Business BY VICTOR MARASSO THE paint PLACE Come on, don’t be shy. Admit it. You’ve always wanted to try your hand at painting. But the thought of putting brush to canvas seems to be more than a little intimidating. Well, there’s no need to feel that way at all, especially if you make your grand debut as an artist at The Paint Place. Under the watchful, talented eyes of the professionals on staff, you will receive kind words of encouragement and guidance as you invoke your inner Leonardo Da Vinci or Salvador Dali. Located just down the street from the Broadway and 31st street N and Q train station in Astoria, The Paint Place will become your place for good times and discovering talents that you didn’t know you had. Recently, LIC Courier Magazine had the privilege of visiting the Paint Place where we spoke with owner Marci Freede and lead paint expressionist-instructor Greg. When you walk into the large studio where the classes take place you feel as though you have stepped onto the set of a reality TV show. The ambiance is both arty and theatrical but not at all intimidating. The friendly instructors put you at your ease right away. Everything that you could want to paint with flourish and style is at your disposal from large, roomy tables, easels, aprons, paints and brushes to a collegial ambiance that encourages interaction with those around you. “We started the “Paint Place” two years ago in Manhattan as a kind of family get together place”, explained Freede, as she took a muchneeded break from arranging the space for that evening’s class. “We went from hosting families to singles paint parties and corporate bonding events. Amazon, Chase and Google have all held events for their employees at our Manhattan location.” We asked Freede how she came about opening her second location in Astoria. “Well, Astoria is a very hot neighborhood right now. Everyone wants to move here. It also helped that a couple of our teachers already called Astoria home,” Freede said. “Before opening our doors at this location, we held a couple of painting and fund-raising events at Q.E.D. in Ditmars,” Freede added. “The classes were very well received and I got a strong sense of community from the people here. It seemed like the next logical step to find our own brick and mortar location. And, here we are!” Starting a business is never easy, but Freede, who is a savvy entrepreneur in addition to being an artist, relishes the challenges that she faces every day. “We’ve been open only three months and the neighborhood has welcomed us with open arms,” Freede said. “They are finding out about us and what the Paint Place has to offer.” Paint Place Astoria has five instructors available so every student receives personal attention. Freede and Greg both pointed out that painting, whether for a child or an adult, is not only fun but it can be therapeutic, as well. “Our clientele is 40% couples. They love painting together and helping each other out. Sometimes, there’s even a little friendly competition going on, seeing who comes out with the “best” painting. But, it’s all in fun. There art that rocks the soul
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