At about this time of year, as many of the female contingent of our family who live in the North East as possible get together for a weekend in Connecticut. Sometimes we go to New York City and other times we find something to do closer to our home base (the lovely town of Ridgefield). If you've ever participated in one of those paint and sip parties and figure that this is the same-old thing, you'd be mistaken. The similarities are not hard to miss. (1) You bring in your favorite snacks and beverages (particularly the adult beverages that we all love, WINE!), (2) you will paint stuff, (3) there is expert assistance to help you paint stuff, and (4) it's an estrogen-rich environment (think girl's night out). Usually, for the paint parties, you have to paint what the instructor decides to paint. In my experience, it's a forced affair--sometimes stressful and rushed to get the group out and make way for the next--with the end product landing squarely on the floor of my closet until I pitch it. The plank painting experience lets you know that this is different, because when you sign up, THEY LET YOU DECIDE what you want to paint! When you arrive, the project is professionally laid out for you, with your name on it. The individual guidance doesn't end there. There were about 20 people there, working on projects, and 3 staff members, but I never felt neglected. There were announcements that fit everyone through the event, but a lot of the instructions were one-on-one. Suggestions were made and a plan was agreed with each individual. The staff even adapted the projects on-the-fly to make it an optimal outcome, making some of the art very personal. Ample time was given to each person and help was given without stress. The one thing (among many) that I appreciated was that we were allotted several hours and then ended up taking more. The staff was gracious and patient and never uttered a word that we took too much time. They made it WONDERFUL fun and I know that we'll be back in the future! read more

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My first experience with this craft. I loved the way it came out. The owner was pretty patient, but I guess she has to be it's a learning experience. I went with some friends, we had a good time. I guess maybe my reading prior reviews made me a little on edge, the ones that said the owner was not very nice in so many words. I was a little guarded because of that. She was ok, not warm and fuzzy but well then that's just her personality. I figure you're not there to make friends, just a painted plank! Which I was very happy with. I'd go back again and still do recommend. Maybe the more you go, the better the connection? I'm going back to find out! read more

Very fun experience - My wife and I wanted to celebrate our wedding anniversary, and we wanted to do something other than a restaurant- With two young boys under the age on 5, we hardly ever go out and if we do its very, very quick- And this was a nice change of pace, lucy & staff were awesome, nice, & patient. read more

I gave 1 star because it wouldn't let me leave 0... I was super excited to do a workshop here...sadly my bubble was burst within the first 10 minutes here. This is supposed to be about encouraging creative freedom..not controlling it. When the owner, who did my workshop, asked me what I wanted to do stain and paint wise she told me I couldn't and then told me color wise what I could do. While I appreciate advisement, I don't appreciate being told I can't do something. I'm paying after all. What was apparent was that if she didn't think it would look good on her website, she wanted no part of it. She treated my guest and I poorly the entire time and I was uncomfortable even asking for more paint(of which her colors were limited). At the end she was the one who "ruffed up"/sanded our finished projects and put wax on it...even attached the make shift hook to it...we weren't allowed to do ANY OF THIS. When everyone was done she was getting the group together for a picture to post(I saw it on her website here) yet said to my guest and I "have a nice day" and did not include us. She obviously did not like our signs-from her words and attitude. All in all, she's very controlling and you will NOT get the full experience you will from a competitor like Board and Brush. I do not recommend going here unless you either are okay paying to feel unwelcome or being told exactly what to do. read more

Amazing experience! Great instruction, fun night out with the girls and a gorgeous customized wood board to take home and display (as opposed to those paint night paintings that end up in the basement!). Highly recommend!! read more

Lucie, Val, and all the staff are so warm and welcoming and very helpful! I've been to the Painted Plank many times now and each time it gets better and better. I really appreciate that Lucie uses biodegradable and no-fume paints and products for a safe and healthy environment to work in. Everyone had a great time and I look forward to going back again very soon! read more