For many of us, time with friends, a couple drinks or good food, and getting creative are all ways of having fun and practicing self-care. We all need to make time to relax, catch up with those we love, and clear our heads, even if it only for an hour or two.
When I first heard about Paint Nite, I thought it was such a great idea and I could not wait to try it out. I was a little nervous because, even though I consider myself to be a creative individual, I have never really been one for painting or drawing. I expected that it would be a fun night but my painting would not be “wall-worthy.” Nonetheless, I went and really enjoyed myself. I’ve been to Paint Nite events three times now, and I have three beautiful paintings to prove it.
Friends, drinks, and laughter – a perfect combination for a fun night.
Paint Nite is offered at many different venues throughout Canadian cities. In St. John’s, I’ve been to events at Rocket Bakery, Bier Markt, and most recently, Celtic Hearth. On their website, www.paintnite.com, you select your city and choose from the many unique paintings they offer. You purchase your tickets online and they frequently have great deals available. When you arrive at the event, you have the option to grab a drink or a bite to eat while everything is being set up.
Once everybody is seated, before you start any painting, you are expected to take the Paint Nite oath. This is awesome because it encourages you to not judge yourself or others. You are there to have fun and try something new– nobody expects you to be Picasso.
Our facilitators/instructors/support people were Emma and Georgia. They provided clear, professional, step-by-step instruction on how to create your painting. Serious props to these girls! They are so friendly and encouraging and absolutely hilarious, not to mention wildly talented. When one of our branches accidentally got botched, the girls were even able to help us fix it by turning it into a cute little owl (or baby Batman!).
As your painting comes together, you will have this immense sense of success and pride. It really is so rewarding to realize that you have done something you never thought you could.
Whether you’re with a big group of friends or coworkers, with your bestie or your S.O., or on your own, Paint Nite is a great option to let loose and take a break from your responsibilities. Here are a few words from Paint Nite NL’s general manager, Emma Dooley, on the cool opportunities Paint Nite offers:
Beyond our public events, we also offer private, corporate, and fundraiser events. With our fundraisers, we donate $15 from every ticket sold back to our fundraiser partners. Paint Nite Newfoundland has helped raise over $20,000 for local groups and charities in less than our first year of operation. With so many different paintings scheduled every week, there is so much to choose from!
We want to thank Paint Nite Newfoundland for having us out. It was so much fun, especially after a busy first week of school. We highly recommend that you go out and give this a try. It would be a perfect gift idea for someone close to you!
Give Paint Nite a follow on Facebook and Instagram, and be sure to check out their site to see what Paint Nite events are happening near you. When you go, be sure to send us pictures or tag us on social media, @twowildtides! We love to see what our readers are up to.
xoxo,
char
Let us know what you think!