Eva Antonel
The question these days is not whether
you'd like to try your hand at painting but
which Paint Night you're going to do it at and
with whom. Lately, it seems the whole world
is choosing to socialize while adding colour
to canvas.
Paint Nights, or similarly named social
events that include painting a piece with the
assistance of an experienced instructor, while
in the company of your favourite bunch of
humans, have taken the social scene by
storm. Like any gathering worth its salt, food
and drink are always present. Of course, so
are the easels, a selection of paints, brushes
and aprons.
It works like this. The organizing
company secures a temporary venue which
would benefit from a group of painting
amateurs crossing its threshold. Usually they
are restaurants, pubs or bars. They provide
the casual, relaxed atmosphere and a steady
supply of food and drink. The company
collects the registration fees, the bar is happy
to dispense the snacks and sips and the
instructor in attendance gets the freelance gig
and the exposure he/she desires. The painters
enjoy a night out with old or new friends
while noshing, sipping their fave cocktail and
of course, painting. Whether you've never
held a paintbrush, or have a slew of gallery
showings under your belt, the evening
promises to allow for as much instruction or
freedom of expression as desired.
Several years ago, I attended a team
building seminar put on by an employer with
far-flung offices and employees who seldom
had the opportunity to meet. The seminar
was intended to build team spirit and
Here are a few
links to explore
whether you'd
like to try a
paint night, a
life drawing
session or have
a peek at other
artists at work
in their studios:
Paint Nite
Sip ‘n’ Swirl
Brushes and Bites
Sho Art Spirit and Performance
Open Studio Tours
common purpose. It was held at an art gallery
and included the opportunity to play with
modeling clay. We were encouraged to punch,
shape and form the clay to any shape desired.
When faced with a dilemma, the clay
provided the stress relief while our brains
worked in over drive to come up with a
out-of-the-box answer. Was the trip to the
DIA about the clay? I wouldn't say so even
though it acted as the catalyst to the
formation of friendships and unique
solutions to problems.
Back to the painting. Are Paint Nights
about the art? Partly, totally and sometimes
not at all. But, however you look at it, it's
getting thousands of people out meeting,
socializing and enjoying an evening with
friends. And who knows, maybe some of
them will like the smell of paint and the feel
of the brush between their fingers enough to
give painting more serious consideration.
How do you support local artists?
Tweet us @TheHubWE #artmatters
September 2016 - The HUB 9