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Art Bar San Luis Obispo

Tap into your creative side at Art Bar in Downtown San Luis Obispo! Whether you are there for the art, the bar, or maybe a little bit of both, you will enjoy this one-of-a-kind night out on the town.

Talented, local artists guide you step-by-step through an art piece of your choice. Although not an artist myself, I had a blast pretending to be one for the night. My two pieces of advice are keep your brush moving and your beverage flowing. Soon, you’ll be watching your very own masterpiece come to life.

At Art Bar SLO, classes start promptly at 7:00 p.m. as these masterpieces take at least two hours to complete. The $40 flat fee provides you with your canvas, easel, apron, brushes and paints, but most importantly, expert instruction from the artists along with a complimentary cocktail. Servers tend to your every need, whether providing you with clean water for your paintbrushes or serving up Granada Bistro’s delicious eats and craft cocktails by request.

Local artist Drew Davis, recently voted Best Local Visual Artist Runner-up in New Times Best of SLO, led our workshop this summer. Starting with a blank canvas, Drew inspired the class while guiding us through the painting process for our very own version of Bubblegum Alley. This quirkiest, tourist attraction in Downtown San Luis Obispo is the perfect subject to capture any, and every, hue.

At the end of the workshop, it was amazing to see how all the paintings turned out – each uniquely perfect! Quick tip for first timers: This is not the evening to wear your favorite outfit.  I quickly learned that acrylic paint doesn’t come out of your clothing too easily. The complimentary apron is no poncho and with the seats tucked closely together in this intimate gallery, some paint is going to spatter.

Additional Art Classes in San Luis Obispo

Art Bar SLO is just one of many workshops San Luis Obispo has to offer. Get in touch with your creative side and try out one of the other art classes in SLO, hosted at the Station, Anam-Cre, Picking Daisies and San Luis Obispo Museum of Art.

  • Anam-Cre hosts pottery classes for everyone from beginner potters to advanced sculptors.
  • Picking Daisies has classes in sewing basics, hand stitching, garment sewing and free motion quilting.
  • San Luis Obispo Museum of Art offers water coloring, ceramics, drawing and jewelry making workshops for all ages and levels.