Paint, Drink And Be Merry
Nothing boosts creativity and good times like a glass (or two) of alcohol. The concept of drinking, mingling and entertaining has been around forever, and Loading Zone Arts puts it into practice with its bi-monthly Sangria Paint Party.
These parties have been taking place for about a year, and previously were held the third Saturday of each month at Na Mea Hawaii. But more recently, Loading Zone Arts secured Bar 35 as its second venue.
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- DeKneef helps Carole Stout with her painting, as Kate Riley and Bob Stout look on
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- Danielle Hoen crafting her piece
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- Luke DeKneef is one of the instructors at Sangria Paint Party BODIE COLLINS PHOTOS
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- Kana Otani and Jack Souza were among participants at Sangria Paint Party Jan. 3 at Bar 35
Held the first Saturday (at Bar 35) and third Saturday (at Na Mea Hawaii) of the month, each Sangria Paint Party hosts a local artist who guides participants through a journey of (possibly tipsy) wonder and magical colors.
On the first Saturday in January, Luke DeKneef (@landrexd on Instagram) walked budding artists through the process of creating a captivating landscape painting.
What started off with nearly 50 members per session has tamed a bit to include only 25-30 people.
“I found that it’s more intimate, more personal, when it’s a smaller crowd,” says event coordinator Nohealani Hoopii. “People can feel more in touch with the artist, and not feel like they’re getting ignored.”
Upon completion of the piece, guests can take home their very own canvas painting.
“We chose a smaller canvas so people aren’t overwhelmed and think that they can’t do this,” explains Hoopii. “They might be first-timers, or they might be experienced artists. But we want to choose something that everybody can paint.”
Yes, this means you don’t need any previous painting experience. Artists like DeKneef will teach you, step by step, how to complete your very own masterpiece, which makes it perfect for a girls’ night out, date night or just quality time with friends and family.
“I love it when the guests come up to us after and tell us how much fun it was,” says Hoopii.
Cost to attend is $35 and includes a free glass of sangria. Space is limited, and if you’re lucky enough to snag a spot, don’t forget to bring an old apron or T-shirt.
Upcoming events for Sangria Paint Party are slated for Na Mea Hawaii Feb. 7 and Bar 35 Feb. 21.
To make reservations for the next Sangria Paint Party, email Hoopii at nhoopii808@gmail.com.
Check out loadingzonearts.com for more information, or follow it on Instagram (@loading-zonearts) and Facebook (facebook.com/LoadingZoneArt).
