Sudbury mobile 'Painting Party' entrepreneur wants people to create, connect

Mary-Ann LeClair wants you to try your hand at painting your own masterpiece — and invite a few friends along while you're at it. 

The Sudbury entrepreneur recently started "Connect & Create Mobile Painting Parties," which she described as "kind of a social gathering, with a creative side to it."

LeClair said her stroke of inspiration came from a trend in the US where bars and restaurants use down-time to host amateur artists for cocktails, snacks and some creative time. 

The twist is that LeClair's business is mobile: she'll bring the canvasses, paints, brushes, containers and paper towels to a home or other venue. Customers need only bring some friends and a willingness to try. 

"I really like people, and I really think that everybody is creative. We just kind of forgot that kind of thing," said LeClair.

"If we can get people to socialize again — because we go to work and we come home and we don't see anyone — and if they can get creative, maybe that might spur them on to take on something like that." 

For those worried about artist's block, LeClair said she walks people, step-by-step, through one design. Even though that design is the same at each party, people leave their own mark. 

"It's amazing! Everything turns out different," she said. "And that's what you want: it's their expression." 

Listen to the complete interview with Mary-Ann LeClair on CBC Sudbury's Morning North program here. 

Morning North6:35Painting party business - adding colour to any gathering

If you're looking for something new to do, how about a painting party... but not the kind where you invite people to paint your house. Mary-Ann LeClair of Mary-Ann's Makery offers Connect & Create Painting Parties. She joined us in studio with more...