On July 31, Delaware resident Tricia Grapner will celebrate the grand opening of her walk-in and paint studio, Canvas Creations For You.
Located at 325 S. Sandusky St., the studio will allow customers to simply walk in and create their own paintings, she said.
Grapner said she has chosen to keep how this format will work a secret until the studio opens.
The grand opening will include live music, snow cones, raffles prizes and fun for the whole family, she said. The studio will open for business on Aug. 3.
The studio will also be available for parties and other events.
“I have no degree, I have no background in art. I started painting last March just as an outlet,” said Grapner of the inspiration for the studio.”
After posting pictures of her painting to Facebook, friends began to ask Grapner to teach them how to paint. What began as a few friends painting together while sharing some beers quickly grew into a successful business venture as Grapner began to charge to host painting parties at homes and businesses in Delaware and the surrounding area.
Grapner said that what makes her painting parties different from those that are hosted by larger companies is her focus on making personal connections.
“I’m different,” she said. “I walk around the whole time I’m painting and I make sure I talk to each individual person. My prices are a fraction of what the big corporate places charge and I hope to keep it that way.”
Since the beginning of this year, Grapner said she has already painted with 768 people.
Grapner plans to continue to host painting parties after the studio opens and is looking forward to sharing painting with as many people, in as many ways, as possible. “The endless opportunities are amazing,” she said.
Since deciding to open her own studio, Grapner said, “The community support and my friends, it’s been amazing.” With this community support in mind, Grapner said she will be representing Canvas Creations for You at an upcoming First Friday.
Grapner said she is looking forward to sharing painting with the Delaware community. “I love when people walk in and say they can’t even draw,” she said. “Seeing their happiness and their self-confidence flourish — just from a painting — is what really keeps me going.”
More information about the studio and painting parties can be found at www.CanvasCreationsForYou.com
