Paint & Sip Studio New York is a BYOB “Paint & Sip” studio where people are invited to grab a drink, take a seat and embark in a one-of-a-kind adventure in art. It just opened at 246 West 80th Street, Studio 16, 4th Floor (on Broadway and 80th Street, across from Zabars) in a building that was formerly an art school, the events are two hour sessions where a local artist guides the group in effortlessly painting a featured painting. Each patron creates their own masterpiece to bring home.
Paint & Sip Studio New York is licensed by the New York State Liquor Authority as a B.Y.O.B. establishment so guests can bring their own wine or beer to drink during their experience. (The studio provides wine glasses and corkscrews.)
Patrons can browse the online calendar and choose the session based upon the painting being taught, date or time. Options range from serene ocean scenes to modern spins on famed classics, and the laid-back atmosphere ensures that all guests have an amazing time.
The studio accommodates up to 28 artists and is perfect for a fun night out, a romantic date night or a place to come alone and make new friends.
The studio is also ideal for private parties, corporate events and teams, bachelorette parties, birthday parties, kid’s parties and any other reasons to celebrate in a memorable way! The studio provides all of the art supplies needed for the session – all you have to do is show up and have fun.
Founder, Yaffa Cheslow, a corporate lawyer, began taking art classes as an adult at the 92nd Street Y. “I picked up a paintbrush for the first time when my son started painting in pre-school. Painting has been a powerful stress reliever for me and a way to embrace my creative side,” said Cheslow.
It was her passion for art combined with a desire to give people a chance to discover their inner artist in a relaxing, fun atmosphere that inspired Cheslow to open Paint & Sip Studio New York. Cheslow describes the sessions as “a fun, relaxed, party atmosphere”. “We paint, play great music, drink wine (and beer), sing and completely unwind.”
“The opportunity to share the experience of creating a masterpiece with a novice where no experience is necessary is fulfilling and gratifying,” said Cheslow. Further, the “ability to offer this experience on the Upper West Side where I have lived for the past fifteen years makes it that much more gratifying. This is my neighborhood, my community, my friends,” she said.
Cheslow’s Partner, Stacey Miller, is a matrimonial attorney. Prior to becoming an attorney, Miller lived in New Orleans where she owned and operated a café and coffee house. For Miller “it was the opportunity to connect with people in a fun, relaxing environment where people can just be themselves”. She recalls her favorite aspect of the coffee shop was the relationships and connection with the patrons. Miller said she has “missed interacting and meeting new people and providing them with a warm, welcoming experience and always knew that one day she would run a business again.”
Cheslow is excited to introduce the paint-and-drink concept to the Upper West Side. “The Upper West Side needs this,” she said. “So many people want a fun night out that is an alternative to going to a bar”.
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