I always thought these paint on pottery stores were a bit goofy. Then LithicBeads joined a pottery studio in the back of a paint on pottery store on the island. He saw a sign for Ladies Night, so I tried it.
Well - goofy is ok when you're having fun.
The Whidbey Art Escape has paint on pottery, glass fusing, and a full ceramic studio with potters wheels and handbuilding. They offer pottery classes, and the staff teach the clueless (aka me) how to do whatever is available.
The main goal is supportive - the owner sees it as community service - rather than volunteering somewhere else, as long as the business pays the rent, she offers a supportive environment to "escape" and do something creative. They have kids classes and after school sessions, but ladie's night is for grown-ups (at least by years) only - an escape from family responsibilities.
I made a few goofy Christmas ornaments last December. There are actually techniques to this "art", and experience does result in improvement. This flower didn't come out completely as intended, but still happy with a bit of early summer to brighten up our place.