Paint Nite is the third Utah painting establishment I've taken a class from, following Paint Mixer and Painting with a Twist. Depending on what the painting student is looking for, opinions may vary. For me, it's not just a fun night out with friends and drinking cocktails. I want to paint something I can hang up in my house.
The difference is that Paint Nite doesn't have their own facility. But that's the basis of their business model. Their website states, "Paint Nite is a new concept of blending two timeless pastimes, artistic painting and drinking cocktails, as a way to draw patrons into local pubs on a slow night with a unique opportunity to socialize and be creative." Their classes are held at different pubs ranging from Red Rock to Piper Down.
The class I took was held at Zest Kitchen & Bar. The space they used to set up the chairs and easel was fairly cramped. I had to consistently scoot in and out to let the obnoxious guy who made multiple trips to the bar pass by. Since you are free to order food from the restaurant's menu, the woman next to me ordered a full entree. But since there's nowhere else to set her food, she set it in between her easel and mine. Not exactly her fault but the amount of space we had to work with our painting tools was already limited.
The instructor had no microphone so it was super hard to hear her without standing up, especially if you're sitting farther back. For this reason, I can't critique the instructor because I don't know if I missed her instructions or if she didn't do a good job showing us how to paint the desired artwork. This is one downside to Paint Nite versus the other establishments that have their own speaker system to connect to the instructor's microphone.
Since they're currently doing a deal on GroupOn, their classes fill up quick. Not ideal for planning an activity with more than 4 friends unless you all register together or you want to book a private event. I tried to get some girlfriends to come with me but since they were registering on their own, some of them couldn't register anymore cause the class had filled up by then.
I had an okay experience, considering that I used a GroupOn to get a discount on registration. Most of their classes are normally $45.00, which is more expensive than Paint Mixer and Painting With A Twist. That doesn't include a drink either. If the class is downtown, chances are you'll have to spend a couple extra dollars for parking too.
For some, drinking cocktails and socializing might be the bigger priority. So the uncomfortable seating situation might not be a concern. But for those who are like me who are just looking to paint and paint well, we just might better off at the Paint Mixer or Painting With A Twist. The seating's more roomy. The instructor can be heard no matter where you sit. You get a free drink. The parking is free. And the cost is cheaper if you don't have a GroupOn.
This is not to say I wouldn't come back. But it wouldn't be my first choice. read more