Paint ‘N Sip session brings out the artist in you; helps create your own masterpiece
by Leony R. Garcia
Tired of Friday night’s bar- or coffee shop-hopping? or of food-tripping and bingeing? Then, whiling away the night painting with friends, hobbyists and painter wannabes and sipping your favorite drink could be best for you!
Every Friday night, Cevio Art Haus holds a painting activity called Paint ‘N Sip which is open to everyone, including those who are clueless and inexperience in painting.
Cevio Art Haus has a cool and laid-back ambiance, which is perfect for those who are looking for a relaxing place in the middle of the city. This elusive art gallery is located in a quiet street in Barangay Kapitolyo, Pasig City, and can be quite hard to find. The best way is to ride a tricycle from the Kapitolyo gate and give the address to the driver: # 60 San Isidro St. — just like what I did.
And presto, I was there right on the gate of Cevio Art Haus Gallery fronting the imposing INC church.
Cevio’s Art Haus is owned by lawyer Cecilio “Bodjie” Tobillo. A passionate art collector, he said he went from being a collector to a gallery owner because he wanted to be instrumental in helping the careers of young, new contemporary artists.
The latest to join the art gallery zone in the metropolis, Cevio Art Haus formally opened its door to the public during an inaugural group show in Oct 5 last year. The group show, featuring 70 visual artists representing various genres, creative persuasions and decisive impulses, presented live graffiti painting, poetry reading session, performance art, DJ mixing and band jamming, according Kristine, wife and business partner of Bodjie.
Prior to the painting session, she toured us around the house showing the ongoing renovation of the ground floor from a residential structure “to one with a nurturing climate for creativity and appreciation of artistic work.”
The place will also be available as venue for private dinners and similar functions, according to Kristine.
The Actual Painting Session
Wearing our aprons, our group of first-time painters were told not to let inexperience or lack of skill stop us from learning something new as the activity was designed to accommodate everyone, skilled or not.
The aim of the activity is to just paint, chill and have some fun. Bringing out the artist in anyone of us is just a big surprise and bonus.
For Php1000, one can learn how to paint at Cevio’s Paint ‘n Sip. Everything is provided for the participant, including an unlimited supply of paint, different-sized brushes, snacks, and a drink of your choice and a canvas you can bring home at the end of the session!
The art instructor guided us every step of the way to the brush strokes and painting tips while an art assistant eagerly helped us with the supply of paints, unlimited drinks, finger foods, and a lot of encouragement and reminders for us to relax and breathe and be happy while painting.
The result was great – producing our own masterpieces signed with our names! It was unbelievable – painting a colorful peacock out from the scratch.
Indeed, the activity can be a great opportunity to discover one’s hidden talent and start a love affair with paint brushes. It’s a sort of ice-breaker for one wanting to paint but too scared to make his or her first brush stroke. The activity can also rejuvenate one’s fading passion for the arts and make him or her want to start painting again.
For me, it was more of a challenge of doing the given task and doing my best. But of course, I want to paint again!
Those interested in spending their Friday night having fun while being creative, reserve yourself a seat for Cevio’s Paint ‘n Sip Night! For more information, visit www.facebook.com/pages/Cevios-Paint-n-Sip-Nights and www.facebook.com/cevioarthaus.
For reservations and inquiries, email cevioarthaus@gmail.com or call 6564931/ 09057232845.
