When my friend Christine and I signed on for a class at Muse Paintbar, we were skeptical about our skills, especially since I’d chosen the ambitious Starry Night as the work of art we’d try to imitate. But according to Stan Finch, Muse cofounder and president, inexperience shouldn’t keep you from this fun spot in SoNo. “More than fifty percent of the students in each class haven’t painted since grade school,” he says. Yet, often, amateurs are surprised at how well their paintings turn out. That was my experience, too. Now, I’m not saying anyone mistook my finished canvas for Van Gogh’s, but my friends and colleagues were impressed with what I created, and I had a lot of fun in the process. Here are five reasons to try Muse.
Easy On, Easy Off
Muse provides everything you need for class, including canvas, easel, brushes, mixing plates and aprons. We used acrylic paint, which dries faster than oil and allows painters to do more detail work, such as the layers of swirls around the stars in our Starry Night.
Mellow Vibe
The mood is relaxed; so much so that you can buy beer and wine on-site or bring your own to drink during class. Our instructor, Caitlin Widener, took us through the painting process step-by-step, with no pressure. She showed us how to mix colors and apply the paint, and encouraged us to deviate from the norm. I stuck to the model, but she helped me reshape my moon when it got a bit out of control.
Food & Spirits
Muse also offers food, from small plates like hummus, chips and salsa, to pizza. There’s also a brownie sundae for that sweet tooth.
Party Perfect
Muse is a great spot for a birthday celebration, bachelorette party or company outing. There are about 450 paintings to choose from, but instructors can also create a custom painting for your specific event.
The Cost
Prices are reasonable as classes run between $25 and $35 per person. And classes are offered most nights of the week.
Muse, Norwalk
55 N. Main Street, (203) 989-2600