LAUGH, SIP & CREATE...

A party at Expressions Art Bar is a place to have fun and bring home a masterpiece. Everyone paints together, but you can add your own twist as desired. This place is about being social, having a good time and feeling the creative energy. A drink in your hand, a brush in the other hand, listening to tunes, chatting with friends and expressing yourself is what its all about!

Thursday, June 2, 2016

So much FUN!

Wow!  What an awesome kick-off!!!  Here's a quick snap shot of all of the fun we have been having the past couple of months!  Don't miss out on this must-do activity.










Ribbon Cutting Ceremony!


Thank you to Corridor Nine, Southborough Town of Selectmen, Southborough Access Media, friends, family and our our local supporters who came to celebrate our Grand Opening!  Here is a video clip from Southborough Access Media.  Theme of the evening: chasing our dreams!

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Special Thanks!

Thank you to all of our close friends, family and supporters!  We had a great launch this past Saturday.
 

I just wanted to take a moment to recognize all of the people who have had a hand in supporting Expressions Art Bar.  There is so much that goes behind the scenes of a start up and each of the following have had a part in our journey.  There are so many names listed below and I apologize if I forgot anyone.

Abbey Carpet and Tile, Alma & Curt Winn, Anna Banana's Homemade Goodness, Acoustical Products Co., Inc, Atlas Distributing, Bill Dipietri, Brandon Castro, Capital Group Properties, Carolina Wines/Martignetti, Cidewalk, Cindy Libbey, Cordaville Associates LLC, Corridor Nine Area Chamber of Commerce, DC Electric, Dolores Edgren, Drinkmasters Bartending School, Duffy Properties, Ed Foran, Freddie Tannous, Greg DiGiorgio, Greg Mcguinness, Handricken Family, IMI-Internet Marketing Images, Island Art Party, Jane Keller Gordon, Jason Leibow, Jessica Soriano Jenks, Jonathan Navarro, Joseph Ferri, Justin Simmons, Keltz Family, Lauren Cronin, Mark Fitzgerald, Mark Rosen, Mastersite Design, Maureen Colleary, Michael Filardo, Pamela DiGiovanni, Patricia Lindberg, Patrick Dooley, Paul Zanca, Peter Kentel, Purple Communications, Sam Billings, Sara Burdick, Sarah Whiteman, Scott Reutlinger, Sean O'Brien, Southborough Board of Selectmen, Southborough Cultural Arts Council, Stephanie Hauklin, Tannous Law, Viewpoint Signs, Wee Care for Little People Inc, and all of our wonderful customers!!!

I also want to thank my fabulous team!  They work so hard and make work so FUN everyday.

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Grand Opening Events!

GRAND OPENING EVENTS

(Special Prices all month!)


April 9, 7:00 pm
Nantucket Lighthouse, $15

April 16, 7:00 pm
Vino, $15

April 17, 2:00 pm
Marathon Daffodils, $15

April 20, 1:30 pm
Family Paint, $25

April 23, 7:00 pm
Water Lilies, $25

April 26, 5:00 pm
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony (RSVP requested)
Open House to follow (no RSVP needed)    


Monday, March 21, 2016

Meet the Team!

Cara
Cara studied art at the Art Institute of Boston.  Upon graduation she taught design at the Art Institute for several years then was a freelance graphic designer before settling in Hopkinton to raise her three children.  After working part time at a bakery and a coffee shop while sending her three kids off to college, Cara is thrilled to be getting back into the art scene and painting again.  You can find her chatting up a storm, dancing to tunes or wearing bright colors.
Cara











Cassy
Cassy lives on Crystal Spring Farm with her boyfriend and they are working hard to revive the land which is not only his business but their livelihood.  She is an avid appreciator of art, loves bold and bright colors, and expresses her love of other's beautiful designs with gorgeous tattoos.  Cassy has a Bachelors in developmental psychology and is a trained American Sign Language/English interpreter.  She works with special needs children during the day and is thrilled to join the team at night as a bartender and a party ‘terp.  She is available to facilitate ASL communication upon request.
Cassy











Kassandra
Kassandra is a Southborough native who was a competitive swimmer as a child but always loved the arts.  She graduated this year from Massachusetts College of Art in Boston.  While she studied Studio Art & Teaching, her love is in Art Therapy.  Kassandra interned for several years at a children’s hospital doing art therapy activities.   Kassandra taught herself to play acoustic guitar, loves gardening and considers herself a contemporary painter.  She is excited to be back home and share her love of art with the local community.
Kassandra

Laurie
Laurie is a Southborough resident who grew up in Western Mass, took up ballet for many years and studied art at Skidmore College.  She worked in the budget office before taking time to raise her two beautiful daughters.  She spends her free time drawing and sells her Zentangle artwork at various craft fairs around the state.  She loves long walks, spending time with her family and friends, and you can always hear her laughter across the room.  Laurie is also available for Zentangle parties and workshops
Laurie











Samantha
Samantha always loved the creative arts and fashion as a child and kept herself busy with cheerleading and digital photography.  After attending high school in Framingham she became a licensed hairdresser and also works at a frame shop.  Samantha spent some time traveling, taking pictures, living in Sunny California, and is happy to be back on the East Coast near her family.  Samantha often travels to people's homes and special events for hair appointments and her absolute favorite is making brides feel beautiful on their wedding day.  She is thrilled to be painting again and just loves the social scene.  She is available for American Sign Language events and parties.
Samantha















Laugh, Sip & Create!

Thursday, March 10, 2016

Laugh, Sip and Create at Expressions!

Laugh, Sip and Create at Expressions Art Bar
Opening in Southborough, April 2016 

Southborough – Laugh, sip and create at Expressions Art Bar, a new paint and sip studio, opening in Southborough in April 2016. Expressions will feature a spacious studio for art parties for up to 48 people. There is a beautiful wine and beer bar where guests can purchase beverages or pre-packaged snacks. The studio is located in the Southborough Town Center, just off of Routes 9 and 85, is ideal for a solo escape, date nights, group outings, showers, ladies night, corporate events, and fundraisers.

“Painting & Sipping” is the latest craze that is booming in the South, and growing in New England. Owner Mary Simmons, a Southborough resident, is a certified fine arts teacher who has successfully run mobile art parties for the past three years.

Mary and her husband Justin decided to open the independent small business after the birth of their second child. “There is something special about the local family business. We want to connect with the community and create this happy place for locals.” Justin, a property accountant in Waltham, is knowledgeable about the business side and a great advocate supporting Mary’s dream.

Simmons’ goal is to provide the local community with a place to escape, disconnect from the daily grind, and have a fun social night out while expressing their inner artist. Her motto is: “No artistic experience needed, just fun people.”  Guests will often be surprised at their “masterpiece,” and walk away feeling good.

Simmons said, “Partygoers can come in enjoy a class of wine, laugh with friends, listen to tunes, and walk away with a fun piece of art to bring home.” Simmons added, “Expressions is meant for anyone from the novice who is terrified of art, to the social butterfly, to the creative professional. It is art as entertainment.”  The majority of these two-to-three hour events will take place on weeknights and weekends, with the occasional daytime party.

Youth offerings at Expressions will include: family paint, Scout badges, kids after school, teen nights, vacation classes, and birthdays or private parties for kids/teens.

In addition to the popular guided step-by-step canvas painting parties, there will be special events like Champagne & Crafts, Zentangle Drawing, ASL Nights, and other fun parties.

A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on April 26 at 5:00 pm. Special events and special prices offered during the opening month of April include discounted painting parties, Marathon Daffodils painting during spring break, a Family Paint Party, and a fundraiser for a local organization.

To sign up for an event or learn more about Expressions, visit expressionsartbar.com, email info@expressionsartbar.com or call 508-475-55664


Saturday, February 27, 2016

WE ARE HIRING!

Expressions Art Bar is opening a new paint-n-sip studio in Southborough, MA
We are hiring a Party Artist and an Assistant/Bartender!

This is a fun part time job on weekends and occasional weekday evenings.  Artistic interest, ability or experience would be helpful but is not required since will provide training.  We do want someone who is fun, energetic, outgoing and loves to teach others.  Not only will you be the Art Instructor but you are also the Entertainer = Party Artist.  Parties are about 4 to 5 hours including clean up and set up.  Employees will alternate as the Party Artist and Assistant/Bartender.  New employees will start as an assistant to get familiar with our operations.  Check  out our website expressionsartbar.com and get familiar with our business and the type of step-by-step paintings you will be teaching.

Requirements:
Must be 18 or older
Great personality, patience
Able to guide with our step by step instructions
Some experience in teaching (paid or unpaid)
Reliable transportation
Service mindset; How can I help people enjoy a great time? 
Live in/near Southborough or the Metrowest area

Duties:
  • Host/teach paint parties with up to 15-55 guests
  • Help with set up & tear down
  • Physically able to carry easels, several half-gallons of paint, move boxes of supplies, stand throughout the class, assist with set up and clean up
  • Get TiPS/ServSafe Alcohol certification
  • Restocking the bar
  • Help with check in and accepting payments
  • Take photos of events
  • Serve drinks (wine/beer and non alcoholic) and snacks
  • Able to drive to off site events (not often)
  • Must be able to commit to 2-3 events per week for at least 6 months
  • Art interest, ability or experience would be helpful but is not required

If you have what it takes to be a Party Artist, we want to meet you!  We are interviewing and auditioning artists and looking to fill Party Artist and Assistant/Bartender positions immediately.  When you are officially hired, they pay is hourly with tips.  The starting pay is at $16 per hour.

Email us a resume with your contact info and references to info@expressionsartbar.com 

In your email please include a cover letter, brief paragraph about yourself and also answer the following questions:
  • Why are you a perfect match for the Party Artist position?
  • What nights of the week are you available?
  • Are you available on Saturday mornings/afternoons, Sunday morning/afternoons?
  • How far are you willing to travel for some of our offsite events?
  • Examples of previous paintings you have done are appreciated but not required
Laugh, Sip & Create!

Monday, February 15, 2016

One Step Closer to Paint & Sip Fun in Southborough!

The buildout is coming along quite nicely and I truly enjoy watching the entire process, changing materials, picking out paint samples and brainstorming layouts.  I just can not wait to share this fun and exciting space with everyone.

It is getting closer and closer to the opening date and I will keep you all posted on the details for the party, open house and special deals.

Inspiration Board
 

 
 

Saturday, January 9, 2016

HAPPY NEW YEAR!




KICKING OFF 2016 WITH A BANG!

We have so many exciting updates to share with you.  During the busy holiday season, we managed to get approved from the Town of Southborough for a Wine/Beer License, finalized our lease, moved into the location, secured a building permit, and began demolition work for renovations.

  • Town Hall Hearing for Wine/Beer License - December 15
  • Moved into location - January 1 
  • Building Permit - January 7

Expressions ON THE GO! has been busy with mobile paint parties in the New England area with local friends, kids groups, Seniors.  We recently went to Vermont & Connecticut.  We also had a fun event at Water Fresh Farm in Hopkinton, and we will have a private event at Regis College next week.

PARTY WITH A PURPOSE! has received so many requests for fundraising events that we have started to turn some down.  We love helping out the community and encouraging people to Paint for a Cause.  Please consider signing up for one of these events.

Help Ashley Raven raise $ for the Boston Marathon.  She will be running for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in honor of her late mother.

Help these young leaders raise fund for their travel and workshops at the Haiti Deaf Academy.  This group has recently completed a trip to Ethiopia to help the local Deaf community there.

Help this local organization raise funds to support their center educating against domestic violence and providing support for victims and their families.

GRAND OPENING

Our new studio is at Town Center Plaza on Rt. 85 in Southborough.  We will keep you updated as renovation nears completion around March 2016 and share our opening events with you.  Keep your eyes open for special deals and fun events.

We're HIRING... Party Artists & Assistants

We have received many calls and emails from people interested in working at Expressions Art Bar. We will be posting job openings soon and starting the application process very soon.  Expressions will be an awesome place to work and it will not even feel like work, just fun!  We will be looking for Party Artists, Assistants and we will also accept applications for volunteer ASL interpreters.  In the meantime we will accept resumes, cover letters, and photos of your work -- send to info@expressionsartbar.com

Cheers!
Mary Simmons
Expressions Art Bar