PAINT NITE AT O’MAILLE’S IRISH PUB: Pairing paint with your pint

o’Maille’s Paint nite at a Glance

Location: 398 St. Albert Trail

Time: Thursdays at 7 p.m. and -Saturdays at 3 p.m.

Interesting Fact: O’Maille’s Irish Pub was the first venue in St. Albert to partner with Paint Nite

An Irish pub is generally where you’d go to find a perfectly poured pint of Gat, a bowl of hearty stew and some lively conversation with ye favourite lads and lasses. However, what you might not expect to find among the wood paneling and dark-green accents are bright white canvases and colourful acrylic paints—unless, of course, it’s Paint Nite at O’Maille’s Irish Pub.

Paint Nite is a refreshingly new concept that has charmed its way into bars and pubs (and pop culture) across North America. The idea for it came to its founders, Dan Hermann and Sean McGrail, when they attended a friend’s birthday party at a paint studio a few years back. It was there they discovered that painting, cocktails and socializing were a great mix. From there, a business plan was born, and in 2012, Hermann and McGrail launched their very first Paint Nite in Boston.

Today, Paint Nite events are held in more than 1,500 cities worldwide, bringing together local artists and local bars (like O’Maille’s) to host paint parties. “Our mandate is ‘drink creatively,’” says Amadeus Sung, director of operations for -Edmonton-area Paint Nite events.

“It’s so impressive. Many people paint in kindergarten or elementary school and then never pick up a paintbrush again. Paint Nite lets them create something. Instead of just going out and drinking with friends, they end up with their own artwork to take home and be proud of.”

Sung’s team first introduced Paint Nite in St. Albert in 2013. “When we first started, we were knocking on a lot of doors, talking to [bar and pub] managers,” says Sung. “O’Maille’s was interested in the idea. We started with a private event to try out the concept, and it was great.”

Paint Nite at O’Maille’s has continued to be a success, often selling out. Over the years, O’Maille’s and Paint Nite have developed great chemistry as event partners; strong communication between the two businesses helps make O’Maille’s stand out as a Paint Nite venue.

“The event is held in a private area, so we go in and get all the tables and supplies set up ahead of time. O’Maille’s always makes sure there are servers right off the bat, making sure everyone is happy. And the manager is always checking on us, making sure everything is okay… plus they have great food!”

Because of Paint Nite’s popularity at O’Maille’s, Sung suggests arriving at least 15 minutes early to make sure your group finds seats together and has time to place drink or food orders before the painting begins. All painting supplies—including Paint Nite aprons to wear over your clothes—are included, and a local artist and artist assistant will guide you through your masterpiece, step-by-step. “Each event is usually about an hour and 45 minutes, but can stretch to two-and-a-half or even three hours if you stay behind and chat with the artists afterward,” says Sung.

And if you’re worried about your artistic ability (or lack thereof), Sung says to brush it off. “If I can do it, you can definitely do better,” he jokes.

“No experience is needed. It’s about gathering with friends and enjoying new entertainment in St. Albert. People have a lot of fun.”

So the next time you’re craving a pint of Gat, consider adding a side of creativity and check out Paint Nite at O’Maille’s—you might be amazed at what you create!  t8n

Fun Fact

In the wintertime, Paint Nite hosts about 30 events each week in the Edmonton area—about seven of which are in St. Albert.

Paint Nite events tend to be busiest during the winter—especially near Valentine’s Day and after Christmas. Summer is the slowest time of year.