Blackbird Gallery & Art Studio

This was my third paint and sip class, and was by far the best. I was so impressed by the atmosphere, the artwork on the walls, the instructor, and my overall experience. Christian is very calming and makes sure that everyone is having a great time and feels confident. I love that we didn’t get to see the painting ahead of time because, as Christian said, we would simply compare our own work to the one up front. Instead we created our own piece, guided by Christian, and I was much more proud of my work than I was in any of the other paint and sip classes. He also gave us lots of great tips and tricks while we were painting that were big helps! I can’t wait to go back again!

I’ve been to other byob paint places, but this is painting at its finest. The best part is the entertaining instructor. You aren’t told what you’ll be painting so that makes it fun and full of anticipation. You have to try it!

I went to blackbird gallery and art studio last night and had a great time! The instructor was very charismatic and helpful in guiding the class. His wife also helped with the supplies and with any additional help anyone needed. The instructor was really funny which allowed for a relaxed learning experience with some wine! Definitely, want to go again and support our local artists!

So do you remember that teacher or instructor that you loved attending their class because he/​she was full of energy and made the class FUN… well that’s the definition of Christian our instructor. You can see the passion he has for art and the love of teaching it to others and I admire that.
Blackbird Art Gallery is awesome. Owned by Christian and his wife Alex along with a partner. It’s located in a beige building on the corner… walk into the double Glass doors, 2 flights up… and they are the first door to your left.
Tips:
— Email communication is great, responsive is fast!
— They offer groupon deals… take advantage!
— They offer plastic wine glasses… no need to bring your own… but these are not for you to keep.
— What you’ll paint is a mystery which I actually enjoyed.
— Christian goes step by step and gives a little break in between
— No bag is given after your painting is done… I didn’t see an option to use a dryer for your painting… wasn’t sure why forgot to ask
— BRING WINE AND SNACKS heehee
— Didn’t see a liquor store in walking distance so make sure to grab one
— Definitely prep to get there early to find parking… because it’s all street parking plus it’s JC. If you can train or über it in that’s highly suggested or have someone drop you off.
They plan to have a Star Wars day which I look forward to… of course on «May» the 4^th be with you, so be on the lookout… grab that groupon and email them at
Plus they plan to do a brunch and paint theme… OMG can’t wait for that too!

It’s my 1^st time going to a paint gallery and wine event. I came here with two other girlfriends and had so much fun. Christian, our instructor, was awesome. I’m no artist and usually am nervous in grade school doing any artistic project but felt comfortable here. Christian took his time showing and explaining every step of the way. He didn’t want to let us know or show us what is the painting will be because he didn’t want people to be intimidated or feel pressured that the painting must look a certain way. He made painting seem very simple to duplicate and he’s funny. All participants (roughly) 20 people would laugh and crack up jokes about our art work.
Some people were making silly jokes and was chatting while he was trying to teach us but that’s probably the wine they were drinking. It was a little annoying but since I sat in front, I was quickly able to zone them out.
Overall, my party and I had so much fun. It’s a byob place. It’s own by Christian and his wife, Alexandra and a friend. They never do the same painting twice so I’m definitely coming here again and yes, they are on a groupon deal.
The gallery is on 3^rd floor of a building. Parking is off street so coming here on Friday nights or weekends, I suggest taking public transportation or über.

Had a great time here. The instructor Christian was awesome! He explained the techniques so well. And neither me or my husband can paint. But our painting came out much better than expected.

Awesome Time!!! Made it a couples night.
Christian is a great artist and teacher. Everyone will definitely enjoy his class… HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

Amazing bunch of people. The room was full of love, passion and talent. Would recommend to every and anyone. Christian was very informative while everyone else made the experience amazing.

I bought a groupon to this place and it was absolutely worth the price. Channel your inner Bob Ross, but with wine.
I’ve never done a paint and sip class before but it’s hard to honestly imagine a place better than this.
The space is convenient in Jersey City and looks like an old classroom (I think because it use to be one). It is filled with paintings done by the artist who teaches the class.
First, bring your own wine and if its for the two of you, bring a real bottle. They don’t provide you with the wine, just the service of pouring it for you and giving you glasses. The class is 2.5 hours long, I think you guys can knock that out.
Second, don’t be nervous. The instructors are really easy going and engaging. You learn more about the art technique then just how to paint that one painting. And the painting isn’t some color in the numbers, its really designed off of the group. The instructor gives you and shows you options so that you can really it make it your own. Also, from what I saw, all the paintings are hard to really mess up so you’ll look a little impressive no matter what.
Third, HAVE FUN! Seriously, let loose.
It’s a great Girls Night or Date Night idea.

My friend took me here for my birthday. I didn’t know what to expect and was very nervous about the prospect of painting. We had such a great time. Christian our instructor was warm, engaging and very encouraging. He also had a great sense of humor. We started with a blank canvas not knowing what we would be painting but that made it that more exciting. The staff was very friendly and we had a great group of people all of us laughing and encouraging each other. The only down side is there were no smocks provided and I was terrified of spilling paint all over my birthday outfit! All in all I had a fantastic time and I would definitely recommend this to everyone

What an awesome new Jersey City addition! Hidden away on Brunswick St, the paint and sip class is such a fun evening.
Good things:
–The folks are SO nice. Coming around quickly with extra paint or cleaning up empty bottles, all the while with big smiles and friendly chatter.
–The space is small but it doesn’t feel TOO tight. Maybe a tad. But you can leave coats and such in the corners.
–Christian (sp?) is an excellent instructor! Perfect balance of effusive/​funny/​informative/​encouraging.
–You don’t see the picture you’re painting at the beginning. It’s a little weird but then actually super freeing to not feel the pressure of a specific end product. It’s fun not really knowing what you’re drawing for the first hour!
Now I was going to give 4 stars but realized my gripes were not really Blackbird’s fault. I’ll still write them so you know what to expect:
–It’s really noisy at times. Yes, I get people are chatting and drinking. But when the instructor is talking, stfu! Perhaps that’s just the former teacher in me?
–Why is there ALWAYS someone whining, «mine is messed uppppp can you fix it for meeeee???» This is FOR FUN. Relax and stop trying to get the instructor to do your painting for you.
–The class started about 25 minutes late. Not the staff’s fault because at least 70% of people came late. Seriously people, wtf.
Tl;dr: Blackbird Gallery is AWESOME; everybody else is annoying; if you see the groupon, definitely buy it!

I’d definitely recommend coming here. I’m not a particularly artsy person and was a bit nervous before we started but Christian is awesome as he instructs the class on each step in the process, walking around and helping anybody that needs help. There was never a feeling of being rushed to keep up and you can tell that Christian enjoys sharing his passion. No doubts that this is something I’ll be doing again.