Muse Paintbar Opens in West Hartford

Muse Paintbar’s business concept - a combination bar/eatery/paint studio - may not be unique nationwide, but it certainly is in the area.

Owner Stan Finch said that there are several such paintbars in the region of his native Dallas, Texas, but none in New England that he knows of other than Muse’s first location in Manchester, NH.

The newly opened Muse, located in Blue Back Square at 69 Raymond Road, had a soft opening with private sessions held the past several weeks. The paintbar had its first public session on Friday evening.

And, based on the reception the business got on opening night, Muse is a welcome addition to the entertainment options in West Hartford.

“It just looks like an awesome night out for the girls,” said Diane Carigliano, who was with her daughter and cousin on Friday.

Gail Domais of Suffield said that she planned on giving Muse gift certificates to friends for the holidays.

“It’s something different,” she said.

The idea behind 1,900-square-foot Muse is giving people the option to try their hand at painting a selected work of art (out of about 300 paintings total) with an instructor all while having the option to drink beer or wine and eat munchies off the menu.

Muse provides the space, paint, canvases, brushes and smocks. Patrons are asked to bring their creativity.

“The instructor is teaching you how to do that painting in 10 easy steps,” Finch said Friday. “By the end of the night, you will leave with something you’re happily surprised with. … It’s for all skill levels.”

Finch said that more experienced painters will go “off script” and improvise, while those who are less experienced may feel more comfortable following the instructor’s lead.

People who aren’t interested in the painting can sidle up to the bar for drinks and snacks, Finch said.

“It’s for whatever people want to do,” Finch said.

Muse does take walk-ins when instructors are there, Finch said, but the business’ bread-and-butter lies in the group classes, which are scheduled throughout the week. (Check Muse’s calendar here to find out when classes are taking place.)

Two-hour classes cost between $29 and $39, depending on the type of session scheduled. The main area accommodates about 50 people, with another smaller section seating about 20 more people.

Private parties and family sessions are also available.