Vino and Vango

We had registered as a private party. They allowed us to bring in our own food and drink and eat that during our time there. Our session was supposed to start at 11am but when we arrived they were still setting up and we did not start painting until 1125.
We had asked them to turn a photograph we had submitted into a painting so that we all could paint that. They agreed to do this provided that we pay an extra fee in addition to providing us with a sample painting. However, when we arrived it turned out that the instructor we were supposed to have, had a family emergency and had to cancel last minute. Therefore, there was a replacement instructor that had to come last minute which could explain the delay in starting. The new instructor had us paint a landscape that they had other groups paint as well. They did not offer us a partial refund spontaneously, admittedly we didn’t think to ask for it either, when we emailed them later they readily responded and agreed to refund the cost for the personalized painting, which we really appreciated.
In addition to the delayed start and that they didn’t provide the photograph we requested, the true reason I am giving this two stars is because of the instructor. We were all very new to painting but she raced through the instructions and it felt like we were constantly trying to catch up. There was little personal instruction and there were several times when it took a long time for paint to get refilled. The instruction was fine, but it didn’t feel like they were really excited to have us there. it felt like the instructor was rushing through the painting. Last but not least she made multiple comments to a member of our party about him appearing bald in the picture. He has a full head of hair and one joke would have been fine but multiple jokes were made.
We ended up with paintings that we were happy with and we had a great time goofing around and painting. We appreciated the promptness in terms of email responses and that we could bring in our own food, they also had some original painting smocks for us to wear. I enjoyed painting but I would not go here again.

Instructed painting with friends and take breaks over snacks and wine… what’s not to enjoy? A friend hosted a girls’ night out in this jewel in downtown Springfield. We all brought snacks to share, some brought wine and we got to socialize before, after and in between our painting. Alejandro was our friendly instructor who guided us to what, where and how to place our brushes on our canvas to paint a tree (it may sound simple, but the execution from the instruction is really the art since I’m not an artist). He also played music from a Pandora station we enjoyed listening to. By the end of our private party session, each of us left with a fabulous painting of our own creation and did so while we got to spend time with each other. This place brings about the basics of happiness… quality time with friends, sharing food and wine, and creating an experience.
Registration per person for our private party was $ 40 online (it’s an extra $ 5 if paid at the door). They provide wine bottle openers, plastic utensils, napkins, party bowls, and plastic cups. One leaves with their own painting creation after using provided canvas, brushes, paint and apron. One could also register independently, but it was so much fun to this with a group of friends. I’d certainly return.
Finally…tip the artist! We lucked out on a really cool instructor/​artist and he played a huge role in making my painting look acceptable on a wall!

I just recently booked and had my private birthday party there. I had a group of 12 very chatty, laughing women there to celebrate with me. I don’t know how Pauline and Sarah managed to actually get us all to paint some really beautiful paintings amidst all of our cackling and talking and wine drinking, but they did! And they did it with so much enthusiasm and kindness and true good naturedness. They were beyond accommodating to all of my requests, and even provided basically EVERYTHING for the party except the actual food and wine — cups, plates, cake knife, napkins, forks. everything. It was an exceptional experience, and they really facilitated me being able to have a fabulous birthday! I will definitely being going back there for drop-​in painting days/​nights as well as probably booking more private parties there in the future. I highly recommend Vino and Vango for a really fun, unique experience.