If you like new experiences or having a good time, there’s a new business in Saratoga Springs that’s aimed to tap your inner artist and even send you away with an original work of art — yours.
The Saratoga Paint and Sip Studio at 80 Henry Street is part art studio, part social scene, and has been open for about a month. Their grand opening was on Sat., June 16, and was host to nearly 100 painters.
“If you’ve never picked up a paint brush since the third grade, this is what you need to do because it’s very therapeutic and relaxing. It’s an alternative night out as opposed to going to dinner and a movie and it’s a great first date,” said Saratoga Sip and Paint’s owner Catherine Hover.
Hover, 25, is from New Orleans and holds a bachelor’s degree in fashion merchandising. She and her husband Mark relocated to the Spa City last year for his work with a consulting business.
No prior art experience is required to take part in a class at the studio and the supplies are all provided. All ages are welcome and the cost for one class is $38 per painter. Classes run from two to three hours.
The “supplies” go beyond paint and brushes, though, and include soft drinks, beer or wine and appetizers. A local artist will instruct the class in painting their 16-by-20-inch canvases. Acrylic paints are used, which dry by the end of a class. Studio space for up to 40 painters is available and you can join a session as an individual or in a group.
You can also choose the subject of your art by browsing an online gallery at saratogapaintandsip.com.
“It’s an all-around good time, as long as you’re brave enough to come in and try it out you’re guaranteed to have a decent time,” said Hover.
According to Hover, this type of social and art studio is popular in the south and elsewhere.
“I was kind of shocked that there wasn’t already one in place in Saratoga, an artsy, creative town,” said Hover.
She also said her overall philosophy comes from artist Bob Ross, the popular public television painter who was known for saying that there are no mistakes in painting, only “happy accidents.” The sentiment is also painted on the Paint and Sip studio wall.
Artist and instructor for the studio, Kendra Farstad said, “It is my hope that people come into the studio and check their fear and inhibition at the door. This is a fun night out, if people are too hung up on perfection they might miss the experience Paint and Sip provides. We want to provide an easy-going atmosphere where people can come and create something all their own and leave feeling good about it.”
Hover drew much of her inspiration for her business from Palettes and Pairings located near Seattle, Wash. As far as the social studios being present in the northeast, she said she is aware of one in Rochester and one in Boston.
So far, Hover said that people are “impressed with their painting abilities” and that they are happy to bring home a piece of art that “is worthy of their wall.”
Return visitor Jill Reynolds of Saratoga has been to Hover’s studio twice. The first visit was with some co-workers from the Saratoga Saddlery.
“It was great for group dynamics and everybody kind of got to know each other and talk outside of work,” said Reynolds. The group of around20 chose to paint cowboy boots and a hat, and some of the paintings now hang on the walls at Saratoga Saddlery.
Her second trip to the studio was with extended family. She had been at her “wits end” trying to come up with entertainment for almost a dozen family members who were visiting her from out of town. Saratoga Sip and Paint was the perfect answer.
“Everybody had a ball, from the third-grader to the grandparents,” said Reynolds. She added they all want to go back when they’re in town again.
Hover has enjoyed getting to know folks in and around the Spa City through her business and said, “It’s all about the experience when you come in to do a paint night. … If you want to bring anything, bring a friend.”
The studio also accommodates girl’s nights out, reunions, birthdays and private parties.
Open paint (without an instructor) is held daily from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. and costs $25 per canvas. Walk-ins may be able to join a class, though registration is encouraged.
For more information on the studio or to register for a class, visit saratogasipandpaint.com.
