ST. GEORGE — “Paint Nite,” a leader in the viral social painting phenomenon, announced Thursday its expansion into St. George. “Paint Nite” is an alternative to a typical night out, offering a creative way for people to drink, paint and socialize with others in the comfort of their favorite local bar or restaurant.
While participants mingle with old friends and make new ones, a professional artist provides step-by-step instruction, allowing attendees to turn a blank canvas into a final piece of personalized art in about two hours.
“This area has many talented artists and an amazing bar scene, the ideal combination for great Paint Nite events,” co-founder Dan Hermann said. “Paint Nite offers a creative way to have a few drinks with friends or meet new people in a laid back atmosphere — you don’t need to have an ounce of artistic ability, you just need to be open to having fun!”
Founded just over three years ago, “Paint Nite” is now active in 1,450 cities internationally, hosting more than 4,600 events each month, entertaining around 164,000 people with the ultimate social painting experience.
Unlike social painting classes at brick and mortar locations with limited capacity and minimal food and beverage offerings, “Paint Nite’s” nomadic business model means more classes in a variety of bars and restaurants designed to suit every need. Event locations, artist information and a sample of each featured painting can be found online.
Seats are limited, and event tickets, which include a 16-by-20 inch canvas, paints, brushes, a smock and professional instruction, are sold in advance online. If desired, drinks and food to accompany the painting experience are purchased directly from the hosting bar or restaurant.
In the St. George area, “Paint Nite” is led by JJ Seare, whose profile on the “Paint Nite” website states she moved to St. George full-time in 2013.
“I love it here,” Seare wrote. “Southern Utah is such an amazing location for many reasons, you can’t help but be inspired to create just by looking out the window.”
Seare said she’s always had a creative streak, listing a number of hobbies including drawing, painting and being a Scuba divemaster.
“You might say I have ‘Hobby Attention Disorder,'” she said in her profile.
Perhaps inspiring others with similar experience, Seare said she has spent her career using the other side of her brain, working in software development and data analysis. “Paint Nite” allows her, and others, an opportunity to give time to the “right side” of the brain.
“Paint Nite is a win-win-win for the local artists, the participants and hosting bars and restaurants like ‘Bout Time Pub & Grub and Buca di Beppo,” Hermann said. “While people are painting and having fun socializing with friends, the bars and restaurants drive traffic in on a traditionally slower night and introduce a whole new group of potential customers to their establishment.”
To locate a “Paint Nite” event in the St. George area, join the network of venues or to inquire about becoming a featured artist, visit the Paint Nite website and enter your location; there are currently 16 events listed for St. George.
Note: “Paint Nite” events are held at bars and restaurants and are for adults 21 and over. According to the “Paint Nite” website, its motto is ‘Drink Creatively,’ there is no intent to offend, but events are not suitable for anybody under the age of 21.
Resources
- Email JJ Seare: [email protected]
- Paint Nite website | Facebook page
- Paint Nite events in the St. George area
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews