Paint a seascape at this South Mumbai eatery

Tomorrow, head to a SoBo eatery for a fun night-out post which you’ll be the proud owner of a masterpiece, thanks to a new art-social concept at Colaba's Le Pain Quotidien

Are you a closet painter or looking to spend quality time with your partner, and not just over food and drinks? Now might be a good time to sign up for a Paintstorm session that will take place at a SoBo eatery tomorrow. A new art-social concept curated by a city-based quartet known as Art Eccentrics, the initiative aims to provide creative recreation where like-minded persons come together to paint, drink, eat and socialise.

Founders (from left) Prerna Chhabria, Aanchal Bubber Mehta, Viren Chhabria and Sanjana Bubber

"Painting was a hobby for us but due to the lack of time, we couldn’t satisfy the art itch. This common feeling led to the birth of Art Eccentrics and Paintstorm," shares 30-year-old artist and graphic designer Prerna Chhabria, who partnered with 21-year-old Com-merce graduate Viren Chhabria, and designers Aanchal Bubber Mehta and Sanjana Bubber (of Indianwear label Bubber — By Aanchal & Sanjana) for the concept.

Canvas calling
Launched a few months ago, each of the six public sessions have been organised at a restaurant or bar, targeting guests above 21. "Even an 80-year-old has signed up. Many people think Paintstorm is only for experienced artists but that’s not true. Most participants are first-timers and doubt their painting abilities. It is amazing to see the confidence reflected on their faces after they complete their masterpieces," shares Prerna.

A participant working on her painting at an earlier Paintstorm session

Each session comprises a theme and the group provides a step-by-step guide to take you through the process, plus all art supplies. For the upcoming event, guests will create a seascape painting titled Sunset Sailboats. "Aanchal will be painting along with customers from start to end, while others will provide one-on-one assistance," says Sanjana, adding, "Our team develops all the paintings in-house. We keep the art versatile to appeal to a wider audience. The objective is to open creative doors to all."

Artworks at a Paintstorm session

A warm welcome
When we ask Viren about reactions from city restaurants to the concept, he shares, "We target restaurants on low-activity days like weeknights. We provide aprons to customers and cover up the tables to avoid paint spillage. The painting sessions last for three hours and many patrons stay back for a meal. This results in good sales for the restaurant hosts." The group also plans Paintstorm sessions for private and corporate events. "Our aim is to revive the casual and therapeutic practice of art across India, and as cliche as it sounds, make the world a better (or at least a more artistic and creatively fulfilled) place," sums up Prerna.

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