Muse Paintbar Will Provide Creative Experience in Wine Bar Atmosphere

Area residents tired of traditional entertainment options will soon have the opportunity to express their creativity accompanied by hors d'oeuvres as well as wine or beer, and take home something they just might want to hang on the wall.

Muse Paintbar, which plans to open in Blue Back Square this September, offers a hands-on artistic experience, but also includes the social attraction of drinks and munchies in a relaxed environment.

Participants work with various instructors, and according to a news release will "follow the artist’s instructions to create their very own masterpieces of famous works like Van Gogh’s Starry Night, seasonal images like a Saint Patrick’s Day clover, and local paintings like New England lighthouses and foliage."

The experience is billed as the "ultimate night out" with a chance to "uncork your muse" – perfect for celebrations, book group get-togethers, and much more.

There is a different painting featured each night, and participants have the chance to create their own interpretation, with as much or as little assistance as desired from an instructor, who is usually a local artist. "It's really an interactive event," said Blue Back Square Marketing Director Barbara Lerner.

Muse Paintbar already has a location in Manchester, NH, and is planning to open in Portland, ME as well as West Hartford this fall. "They came here and said, 'We need to be here,'" Lerner said about why business owner and founder Vanessa Leigh chose West Hartford as an ideal location.

"Muse allows local artists to share our passion and create art in a fun, relaxed atmosphere,' said Leigh in the release. "Art can be intimidating. We break down barriers by providing simple directions that allow people to get comfortable and gain confidence. By the end, they’ve had a great time and produced a piece of art they  can be proud of."

And although the wine and beer is served as an attraction for adults, kids are welcome to any of the public events. Muse Paintbar also specifically offers kid-friendly events and will host birthday parties with kids' drinks and bites. According to the company's website, you can also bring your own cake, drinks, and food to the kids' events.

According to the release, Muse is seeking Hartford area artists to instruct and paint. The business also plans to donate 5 percent of profits to local causes and to partner with local suppliers.

Muse Paintbar will be located at 69 Raymond Rd., across the parking lot from REI. Lerner said that the Persian Rug Gallery, which currently occupies that space, plans to move to the vacant National Jean Company space on Isham Rd. With the addition of another tenant that cannot yet be named, the entire row of storefronts will be completely occupied, Lerner said.

Blue Back Square also announced that Potbelly Sandwich Shop will open at 51 Memorial Rd. in September.