As the nights get longer and more places close their doors for the season, it’s nice to know that things are still happening on the Island. It’s also nice to know that you can even spend an evening getting creative too.
In 2014, Jasmine Thompson of Jazen’s Art Studio, started Create & Cocktails. Create & Cocktails are paint parties which are fun and easy going. The event lasts about two and half hours, and is usually held at various restaurants/bars/event spaces around Martha’s Vineyard. You might have seen one happening at the Harbor View Hotel, Park Corner, or even at Polly Hill.
Create & Cocktails paint parties are available year round, and Jasmine is always introducing new paintings into her events, and of course designs that are seasonally themed too. Now that’s Fall, and Winter is on it’s way, think pumpkins and Christmas.
Events With A Little He-ART & Soul
Jasmine likes to keep things fun. Last Friday, she hosted a Create & Cocktails at Long Point. For this party, Jasmine created an Oyster Catcher painting. This location and the painting itself piqued my interest. Sounded like a great, different way to spend a Friday night.
The event was at 6:30 p.m., so I was even able to have dinner with the kiddos, run to Our Market for a little vino to bring (if Create & Cocktails is not at a bar/restaurant you can BYOB), and pick-up my friend, Catherine. The event was at Long Point – a really different spot for a paining party.
I always forget how long the trip is to the Trustee’s of the Reservation’s Long Point Wildlife Refuge down Deep Bottom Road in West Tisbury. Surrounded by just trees, and add that fact that it’s dark by 5:00 p.m., and you have yourself a somewhat adventurous trip.
My friend and I were certain that someone was going to jump out of the woods. Obviously that was not that case.
When we got there, everyone was ready for action. The space was quaint and full of nature themed stuff which helped you feel a little more connected to the subject. The easels and brushes were set up.
There were Oyster Catcher paintings close by for us to reference, fun snacks were available, and I have to mention that Jasmine had a great playlist on — such good tunes. A half hour in, we were all singing along together.
Once we got settled, got our individual paint needs, a nibble, and a glass of wine, we got started. Jasmine is very good at instructing you on the picture painting process. She breaks it down and then builds it up, slowly and with a lot of fun. As many of you know, I am not artistic in any way, but at this class I was feeling somewhat capable.
Starting with the ocean and sand, moving our way on to the tear-drop shaped bodies of birds, to the more complicated beaks, and feet of the majestic Oyster Catcher. She taught us how to add more if we wanted to, less if necessary. It was good to know that you had options and each person’s painting really had it’s own personalty.
During the painting, we were talking, singing, laughing and having an all-round good time. The atmosphere was light and supportive and fun. We made new friends and left with one of my better attempts with paint.
It was nice to feel like I was using the creative side of my brain while having a really good time. Create & Cocktails is usually $35 per person but that fee can change depending on the location.
Customize Create & Cocktails
Jasmine will bring her Create & Cocktails painting parties to you if you like. She offers private and custom parties for groups as small as 10 and as large as 50. This could be a fun way to do something different with your holiday or birthday party.
You can have the event come to you or you can have it at her new studio at 220 County Road in Oak Bluffs.
She also offers children’s parties which happen to be super cute. In addition to the painting parties, “Art Parties” are coming soon which will offer you the chance to work with other mediums such as collage, needle point, felting, ornament decorating etc.. get ready to get your art on!
Paint parties are the perfect way to add a little color to your life – whether done with friends, co-workers, or your family, there will be smiles all around, and Jasmine will help you make a great memory or too. “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” ― Pablo Picasso
Thanks for reading the On Point Blog. You can learn more Jazen’s Art Studio and Create & Cocktails on Facebook, including events and specials. Speaking of social media, don’t forget to “Like” us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter, Linked In, Google+, Pinterest and Youtube.