Coloring Room Looking to Make a Splash

What began a few years ago as an after-school arts and craft program, The Coloring Room, has now blossomed into a full-time studio. The store drew back its doors for business on July 1 in Caldwell.

Store proprieters and artists Valerie and Joe Servidio began sharing their expertise at a few years ago. "We ran a little program where kids could create art and get a little messy," Valerie explained.

After parents embraced the Servidios' program, they decided to expand to the entire community and to offer a variety of classes to people of all ages.

Valerie Servidio envisions The Coloring Room to be similar to Montclair's Doin' Dishes, where patrons select and paint ceramic pieces.

However, in addition to ceramics, Servidio plans to offer classes in candle and soap making, jewelry design, pottery, decoupage and sculpture. "There really is no similar store serving this community," she said.

Background in Art

While both Valerie and Joe have formal training in art, their different backgrounds complement one another, allowing The Coloring Room to offer a broad palette of art disciplines.

Valerie earned a degree in textile surface design from FIT with a concentration in interior design, while Joe's area of expertise is in sculpture after receiving his degree in fine arts from the School of Visual Arts with sculpting as his primary concentration.

Joe's sculpture has appeared in various museums, including the Newark Museum, and the Servidio's plan to exhibit his work in their studio. 

While Joe focuses on fine arts, interior designer Valerie looks to art to enhance everyday living. "I am always looking for ways to brighten up the home, whether it is painting a lampshade or crafting candles," she said. 

Something for Everyone

With this in mind, The Coloring Room hopes to bring the best of both worlds to Caldwell. The Servidios offer art classes for both children and adults, and want to introduce residents to pottery wheels and the basics of wet clay and glazing, including coiling, pinching and hand building.

With its spacious and open design, they also hope the store will become a place where people can come in and relax. To this end, The Coloring Room will begin hosting Paint Your Own Pottery Brunches in September, Kids Night, complete with pizza, ceramic painting and crafts, Mommy and Me Classes and Ladies Night Out parties.

Located at 287 Bloomfield Ave., in Caldwell, The Coloring Room is adjacent to  The studio has already booked children's birthday parties, and plans to have a grand opening event in September.

More information on The Coloring Room can be found on their website or by calling the studio at 201-925-4676.