We've all seen it on Facebook, a group of people we know and love drinking a bottle of wine and painting a picture. As a painter, I have always been interested in doing one of these "Paint Parties" and now that I'm 21*, I've been in the market for the best deal.
So lets put down our phones and pick up a paint brush; there is no better way to socialize than creating something while drinking a great glass of wine.
Here I have compiled the top rated "Paint Parties" for the Chicago area along with how you can partake in them at the cheapest prices.
*You have to be 21 to take part in the wine drinking paint parties, but there are non-alcoholic options!
PaintNite is a great website for wherever you are when you want to create! When you type in your location, you will be brought to a page that shows a multitude of paintings that you can sign up to learn how to paint. It shows the location, the rating of the instructor and a preview of what you will learn how to paint (but you're not constricted to make it look exactly like the example). What I really like about this one is that they are "Creative Entrepreneurs and Local Artists sharing their passion," so it's individuals putting together a party at a popular bar!
These events always take place at bars so you will have to be 21 to attend, but this is a really great site for finding places near you to have a little painting fun! The price is $45 on its own, but when you sign up with an email address, you get 35% off and if you use this GroupOn the price is always only $25! In that price you get all the paints, the canvas and the instruction.
The very popular Bottle & Bottega has a couple locations around the city and again you have to be 21 for this event - but only if you sign up for a class that includes drinks! There are events on their calendar that indicate whether it is for families, all ages etc. and you can always book a private party.
These parties are priced individually and they range from $25-$45 for their open parties but you could get a great price for your private party depending on what you choose to paint.
VIPpaints is not as well known, but also a very viable option! I love the paintings that they have offered here, I think they are really unique but look like they take a little more time and patience. These parties fill up about 3 weeks ahead so you would need to plan for these! They have more classes on crafting than just painting so there is something for everyone. Because this is BYOB, you do not have to be 21 to attend!
Like PaintNite, the price of these parties is $45 on its own, but with this GroupOn , you pay only $25! You can again book private parties here and all materials are included in the price.The last one on my list is Color Cocktail Factory. You have to be 21 to go to this event too, but the paintings you can make here are beautiful. I think these are the most complicated of paintings, get the very best materials, and you're there for a longer time - 2.5 hours. The teachers all have masters in art so you're in good hands!
These classes are a little more expensive at $65 but with this GroupOn you get it for $29! Like I said, you get really great quality materials here so the little extra you pay will show up in the quality of the paints and brushes etc.
All of these are great options, and all of them will leave you happily buzzed and with a great piece of art to hang up on your walls - wherever that may be. The real differnece between all these places and the ultimate struggle comes with picking which art piece you want to create!