Special to the Monitor
There is nothing like having fun with splatter painting, dabbling in creativity, and designing. Keystone Heights now has a new art studio that offers precisely those experiences.
Darlene Gilhousen and her husband, Charles Gilhousen, are owners of The Dirty Pallet in Keystone Heights and Picasso’s Pallet in Ocala. They have recently expanded into the Keystone Heights area and are also new residents.
Darlene and Charles have been in business for eight years, starting their journey in Ocala.
“We realized there weren’t many things to do for just walk-in entertainment kind of creativity in Keystone. We realized it probably would be great for the community,” she said.
Her husband recently retired after 45 years as a general superintendent for a national construction corporation, and her background in bookkeeping and accounting led them to a perfect opportunity for both of them.
“We love to see families come in, sit down, and create lasting memories together. Around Christmas time, we offer activities like making ornaments and handprints for the kids. This really resonates with me because the children play and have fun with the clay while grandmas receive keepsakes—ornaments they can open yearly. They’ll remember the special moments spent here with their grandchildren each time they do,” she expressed.
Her favorite hobby is ceramics, while her husband enjoys blowing glass.
Ellen Rudowski, a customer and resident snowbird from New Jersey staying at the Keystone R.V. Resort, said, “I’m making a reservation for a Valentine’s Day gift for my husband to use the splatter room. He has stage four cancer and is on oral chemotherapy. he receives infusions, so he has to stay away from people. We are very blessed that this art studio opened up this year, as it gives him something enjoyable to do. While I’m out playing cards and participating in games, he has to stay home. Now, he can have an event just for himself and listen to his own music. It’s going to be awesome; I can’t wait!”
They offer a variety of art experiences, including glass blowing, pottery, painting, and resin art, which can be used for charcuterie boards or frames. They also host birthday parties, guided painting nights, a splatter room, girls’ night out events, homeschool classes, monthly events, and open studio time.
For more information, visit their Facebook page or website, The Dirty Pallet, where you can check their calendar of events or enroll in classes.
