ArTherapy for Me

I love this place! I have attended three times so far, twice for the «paint your pet» class and once for the regular class and I have enjoyed it immensely every time. They are aptly named, because I can show up stressed out and after a few hours of forgetting everything to concentrate on my painting, I always leave feeling great. It really is like therapy.
The ladies who run the classes are very helpful and encouraging and clearly love being there. They coach you through the entire process, but at the same time, your painting is all your own. I find the prices extremely reasonable, and they even have «throwback Thursday,» when they throwback the price to $ 20.
I’m not very creative or artsy but I have been very surprised and pleased with my paintings each time. You just have to trust the process and remember that there are no mistakes in art. I’m signed up for another class next week and I’m very excited to see what I come out with. At this rate I’m going to run out of wall space! It’s an excellent, relaxing way to spend an evening, and you get to take home a beautiful painting done by your own hand.

This was an evening to top all evenings! My husband and I attended with our son and daughter-​in-​law and we had so much fun painting a beautiful AZ sunset. Julie led our session and she was outstanding. She coached us patiently as we put all the beautiful colors down on canvas. The class was full and everybody looked and sounded like they were having a ball.
The topper came at the end of the session. We were on stage having our picture taken and, little did we know, Julie helped switch our son’s picture out to reveal the ultrasound of their baby — our first grandchild! Needless to say, we are elated and so very grateful to Julie for helping them pull off such a wonderful surprise!
Thank you.

Even before words are spoken, one of the first forms of expression of a child is through using crayons, paint, marker, chalk — basically any form of art on paper, walls, sidewalks — anything accessible. There are no limits. Colors and shapes speak volumes and are therapeutic to a child.
It’s hilarious going to one of these painting classes, which may or may not include imbibing wine (or drink of choice), because suddenly as adults, we are fearful of divulging into freedom of expression, forgetting the wantonness of childhood. The innate urge to stay within the lines almost paralyze us. These painting classes bring back that fun and freedom of expression that we once had. Sure, you have two to three hours of «guided» painting, but I dare you to look at all the paintings and see if there is not some sort of individualism present. We all start similarly — the same canvas, the same brushes, and most of the time the same colors (depending on what you choose), but the end product will often surprise you and give you a sense of accomplishment.
There are dozens upon dozens of brush bars and wine paired with painting classes, but only ArTherapy for Me has the wonderful owner Julie, her friend Erin, and other wonderful talented staff encouraging and supporting the artist in all of us. I’ve only been to a couple of classes but I can truly vouch for the fact that each time, they will spend one on one time with you if needed. They will lend a helpful ear even if it has nothing to do with art. Their ability to «read» people is what makes each of their classes special and usually sold out quickly. I, along with my friends/​co-​workers, will always remain faithful customers of ArTherapy for Me due to such kindness and attention to detail.

The ladies running our class were super happy and easy going. I can’t believe we painted for 3 hours, it seemed to go by so quick. We were there for the POP Art your Pet session and it was truly amazing. I hope we can go back again soon! Way better then other painting establishments we have gone to and much more relaxed!

This was a fun night of BYOB fun and painting. The concept is you can do one painting by yourself or do one half each of a whole painting with someone else, ie spouse, bf, gf, bff, whomever. We did a half of a painting each and it was really interesting how different each half is but yet the whole is connected. I would encourage anyone that likes to paint, or has thought about painting, to give this a try. They’ll teach you how to paint the assigned painting/​picture for the night and provide all the color paints and brushes. No experience necessary. So bring your favorite bottle and food and get ready to paint! You get to take your art home and display it on your wall. And proudly say, «yep, I painted that» — one step closer to being a recognized artist.

Did a «Girl’s Night Out» here and had a great time! All the supplies are included — even the plates and cups for our snacks and beverages! A very fun and encouraging environment to try something new if it is your first time with a paintbrush!