In an age where artificial intelligence, smart phones and television tend to consume our attention, there is something irreplaceable about painting pots.
This year, Crackpots is celebrating 25 years of business in Longmont. It’s a reality that owner Tamar Hendricks didn’t always envision for herself. Hendricks’ background has always been on the business side of art. Art, itself, was more of a hobby, though she never saw herself as an artist.
Origin story:
Before opening Crackpots in 2001, Hendricks…
Received an undergraduate degree in marketing and fine arts and developed a career in database marketing.
Became a marketing manager for Hallmark Cards.
Moved to Longmont but soon quit her job at a catalogue company to open Crackpots.
Hendricks said she had always imagined that if she were to open a business, it would be a pottery studio. And, after moving to Longmont, she saw an undeniable demand.
“25 years ago, there was nothing downtown,” Hendricks said. “I just decided Longmont needed something fun to do.”
Filling a gap:
In the early 2000’s, Longmont was starving for something simple: things to do.
“When you would ask someone, ‘Where do you go out to eat, what do you do? Everyone would be like, ‘You have to go to Boulder for this, this, and this,’” Hendricks said.“
This local demand was her reason for opening Crackpots in Longmont.
“Everyone seemed so happy to have something like this downtown…The community received us really well right up front.”
Generational trend:
Hendricks said even as Crackpots visitors transition from childhood to adulthood, they keep coming back.
“At this point, we’re seeing people who came with their kids, and now they’re coming with their grandkids. Or, they were little kids when they came and now they have kids of their own.”
Looking ahead:
When we asked whether Crackpots will stick around for another 25 years…
“For sure,” Hendricks said. “I do truly still enjoy coming here everyday. I’m super proud of the team we have here.”