How it All Started

One of my favorite things about creating art is seeing how it touches different people. But one reaction I hear consistently that always makes me a little sad is people saying, “I could never do that,” or, “I can’t even draw a stick figure.”

I truly believe everyone has something special they bring to whatever they create, and it makes me sad that so many people have been discouraged into thinking they “can’t make art.” Creativity is something deeply human and meaningful that everyone deserves to experience, whether they consider themselves artistic or not.

Smoky Mountains Paint n’ Party grew out of wanting to create a space where people could reconnect with that creativity in a way that felt approachable, fun, and completely judgment-free. After years of teaching painting classes, I realized that most people are capable of far more than they think when the process is broken down into simple, encouraging steps they can follow along with.

What I love most is seeing people find their stride and become comfortable and fully engaged in the experience. Many guests arrive nervous or convinced they are not creative, but by the end of the event they are laughing, immersed in the moment, and genuinely proud of what they created. Guests often tell me they did not expect painting to feel so calming and therapeutic. For a few hours, they are able to step away from stress and just focus on creating something with their own hands alongside friends, family, or the people closest to them.

That feeling of creative flow and connection is really at the heart of Smoky Mountains Paint n’ Party. It is about more than just painting. It is about helping people slow down, make memories together, and discover what they’re capable of making when they give themselves a chance.

What Makes Us Special

One of the biggest things that sets Smoky Mountains Paint n’ Party apart is that every painting we offer is originally designed in-house by a working artist. I personally create each design before ever teaching it, which means I know exactly how to break the painting process down into approachable, achievable steps for guests. That allows the experience to feel much more intentional and accessible than simply following a generic template.

Our events are also highly customizable. While many paint-and-sip experiences offer a fixed menu of designs, we love creating personalized artwork that makes an event feel unique to the group celebrating. We can customize paintings around themes, destinations, inside jokes, favorite animals, hobbies, weddings, birthdays, or really almost anything guests can dream up. Honestly, I can paint just about anything under the sun, and the sun itself if someone wants it included.

One of our favorite custom options for bachelorette parties is personalized portrait paintings of the bride or their “boo.” These can range from playful and beginner-friendly styles inspired by cubism or pop art to more detailed versions for groups looking for a challenge or just a hilarious and memorable experience together.

Beyond the artwork itself, we focus heavily on creating an atmosphere that feels encouraging, relaxed, and welcoming for people of all skill levels. Even guests who arrive convinced they “can’t paint” usually leave surprised by what they were able to create and excited to show it off.