Alpaca Art: A Creative Journey with Twin Sisters Brenda Brady and Becky Leveque
At the heart of Downtown Kenosha, Alpaca Art is a welcoming haven for creativity, founded by twin sisters Brenda Brady and Becky Leveque. This vibrant paint-your-own pottery studio offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, allowing visitors to unleash their inner artists. Let’s dive into the story of Alpaca Art and its journey, shaped by the dreams and determination of Brenda and Becky.
From Kenosha to Creative Entrepreneurs
Growing up in Kenosha, the sisters always shared a love for art and balance. “We’ve always liked working with our artistic side,” Brenda says, reflecting on their childhood. This passion eventually blossomed into the idea of owning their own business. At 18, they envisioned a flower shop, but fate had other plans.
While taking an interior design class at Gateway Technical College, Brenda was tasked with creating a business. That’s when she stumbled upon a paint-your-own-pottery studio in Michigan. Inspired by the experience, Brenda developed the idea further with encouragement from family members. What started as a school project quickly turned into reality. “We decided to just do it,” Brenda recalls. They both quit their jobs and began building their dream—Alpaca Art.
Moving to Downtown Kenosha
Originally, Alpaca Art set up shop in Salem, Wisconsin, but their ultimate goal was always to be part of Downtown Kenosha. In July 2009, that dream became a reality. The 3,000-square-foot studio is now a creative hub, offering a variety of pottery pieces and services for all ages.
The Story Behind the Name: Alpaca Art
The name Alpaca Art comes from a family joke. Brenda’s father-in-law had been dreaming of starting a farm and brewing beer called “Alpaca Spit.” This quirky idea led to the playful suggestion of calling their business “Alpaca Spit-fired Pottery.” They loved the uniqueness but eventually shortened it to Alpaca Art, reflecting the broader creative options they wanted to offer.
What Alpaca Art Offers
At Alpaca Art, the experience is as important as the final product. “We have a laid-back atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable,” Brenda says. The studio is primarily focused on walk-in pottery painting, where visitors can select pieces like figurines, mugs, and dishes, then paint and customize them with help from the friendly staff. For those who prefer creating at home, Alpaca Art offers pottery-to-go kits. The studio also hosts birthday parties, team-building outings, and special events.
The process is simple: pick a piece, choose your colors, paint, and leave it to be glazed and fired. A week later, the masterpiece is ready to be picked up, food-safe and beautifully finished.
Challenges and Rewards of Twin-Run Business
Running a business with your twin sister comes with its own unique learning curve. Brenda and Becky have learned to balance the demands of work and home life, particularly when raising young children. Delegating tasks has been key to maintaining that balance.
But the rewards are endless. “Working in a place full of people, quietly creating something—it’s a beautiful interaction,” Brenda says. The studio thrives on the creativity of its customers, employees, and local artists who have contributed to its evolution.
Popular Trends and Memorable Creations
Throughout the years, Alpaca Art has seen its fair share of trends. From gnomes and succulents to Day of the Dead and unicorns, customers never shy away from bringing their imaginations to life. Mugs, however, remain a constant favorite.
As for memorable projects, Brenda says each time the kiln opens, new favorites emerge. One project that stands out was created by a customer who had studied art in Italy. Her picturesque work left a lasting impression.
Overcoming Challenges and Growing Through the Pandemic
The challenges of running a small business are familiar to Brenda and Becky, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. In April 2020, they pivoted by offering pottery kits online, allowing customers to pick out their pieces and colors from the safety of their homes. This initiative was a huge success and helped them navigate through those uncertain years.
Giving Back to the Community
Community engagement is a core value at Alpaca Art. Brenda and Becky have developed fundraising options for schools and nonprofits, offering pottery-to-go kits that support local causes. They also contribute raffle items to various charity events in the area.
A Typical Day at Alpaca Art
A day at Alpaca Art starts early, with one of the owners preparing the kilns and glazing pieces. By the time the doors open at noon, the studio is ready to welcome a stream of customers eager to create. From restocking paints to helping customers with designs, the Alpaca Art team works hard to ensure a positive, creative experience for everyone who walks through the door.
Join the Creative Community at Alpaca Art
Brenda and Becky’s love for art and community shines through everything they do. Alpaca Art isn’t just a place to paint pottery—it’s a welcoming space where friends and families can come together to create memories and masterpieces. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned artist, Alpaca Art offers something for everyone.
Visit Alpaca Art Alpaca Art is located at 4326 7th Avenue, Kenosha. Walk-ins are welcome, and reservations are encouraged for weekends during the winter months. The studio is open Wednesday through Sunday, 12 PM to 6 PM. For more information, visit alpacapottery.com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
Learn more about Brenda & Becky of Alpaca Art as they were also featured on an episode of the Ktown Connects Podcast. Listen here SPOTIFY • APPLE PODCAST • YOUTUBE
