If you have heard about the painting class trend that is sweeping the nation, but have yet to join in, you probably have quite a few questions. Is this for me? What if I am not an artist? Will I have to compete against others? Am I going to be ridiculed if my painting is no good? One of the most common questions we hear is, Can I do this with my kids? To answer these questions, let’s take a look at what a painting class actually is and how it works.
What Is a Painting Class?
Unlike your middle school art class, today’s painting classes are carefully constructed to foster a relaxed, noncompetitive atmosphere. One of our professional artists will guide you through recreating a selected painting in a small group setting. We encourage conversation and laughter rather than a serious, stress-inducing focus on perfection.
Is a Painting Class Suitable for Amateurs?
Absolutely! In fact, many of our regular attendees had never picked up a paintbrush before their first class. We have a vast library of paintings, many of which are simple enough for even those who are artistically challenged to create a reasonable representation. Again, the focus is on camaraderie and the opportunity to unlock your creative flow, not on mastery or perfection.
Do I Need to Bring Anything?
Only yourself, an open mind and heart, and wine or beer if you choose to imbibe (not served at designated kids, teens, or family classes). Wear old clothes that you do not mind getting paint on. We provide an easel, a 16 x 20 blank canvas, an apron, and all of the paints and brushes.
Can My Kids Join Me?
Children are always welcome at our studio! Keep in mind that our general events are Paint and Sips, at which adults over age 21 may be served wine and beer that they brought. These events are generally geared toward adults, but kids who are old enough to enjoy adult conversations are welcome to attend.
In addition, we host designated family painting days on weekend mornings. See our calendar for specific dates and times. These events are specifically designed for parents and children to attend and participate together. Fees are charged per canvas, and we encourage both parents and kids to try their own hand at creating separate paintings.
The minimum recommended age for family painting days typically ranges between 3 and 5, depending on the complexity of a particular painting. See the date that interests you on the website for more details. Our minimum ages are recommendations rather than requirements, though, so feel free to bring a slightly younger child if you feel that he or she is ready to participate.
Private Parties
Another excellent option for families with kids is a private party. We require a minimum of 10 participants for a weeknight or weekend day private event, or 18 participants on a weekend evening. We can host a kids-only party for a birthday or other special event, a family-friendly party with guests of all ages, or even a multi-generational family reunion.
We will work with you to select the painting that best matches your group’s ages and interests. If you prefer, we can even run two or more separate classes for different age brackets. The decision is yours.
At The Paint Place, we pride ourselves on creating a relaxed, comfortable environment in which each person feels confident enough to let his or her own creative juices flow. We are a kid-friendly studio, and offer flexible options for families. If you are unsure what the best choice is for your family’s needs, please contact us. We will ask a few questions to help us get to know your situation, and make the recommendations that make sense for you.