The studio at pARTy & Paint Charleston resembles not so much a classroom as a lounge. Sunlight pours through picture windows and glints off leather barstools and repurposed tables made from upturned doors. These breezy environs reinforce the studio’s mission to serve as a welcoming hub for creative expression. The casual vibe extends to the classes, many of which are BYOB and encourage students to mingle and munch appetizers or still-life subjects between brushstrokes. The instructors tout diverse backgrounds that reflect the studio’s inclusive approach to art: some are self-taught and some are formally trained, while others approach classes through the lens of art therapy. To encourage artistic expression in kids aged 5 and older, they also assemble birthday packages that include materials and instruction by a local artist.
