I'd been dying to go to a BYOB paint party for ages now, but with 5 straight years of either being pregnant or breastfeeding, the timing just wasn't right... until now! I decided to organize my own event for two reasons: 1) so I could choose the best day, time, and design for myself, and 2) so I could make it private for my local Bay Ridge Mamas!!
There are a few art studios within the Greater Bay Ridge area, but I chose Art Fun Studio at 5th Ave and 92nd Street because the owner, Alla, had recently reached out with interest in advertising with my other brand, Bay Ridge Families. So I thought, hey, two birds one stone - how perfect! And spoiler alert, the studio, the event, and the staff were all ah-may-zing!! We had the best time!!! But I'm getting ahead of myself. Let's start from the beginning - I'll walk you through the Art Fun Studio Sip and Paint Party experience!!
You can choose from one of their upcoming Sip and Paint events (the day/time/painting are pre-set) or organize your own as I did (choose day, time, and design from her gallery of paintings). The price is usually around $35 and includes all materials for painting (canvas, acrylics, apron), a great selection of music via Spotify, and even glasses if you need (they'll uncork for you, as well!!). You just bring yourself, and any booze or finger foods you like. Just know you won't have a whole lot of space at your disposal with the canvas, paint brushes, and palette taking up most space in front of you. Most of us kept our wine bottles at our feet with a glass up behind our easels.
I chose a very abstract Brooklyn Bridge painting, which apparently was one of her most difficult (oops!!). We were pleased to arrive and see the bridge and buildings had already been outlined in ink for us, though were overwhelmed seeing the original and couldn't comprehend how we were actually going to accomplish that! But no matter how daunting the task, Alla was simply remarkable at breaking it down, step by step, going over in detail what to paint in what color, which brush to use, when to clean and dry brushes, how to mix colors to create new ones, direction and thickness of strokes, etc etc. When they say "no experience necessary" it's completely true!! When she caught wary faces, she reassured us that we were doing an amazing job. She was so sweet and energetic, we all fell quickly in love with her!!! They do children's events as well, and I get the feeling that the kids must love her, too!
While Alla walked us through and demonstrated step by step, Eugene walked around (very carefully, never knocking into a painting, an arm, or bottle of wine - I'll never know how!!) re-stocking paint on palettes and taking TONS of pictures. That's right, they snap photos throughout the event and have them up on their Facebook page for you the next day!! It's a great bonus!!
Alla & Eugene hard at work but friendly and helpful as could be!
Our event ran a whopping 4 hours! Ha! We all gathered for a group shot before parting ways with our beautiful pieces of art - all similar but each unique with our own individual touches, mistakes, and expressions! It was such a cool experience, I really can't wait to do it again!!
Art Fun Studio hosts classes and events for all ages, from toddler birthday parties ($160 for 6 kids) to school field trips (they're on the NYC DOE bidders list), to walk-in art projects of plaster, ceramic, or pre-traced canvas (from $15 with no sitting fee). The owner, Alla, is truly amazing, and they'll work with you to customize any event!! Contact her via email or telephone (718-680-0508) with any questions and tell her I sent ya!
Have you done a BYOB Paint Party or or another art-based party before?? Share your experience below!!!
This review was sponsored by Art Fun Studio, however all thoughts and opinions are my own.
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