

The staff says the custom tile option isn’t just for homeowners. They also hope Keys and Miami-area contractors will take advantage of the opportunity as an option for high-end or highly customized homes.

“The Art Studio is growing,” Loftus said. “Whatever people can dream up, we have the facilities to create.”

The Art Studio is located in Marathon, MM 53.6 oceanside. The phone number is 305-289-9013.

Editor Sara Matthis thinks community journalism is important, but not serious; likes small and weird children (she has two); prefers target practice with a zombie rat poster; and looks best with saltwater dreads. Occasionally she tortures herself with sprint-distance triathlons, but only if she has a good chance of beating her sister. 

Sara Matthis thinks community journalism is important, but not serious; likes weird and wonderful children (she has two); and occasionally tortures herself with sprint-distance triathlons, but only if she has a good chance of beating her sister.