Michelle Haas, Staff Writer
You don’t have to be artistic to sit down and enjoy painting with friends and family. On Dec. 10, AP Studio Art students hosted a “Paint and Sip” fundraising event in which participants created their own snowman winter painting.
All proceeds went back to the AP art students’ portfolio submission costs.
The idea for the “Paint and Sip” came about when Brenda Christeleit, the AP Studio Art teacher, determined that a different fundraiser from last year needed to be used.
The fundraiser itself was specifically to raise money to pay for the cost of submitting the AP portfolios to the college board at the end of the year.
“Last year, we sold candy bars through the art club, and it didn’t turn out that great, so this year my AP art students brainstormed, and one of them came up with the idea,” Christeleit said.
Senior Katelynn Powell, said that she had “seen it in movies and thought it would be a fun idea.”
Unlike most movies, this “Paint and Sip” was family friendly, non-alcoholic and included festive cookies and drinks. The “Paint and Sip” was held in the fishbowl right outside the art room and was completely decorated.
“We each took upon different responsibilities. We all decorated the room and had to bring cookies; I also made the sample painting,” Powell said.
Paint and sip participants show off their creations.
Overall, both Christeleit and Powell thought the Paint and Sip was well received, and they might even consider doing another one later on in the year. Christeleit said there was nothing but positive energy the whole night, and people were saying that they hoped they would do it again.
“Everyone loved it! People were very proud of what they came up with. That’s the best part about the night: seeing people’s facial expressions when they were proud of themselves,” Powell said.
Many different kinds of people attended this event: students, teachers, parents, grandparents, people with no artistic experience and people who do.
Senior Caden Breze attended and said, “I enjoyed the event; it’s a good escape from my normal activities. My life usually revolves around academics and soccer.”
Art can not only be a useful and fun way to fundraise, but Christeleit also said it is important for everyone to involve themselves in art. Christeleit explained that the more you do it, the more you enjoy it, and that you can always improve your skills.
“First of all, it’s fun, but it (what we made today) is also memorable and a keepsake. They’ll say ‘yeah I made that,’ and have a sense of pride,” Christeleit said.
Breze said he felt that even though he doesn’t consider himself to be an artist, you don’t need to be one, or be artistic to enjoy an event like this.
“I believe you have to have an open mind, though. It is an opportunity to relax in a friendly environment,” Breze said.
Between the money raised and the number of people leaving happy, the “Paint and Sip” was a success according to the AP art students.
They debated having a second one around spring time after the positive response it received, but no confirmation has been made yet.
“The best part was that this was also a holiday party, and just got people together around the holidays. The worst part was the amount of cookies we had leftover!” Christeleit said.
The Paint and Sip Fundraiser not only raised money but also brought art and holiday spirit to the friends and family of this in P-T.