The Blue Octopus

A great experience! Kerry was so accommodating and provided a wonderful venue and instructor! I will be back soon.

Had such a great experience! We were the only two there tonight but it was still fun. Devon, our instructor, took great care of us and really helped us get the look we were wanting. We drank a blue wine, don’t remember the name but it was delicious. I would recommend this place to anyone and everyone. Love love love!!!

I was rather disappointed with the experience. Perhaps because I had different expectations.
I absolutely love sip and paints because while painting something beautiful for myself I, at the same time, learn how to paint by watching the guide, the technique, how to mix colors. And that is what I expected to get out of this experience too. I was wondering how it would work out with several people painting different pieces, but for some reason didn’t think it all the way through to make sure I was getting what I wanted.
The host was very nice and friendly and the place itself was very cute and accommodating! There were several different themes offered for all of us to pick. We received some direction, but it was minimal. There were 8 people including me and my husband and everybody was pretty much doing their own thing. The guidance on painting was way less than I would have loved to get. I was quite frustrated most of the time because I really struggled with mixing shades and trying to draw. So for the most part I was either sitting there not knowing what to do or had to call for a host and ask tons of questions.
If you are not new to painting and feel pretty comfortable doing it on your own for the most part then it is your place. It’s a great way to meet people and just have fun. I prefer sip and paint classes where there is one painting and the guide is painting together with us while explaining the hows and the tricks.
They made a mistake at the bar and put extra drinks on our tab and the manner the whole thing was done in made me feel rather unpleasant. When I explained that we only had 2 complimentary drinks I was told «Oh, then it’s ok.» But I was talked to like I was lying and there were no apologies, so that kind of left an unpleasant taste. Oh well, I guess things happen.

The exterior and interior of the building is super cute, and before the class began, I enjoyed wandering around, looking at the miscellaneous items for sale (cards, candles, shirts, etc.). This was my first time ever doing anything like this, and I’ve always noticed that other places usually have one painting that everyone copies. Here you get to choose whichever one you want from what there is available.
My sister bought a deal through Living Social for a Sip and Canvas Painting class here for my mother and I as a gift. Our voucher had actually expired at the time, and Kerry still honored it. Her customer service was wonderful, the instruction was easy to follow, and the wine was lovely. This was a truly fun experience.

I went to the Blue Octopus paint class with my friend. It was definitely equivalent to a fun Girl’s night out ! We each picked a painting and had a terrific glass of wine. Can’t wait to go again !!!

A few of my girls wanted to do something different and fun together. Blue Octopus is fun and different. Kellie is great! She is very personable and genuine. She had turned us from stick figure artist to Van Gough want-​a-​be. The wine was the best, the atmosphere is friendly, and the experience will be embedded in my memory forever. At first, the pictures that we had to choose from looked very hard to replicate but with a little coaching from a world renowned artist, we all succeeded. I will definitely return.
Kellie! I will be back, get the pistachios ready!

My girlfriend and I went here for date night. We had a blast with Kerri and really enjoyed her gallery and the wide selection of paintings there were to choose from. All the other paint and sips I’ve checked into only offered a single painting to interpret per event. And really, who could not have fun at an establishment named The Blue Octopus!

First off, let me start by saying that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE paint and sips. I find them a great way to pass a couple of hours with friends, food, drink, and a brush in my hand.
The Blue Octopus marks my fourth paint and sip. It is located in downtown Tacoma and shares its space with 4 other businesses, which includes Tea Works, OCD Candy Company, and Wolf-​Bear Treasures (an oracle card reader). This made it somewhat difficult for me to locate as I was looking for a sign that read «The Blue Octopus.» Instead, look for «The Saint Helens Ave Mercantile.» Luckily, I wasn’t lost for long because Kerry Cole (the owner) met us outside and informed us where to park. Parking was nearby and only 75 cents per hour.
While I’ve been to several other paint and sips, this one really stood out in my mind. First, most paint and sips have everyone paint the exact same picture. I completely understand why other places do this as it is more convenient for the teacher, but it creates a somewhat competitive atmosphere. Furthermore, since I rarely like all of the paintings offered by a particular company, I usually get pigeonholed into a specific day. Finally, if you go with a roommate or significant other, it leaves you with 2 almost identical paintings.
Conversely, at The Blue Octopus, Kerry has several different pictures to choose from. You can also bring in a picture to paint, provided it can be completed within the 2 hour time limit. If it can’t, she will help you find another one or amend your painting so it can be done in the time allotted. You start off the appointment by sketching the painting, and the rest of the time is spent adding color to your drawing. Kerry is there as much or as little as you need. She’ll also be honest with you and offer recommendations on how to improve your work of art, which I really appreciated.
The other thing that really stands out about this place is that the class itself is located in her own business space. Typically, these paint and sips are offered in restaurants, which ends up adding about $ 20 to your total experience because you feel obligated to buy food and drink. At The Blue Octopus, Kerry provided us with cheese, crackers, and several glasses of Merlot or Pinot Grigio for free!
I can’t say enough good things about Kerry. She was very supportive while providing really good feedback. She also offered to give us the Living Social Deal if we return. If there aren’t any deals available, like the previous reviewer stated, check out her website OR look into doing a group paint and sip since they are only $ 30 a person, come with a bigger canvas, and are three hours long.
As a final note, your experience here might depend on your previous experiences with paint and sips. I had done several before so I found this a really good next step as I was able to be more independent; however, if you’ve never done one before, you might become a little more frustrated since no one is walking you through it step-​by-​step. This can be lessened by picking an easier painting, though.
Overall, a great experience and a fabulous instructor.

My friend and I found this little gem of a place through a Living Social deal. The deal was $ 25 for 2 hours of painting, instruction, all the supplies as well as wine and snacks. This opportunity is offered every Friday afternoon/​evening for (normally) $ 75. Kerry, the owner, also has «Girls’ Nights Out» themed painting parties, as well as longer sessions and parties.
As far as the cost, it should be noted that often, she has deals on her FB page (
). I, personally, like this a lot! I like that SHE gets the full amount and doesn’t have to lose income to a 3^rd party like Groupon or Living Social — and she has NO expiration on it!
Kerry Cole teaches differently than other paint/​sip/​learn places. Kerry — a known and collectable artist herself! — lets YOU choose the subject and picture. She then sits with you and helps you execute — and she is wonderful to be around! It’s was fun to choose a subject I hadn’t painted before — I learned a lot! (Other painting places tend to have one teacher painting and all the students paint the exact same thing) Kerry’s style of teaching allows you to find your own voice and express yourself even if it differs from the photo or picture you are trying to mimic. There’s no competition in the final product — and it’s just plain FUN! (and Kerry even stayed longer than the set 2-​hr time — so we could finish)
The shop is in the heart of Downtown Tacoma… just across from the Government buildings. The Blue Octopus is located withing a building that has 4 businesses under one roof: Painting, a Tea lady, a Candy lady and a Physic. The painting area is in the front of the building, surrounded by Candy and Tea — yum! The set up is around a long table — it’s very communal and social — PERFECT for a party or girl’s night.
Parking is difficult. As is normal in Downtown T-​Town, you need to find and pay for parking. The parking police are INSANE over there. SO, plan on getting there a little early to find parking. Also, plan on paying (2 hrs– $ 1.50) for the parking.
Highly recommend this place!