New Biz Oly: Let’s Paint!

Introducing you to new locally-owned businesses… LET’S PAINT!

After Leslee McComb and her daughter, Kaylee Wagner, visited a painting studio in another town, the two asked themselves, “Why not us?” Both love the arts, practice in a variety of mediums, and resonate with the idea of helping arts newcomers overcome reservations about expressing themselves in paint. Kaylee encouraged her mom to stop dreaming and start doing, and now the two are partners in Let’s Paint!

An eclectic collection of pictures painted by Leslee or Kaylee decorate the walls in the bright, colorful, table-lined studio, there to serve as the inspiration for beginning painters. Budding artists register online to make their choices after viewing the calendar to see featured paintings to be copied during classes throughout the week.

“Students reproduce our paintings,in a group setting that ranges from small to 30 people,” says Leslee. “We guide the classes step by step, so the process breaks down barriers for those new to painting. We supply acrylic paints, 16” x 20” canvases, brushes, easels, aprons and everything else our students need to create their own art. Customers are also welcome to bring in their own paints, to personalize what they paint to augment their décor, and to paint unguided. We teach how to reproduce photos onto canvas and, coming up, we’re having a ‘paint your pet’ event wherein people will work from photos. After the 2 ½ hour sessions, people take their artwork home. “

Neither Kaylee nor Leslee are formally trained. They base what they do upon what they have liked and learned appreciating art. “We offer something for everyone,” Leslee affirms, “birthday parties, team building events, wedding showers, girls’ night out, baby showers, bachelorette parties, fundraisers, father-daughter dates, anniversaries. On Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays we host Open Studio from 1-4 PM. Sunday is Family Day with afternoon classes that offer easier paintings to accommodate kids of 7, and with special preparation, as young as 5. We will be open for Arts Walk featuring the work of a talented visiting artist.”

Private parties may serve alcohol during an event by obtaining a banquet license for beer and wine. Free soda, tea, coffee, cocoa and juices are available to participants. “Online registration is preferred,” says Leslee. “We offer art as entertainment, something fun to do with friends and family.  I love the people and the downtown atmosphere. It’s alive, active, exciting to be right in the center of the town’s heart!”

418 Washington Street SE

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Hours: M – T by appointment

Wed – Sun:  1 – 5 PM/ open-ended closing

Evening classes: 6:30 PM

Online registration: www.letspaintoly.com

new-biz-oly is written by Holly Graham. To suggest a new locally-owned business to be featured, please email .