Paint Nite events emphasize fun over artistic skill level

Editor's Note: The spelling of Paint Nite has been corrected below, and also the fact that it's an international organization.

Natalie Metzger, instructor of PaintNite in Cape Girardeau, works with a participant on her painting Monday at Port Cape Girardeau. (Glenn Landberg)

Bringing together painting and partying is the goal of a new recreational activity in Cape Girardeau.

Paint Nite, an international organization, now is scheduling regular events.

The first was Monday night, and it was a great success, said Natalie Metzger, who owns the Cape Girardeau Paint Nite franchise.

"Paint Nite gives you the chance to embrace your inner artist," she said.

Each Paint Nite has a theme; Monday's event was "Japanese Cherry Blossoms." The theme for next Monday's session, at Bella Italia, is "Red Wine I."

"We start with a blank canvas and walk you through," Metzger said. "It's very fun, low-stress and nonjudgmental."

Close to 40 people gathered for PaintNite on Monday at Port Cape Girardeau. (Glenn Landberg)

The emphasis is more on the social aspect, so Metzger said she doesn't refer to the sessions as classes, because she doesn't want people to take the art part too seriously.

To that end, at the beginning of the class, the artist leader has "guests," as Metzger calls participants, take an oath.

With one hand on the canvas and the other raising a glass with their beverage of choice, guests are asked to say: "I am the artist tonight. I promise to relax and have fun. I promise not to b---- or moan and not to throw my canvas across the room. I promise not to use the words, 'This really sucks' or 'Can't you just do it for me?'"

The group takes a break every now and then, after completing various steps in the process, when they might listen to some music, or even participate in karaoke.

A participant works on their painting during PaintNite on Monday at Port Cape Girardeau. (Glenn Landberg)

It's informal, so guests can peruse one another's paintings during the breaks.

Metzger is a native of Cape Girardeau and now lives in St. Louis, where she has worked for Paint Nite for more than two years as an artist and a manager.

She wanted to bring a "cool, unique experience" to town, and the fact it's her hometown makes it all the better, the Cape Girardeau Central High School graduate said.

The painting parties are held in restaurants, with the first one at Port Cape Girardeau, though subsequent events will be in different restaurants around town.

This is not a "bring your own bottle" activity, Metzger emphasized.

Kaitlin Wibbenmeyer works on the background of her painting during PaintNite on Monday at Port Cape Girardeau. (Glenn Landberg)

"All food and drink must be purchased at the restaurant, so it's a good way to support local businesses," she said.

Metzger, who earned a bachelor's degree in painting from Webster University in Webster Groves, Missouri, led the initial session, but going forward, the events will be led by a local artist-in-residence.

Jack Germann will be the artist leader at next Monday's event, with Valerie Signaigo, an art teacher in Perryville, Missouri, leading sessions for the rest of the year.

There's a little artist in everyone, Metzger said.

The point is to have fun, regardless of the skills, or lack thereof, guests may possess.

"You might not have picked up a paintbrush since kindergarten," Metzger said.

Chelsey Sample, left, and Mona Petty look over their progress during PaintNite on Monday at Port Cape Girardeau. (Glenn Landberg)

Participating in the sessions might do more than provide entertainment.

"Art can be very therapeutic," Metzger said, remembering a regular guest at her St. Louis parties who was badly injured in a car accident but has regained some fine motor skills through participating.

"Just the act of dragging a brush across the canvas can be very relaxing," she said.

Tickets for the two-hour events are $45 and include a canvas and all painting supplies. Discount tickets may be purchased for $25, using the code welcomecape45 on the website PaintNite.com.

Groups are advised to arrive early to ensure they can sit together. Class size depends on the space available at the hosting restaurant.