Let’s Paint!

I came from out of town recently to visit with my cousin for a girls night out. I’ve done paint parties before and they are truly a great fun time. Our event last night was no different if a little tamer than some other paint party events I’ve been to. The staff were very courteous and encouraging, and my cousin and I had a great time. The place has recently changed management, and they have not got their liquor licence re-​instated so if you are looking for an alcohol imbibing event, call first thru end of July 2016 to check status of their license. I will say that the artist who taught our class has obviously made a concerted and successful attempt to address the shortcomings pointed out in other reviews I read here on Unilocal.The artist showed us techniques, provided guidance — not direction, and we were encouraged to pick out our own colors for our paintings. My cousin who has never painted a picture in her life, was extremely pleased with her painting. Her 24 year old daughter who joined us enjoyed it so much she is planning to bring her girlfriends on their own party. We went in the evening, and the event was too late for kids, but it seemed that they would do a good family friendly daytime event, and there was nothing unsuitable for children. All in all, a clear winner.

Always a great atmosphere with excellent instruction and encouragement from the staff!

My daughter and I had an absolute blast this evening painting! We walked in having no clue how it would work and by the time the class started the instructor made us feel at home and excited to pit our creative hats on! I love that we were given instruction without an expectation of having our own artistic flair because without that expectation we really thrived! Our paintings turned out brilliantly and I can’t wait to go back and do it again!

OMG what fun! Had a Valentines Day Date with the hubby today at Lets Paint Oly and we had SOOO much fun! Loved it all! Only thing i could think to do differently was more size variation in the brush availability as i wished to have a narrower brush when painting the tree in our paintings and maybe more paint but you can get more along the way if you need to. Loved how they turned out and the technique instructions was great! I can’t wait to go back and do our next paintings! This is my new hobby!

I really want to like this place. It’s a family/​kid friendly activity that’s also good for couples and a girls night out. I’ve been here twice now– once with a group of girls and once with my daughter. I’ve given it a fair shot. But I can only recommend this place with caution. Like stated above, it’s an activity anyone can do. They provide the materials, idea and a drink and it’s a fun, relaxing atmosphere. after my first experience (which was part of a private party) I probably would have given this 3 stars, but after my second, I had to lower it. For 70 dollars, we were given a canvas, some outlines of owls for us to trace (I didn’t totally mind that– made it easy for my 9 year old) and they threw a plate of exactly 4 colors– white, orange, green and black in front of us. My daughter had seen the picture online of the different colored owls and had gotten excited about the colors she had picked out in her mind, so I asked if we could pick them out instead of the ones chosen for us. I was told no– there were just too many people in the class to let us pick our colors. Seriously?! 70 dollars and basically we were coloring in/​painting a sketch that we needed no supervison on but they can’t handle letting us pick out our own colors?! I wouldnt have booked this if I knew this. Either they need to book smaller class sizes or put a disclaimer in. Very disappointed. I don’t think I’ll be back.

Why hasn’t anyone reviewed this place yet? It’s one of so few fun activities available in Olympia!
Having just moved back after a decade away, I’ve been hard pressed to find ways to keep life interesting here. Let’s Paint Oly offers paint and sip classes — which is exactly what it sounds like: you paint a painting whilst sipping on a beverage. That beverage would be wine in my case, but there are other options too, including non-​alcoholic drinks for those kid-​friendly painting sessions on the weekends.
The classes here are not about being brilliant artists — they’re about having fun. I can see this being great for birthday parties and girls’ nights out.
Here’s how it works:
— Go to their website and click «Calendar» — each session features one specific painting.
— Select the day/​painting that strikes your fancy, and register/​pay.
— Arrive at the studio a few minutes early and with a happy face.
— Check in at the front desk and get your complimentary beverage.
— Pick a seat. The easels, canvases, paints and brushes are all set up for you.
— Paint and sip. The instructor takes you step-​by-​step through the painting, and voila! You’ve made yourself a painting.
It takes about two hours; everyone paints the same painting; no experience is necessary.
I’m giving it 4 stars given the context that it’s a shining star of an activity in a small town that has little to offer by way of fun activities. Given the selection of paintings they offer (they’re just ok) and that the instruction isn’t particularly enthusiastic or detailed in methodology, it’s more like a 3-​star experience — which is still good! The instruction is more like: watch me do this to my canvas, try to copy it on your canvas, and best of luck to ya. I’ve done another paint & sip out of town, and the instruction was more detailed, which I appreciate as someone who has absolutely no artistic ability. Some of us need more specific instruction such as how to angle your brush, good techniques for blending, etc. The instructor here does just enough to get you to put paint on your canvas, which is not necessarily a bad thing. Remember, you’re here to have fun!
Again, I’m stoked we have something like this in Olympia and would recommend it to anyone looking for something fun to do in town. I’ve introduced several girl friends to it, and they’ve all raved about it! I’ve been twice, and am constantly checking the calendar for upcoming paintings I might like to do. I’ll definitely be back.
Notes: Prices range from $ 25-​$ 45; weekends appear to be kid-​friendly/​family days; they’re closed Mondays & Tuesdays; and I do believe they can hold private parties.