A blank canvas: The world of paint and sip
Robin Arramae is the owner of WNC Paint Events.
On a sunny morning, I met Robin Arramae at Panacea Coffee House in the Frog Level District of Waynesville. We sat on the back deck amid other coffee-goers and the relaxing sounds of a nearby creek. The goal was to conduct an interview about her popular business, WNC Paint Events.
But, as always seems to happen when I encounter Arramae, our chat evolved into a deeper conversation about art, life and how the two intertwine. For anyone who’s had the pleasure of meeting or knowing Arramae, you can’t help but absorb some of her beautiful energy and light. And, in my opinion, it’s this quality that makes her events so unique and memorable.
“My business fully aligns with who I am,” Arramae said. “I don’t have a certification or degree in visual arts. My work comes from a deep place and it’s extremely meaningful for me.”
WNC Paint Events is part of a growing list of “paint and sip” companies, not only in the Great Smoky Mountains region, but around the country. This fun and artsy industry initiated sometime in the early 2000s and continues to grow in popularity.
The model centers around artists offering step-by-step instructions where attendees create a pre-selected work of art while enjoying the company of friends and their preferred beverage, whether that be wine, beer, kombucha, herbal tea or something else. When the event concludes, guests leave with a complete work of art.
Arramae’s journey as an artist began in the world of pottery. She was a potter throughout her teens and continued her work with clay when she moved to Waynesville. Then, in early 2015, she attended a paint and sip event with her sister in Orlando, Florida. And while she loved the experience, she noticed a few things she would do differently.
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Most specifically, Arramae would be more hands-off in allowing her participants to create from their own hearts and minds without any criticism. When she returned to Haywood County, an idea for a paint and sip experience in Waynesville began formulating in her mind.
Not only was Arramae excited about creating an artistic experience for her guests, but she was also pregnant at the time and envisioned a life that offered more flexibility and more time with her young child.
“After returning from the event in Orlando, I said to myself, ‘Waynesville needs something like this,’” Arramae said. “And so, I printed a little flier and hosted my first event with six guests right here at Panacea.”
Wendy Lavoy is said to have been one of the first people to host a classic paint and sip event in Birmingham, Alabama. Lavoy was an art teacher, who noticed that her students were too quick to over analyze their work and feel defeated.
After observing this, Lavoy tried out a new approach where adult students painted swiftly, finishing their pieces in as little as 15 minutes, so they didn’t have time to perseverate on their perceived mistakes. She then expanded this method to amateur artists and folks outside her studio then added the fun component of sipping an adult beverage. Word about her success grew, leading other artists, teachers and entrepreneurs to do the same.
“When I think of why I started my business nine years ago, the intention wasn’t the same back then as it is today,” Arramae said. “At the time, I needed a livelihood so there was a different energy and influence surrounding it. But, I also wanted to bring Waynesville an activity to do while people were out and about in town. I wanted to create an experience for others to enjoy.”
Along with watching her students feel a sense of pride in themselves, one of Arramae’s favorite components of running WNC Paint Events is partnering with small businesses. She often schedules her events at breweries, coffee shops, markets and cafes. And usually on slower nights to ensure they have a fun and creative activity on a night where seats may otherwise be empty.
“Collaborating with small businesses not only brings something fun to do in the area, but it offers revenue to many small and locally owned businesses,” Arramae said. “Working alongside other businesses has just been really fun and rewarding. I’ve met the most amazing people, and they all have their own amazing stories.”
For Arramae, the human component is something that makes paint and sip events special for everyone. The art serves as a conduit for connection and inner reflection.
In addition to her more formal events, Arramae has partnered with local yogis to create a spiritual experience and help attendees tap into their chakras. She also hosts bachelorette parties and corporate functions, as well as kid events at summer camps and recreation centers.
“The one rule for my attendees is no judgment. They are not allowed to judge their art, although I like to joke and say, ‘But, you can judge your neighbor’s art,’” Arramae grinned. “Sometimes people come to an event and have a hard time turning off their thoughts and letting go. So, I see myself as less of an art teacher and more as an instructor to help people learn how to let go and lean into the art as a way to relax and maybe learn more about themselves. My mantra is, ‘let it go and let it flow.’”
Want to go?
Robin Arramae hosts public and private events all throughout Western North Carolina including Haywood, Jackson, and Buncombe counties.
To learn more, visit WNC Paint Events online at wncpaint.events.
