This is a great addition to the mall and something fun to do if you're just walking around…read moreshopping. They do allow walk ins, but you can book a reservation as well. You walk in and the employee will give you a run down on the process. If you want to take your ceramic home the same day, you can use acrylic paint, if you don't mind waiting you can choose to glaze it and there is a $5 firing fee. We chose to do glaze and wait a 1-2 weeks and they texted us when it was ready. (Only took a week) In terms of inventory, they have cute Knick knack ceramics you can make or kitchenware like plates, bowls, coasters, etc. I also saw people painting canvases so you really do have a lot of options if you're looking for a fun craft day. Pro tip: do multiple layers if you're gonna do glaze. I'd recommend at least 3, but 4 or 5 if you have the time.

Art Cafe is located next to Target. If inside Target, you would have to go to the 2nd floor and…read morethen walk a tad to the left. It is across from Victoria's Secret within the mall. There are no bathrooms and you would need to walk over to use Target's. Mckenna was working the cafe when we came in. She's only one person but quite knowledgeable about the two paints offered - acrylic and glaze. Acrylic paint can be taken home same day. They apply a clear coat finishing spray and it will dry same day but may take a few hours. Anything with this paint would not be safe to eat/drink on if you get a plate/cup. Glaze will need 3 layers and would be an additional week to 2. When you paint it, it will look a bit chalkier but with the glaze, will turn shiny. There is a $5 firing fee. I believe this is okay to eat or drink after they glaze it. You could first choose which piece you want to paint, could be a cup/plate/dish or a figure. Pricing fluctuates depending on inventory. Ceramic pieces prices range from $15.99 to $50.00. They also offer canvas painting which prices range from $15.00 to $23.00. It's perfect to just paint and let your creative side come out. We enjoyed our time here painting. We also saw a few others come in either for date time or family time. One family was clever in that they had several kids, so they had each kid paint a teacup. If you don't finish or want to come back another time, you can always leave your piece with them and return to continue painting. You will need to pay though so they have your number on file to contact you (if you are getting it glazed) and also for you to resume your painting piece there. My girlfriend who was visiting, enjoyed our time here as we caught up talking and chatting while painting our shells. She had to do hers acrylic as she had to fly back to NY the next day. We ended up staying close to closing hours, so Mckenna helped do a quick spray - put it in a box for it to dry (due to the fumes) and let her take a picture of the spray to give it another layer when she went back. I did mine with glaze and got a text message it was ready a week and two days that it was ready for pick up. Very satisfied with our visit here and may come again.

Wow wow wooooow!! I can't recommend The Hot Spot enough! Every staff member I've interacted with…read morehas been so kind, welcoming, helpful, and incredibly knowledgeable. They truly make every visit such a fun and relaxing experience. A special thank you to MJ for going above and beyond. She is one of the sweetest people I've met and generously offered to do a photoshoot for me and my two friends. She even surprised us by making our pottery on the house! It was such a thoughtful gesture that made the entire experience even more memorable Thank you, MJ, for creating such a welcoming space where I've been able to make my Miffy bowl series, with many more pieces to come. As a frequent customer, I'll definitely be back!!

My fiancé and I came to paint our wedding cake plate on a Sunday morning. There were a lot of…read moreoptions for what we could paint, and I love that the price of the piece is what you pay with no other fees added on. We spent three hours painting and hanging out. The space is mostly catered to kids, but we saw people of all ages crafting and chatting. On a warmer day, we probably would have sat outside as it can get really crowded inside. We were never bumped, but sometimes kids would run by on their way to get paint. My only other complaint (which is more so my fault) was that we sat at stools at a shorter table so I was hunched over for a while. I'm just old. The staff was really friendly, and I like that there's a BYOB policy. I would probably suggest going later in the evening to avoid all the birthday parties as it was pretty quiet when we came to pick up our piece near closing.

Enthusiastic staff. Teachs kids basic art ( for little ones) and progresses age and skills…read moreappropriate. Clean open environment. They also teach ceramics. I would recommend to any aspiring artist.

My son loves his art school and his teachers. He's improving his techniques every class.read more

I had an amazing time at The Hot Spot in 4S Ranch!!…read more I took my friend for her birthday and we had a blast. A fun, creative art workshop where you can pick from a variety of options from painting pottery to making candles to building your own garden pot. The prices are clearly written on the item and it's all inclusive (the item, all materials, and use of their facility) so no additional fees other than tax. Most items were between $20-35. The owner was friendly and welcoming. There's plenty of free parking in the large shared lot. You're allowed to bring your own drinks and food as well. We opted to make candles and it was really fun. You start with picking out your glassware, then cutting up the colored wax pieces you want to use and fill them in your glassware, then choosing which glitter color and scent you want. They pour hot wax to mold it all together and the candles ready to go within 15 mins. A great activity for all ages including adults. This would be a great option for any type of celebration, date night, hang out with friends, or spending time with your kids. There's something for everyone.

We booked a Paint and Sip night with HotSpot 4s Ranch for my bachelorette and accidentally drove to…read morethe wrong location. Mellissa, the owner, was super understanding and allowed us to come in late, and she very graciously stayed open just for our party. We had explained that we were on a tight schedule and did not know if we would be able to come in the next day, but once we arrived, she was very friendly and welcoming. I would highly recommend this spot if you are ever in the area. It was perfect for our occasion!

My wife just finished our ceramics class for my birthday and we had an amazing time! Emory was so…read moresweet and helpful. We will 100% be coming back for more classes. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a fun date night.

Very friendly, bright and intelligent atmosphere with lots of easy laughter. The staff and the…read morecustomers are helpful to newbies. Working with my hands was very satisfied! I'm all for it!

Women owned - Women operated! A great local spot to create…read moreat. We love Little Pots. My kids take summer classes each year, and have also dropped in to glaze bisqueware, learn how to throw on the wheel, and create other awesome age-based projects. They also host birthday parties, so that is on our list to try this year

Fun fun fun! Christina and her team of teachers are so passionate and patient with each child…read moreregardless of their age or skill levels. Each day the teachers take the kids on a visionary journey and help them create their visions. Like pencil charcoal drawings, pottery, and painting. My two grandchildren didn't want to leave each day they had too much fun. My grandson has self doubt about his artistic abilities and with Christina and her team he has gain so much self confidence he wants to return next summer on his visit to San Diego

Kind and experienced people. Really fun to be there. Relaxed atmosphere. Nice equipment. I have…read morebeen throwing pots since October, and I am making progress!

We go in every year to celebrate birthdays. Plenty of items to choose from, super friendly staff…read morewilling to help even if you have never done this before. They are super patient and will teach you all the basics needed to create some beautiful items. Our youngest kid loves this place and now has the whole family going to create and just have fun away from all digital noise. They fire everything for you and take great care to ensure you get a good looking piece back. Can't say enough or share the appropriate nice things about these folks. Walking distance to great restaurants and shopping so really easy to plan a great day that includes a stop at this location. Parking is out front or across the street.

The staff were wonderful! So sweet and very helpful. Everyone was so friendly and were checking on…read moreall the different groups painting. The assortment of items to paint vary from figurines, containers, kitchenware, and home decor! There's plenty of seating, a large variety of paints, and lots of fun stencils/stamps. Very excited to pick up our creations in a week!

Really friendly and helpful staff. I picked up and project to take home and paint for Father's Day…read more I paid and grabbed all the paint colors I needed, painted it at home, then brought it back to be glazed and baked. It only took a couple days and I picked it up. Super easy and fun!