Milwaukee has a way of pairing any activity with drinking. However, sometimes a glass of wine is just what you need to unleash your creativity. And, a little guidance from a professionally trained artist also helps. Splash Art Studios, a new painting bar in the Third Ward (184 N. Broadway), provides the blank canvas, brushes, paints and inspiration. The rest is up to you.
If you think you might not have a creative bone in your body, that’s where the drinking comes in. You’d be surprised how creative osmosis can happen once you loosen up a bit. I went to Splash last weekend as part of a bachelorette party and although leery at first, it’s an experience I hope to repeat soon. Local artist Dena Nord led our motley crew in a tutorial on how to paint a robot with flames coming out of his head. She had us all wear wacky hats as part of the creative journey. Step by step, she painted along with us and taught us how to create each piece of the entire image. A few of us chose to deviate from the scheduled painting and go with something that we’d be more likely to hang in our houses. Dena was there every step of the way if we needed opinions or ideas.
Visitors have the option to stop in and paint whichever painting is being taught on any given night night, paint their own piece, or rent the space for a group event. Manager Kaitlin King says, “The best part is watching people be creative, especially when they think they can’t be.” She says, “Most people who come in are not artists. We try to make sure everyone is comfortable and leaves with a painting they truly love.”
Splash opened in March and aside from catering to non-artists and groups, it is also a resource for artists in the community. There is a minimum of 15 people for a private group and the fee is $28 per person (not including drinks). Check the calendar to see nightly offerings or click here to learn more about renting the space for a group.
Follow me on Twitter as @jkashou to stay on top of what’s happening around town or search #GirlAboutTown.
