Business & Tech

On Main Street, A New Place to Sip Wine and Learn to Paint

"Paint in the Hut" will feature professional artists providing local amateurs with a painting lesson in a BYOB social environment.


The eclectic mix of antique shops, galleries and bohemian clothing stores produces a vibe of creativity on Ellicott City's Main Street.

So when Vishal Cherian, the owner of the fair-trade store Hutcraft on Main Street, contemplated what he wanted to do with the second-floor of his store he knew he wanted to tap into that mentality.

From that came his new venture Paint in the Hut Wine and Paint Studio, which will combine painting lessons with a bring-your-own-beverage social experience in a sun-drenched second-floor studio above HutCraft.

Inside the rose-painted room are two long tables neatly arranged with 20 easels. For $40 customers will be provided their own 16x20-inch canvas, acrylic paint and receive a two-hour painting lesson from a local professional artist, all while they sip on whatever wine, beer or drink they've brought along for the event.

"It's about having fun and being social," said Cherian. "I think this is a great thing we can add to Ellicott City."

Cherian said he thought of the idea after enjoying similar classes in North Carolina and Houston. Once he decided he wanted to bring it to Ellicott City, he consulted with Houston artist Brian Bullard, who runs The Paint and Wine Studio in Texas. 

Bullard helped him with logistics, and on Friday, Cherian will celebrate the grand opening with a special session that will run from 7 to 10 p.m.

"We want to make it a unique experience," said Cherian.

In addition to drinks, customers are invited to bring food and music will be played during the event as well.

Each night, the painting instructors will guide amateur artists through a different style of painting said Cherian. For example, one night may be a boat on the water, on another a streetscape.

Those interested in registering for a class can do so online at paintinthehut.com or by calling 410-465-0520.

After the grand opening, classes will take place nightly on the second floor of Hutcraft—8120 Main Street, Ellicott City. 

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