Locals loving Paint and Sip sessions

BEFORE becoming a mum with a baby son to care for, Greendale-based Sandra Dimartino put her creative talents to use helping film and television performers look their best to step in front of the camera.

“I used to work in…the costume department on set with the actors,” Dimartino said

“After having my son I couldn’t go back into the industry because the hours are not family friendly.

“So I decided to jump in and start teaching painting.”

Now operating as Austin’s Craft And Play, a name that honours the little son who prompted her to pivot to a new venture, Dimartino has started offering Paint and Sip sessions with the next one set for Thursday evening 16 July at Ballan Bakehouse and Bar.

“We’ve just started partnering together to do some fun events to bring people together through creativity and enjoy a night out,” she said.

It was a natural move for the enterprising local who studied fashion, art and graphics.

When Dimartino ran a Paint and Sip for adults about six weeks ago, the response from locals keen to enjoy some creative downtime for themselves was strong.

“It was a very good response,” she said.

“We had 20 people sign up. In this day and age I think people are wanting to switch off from technology.”

The sessions are led, easy, and do not require any particular artistic aptitude or experience, with the opportunity to enjoy a drink, some relaxing company and take home a work of art you’ve made yourself.

“People don’t need to be good at being creative,” Dimartino said.

The next session is set around a Parisian theme and participants will have Dimartino’s step-by-step guided instructions and assistance throughout.

“I do not call it fine art. I call it fun art. I want people to enjoy it,” she said.