Painted grape celebrates 2 years in business

HARDYSTON — From budding Picasso's — to serious Rembrandt's — with cupcakes and sea shores in between — there's something for everybody at Sussex County's Painted Grape Craft and Paint Studio.
Friday, Sept 30, members of the community celebrated Painted Grape's two-year anniversary with a ribbon cutting. co-owner Beckie Sajban explained there was not time for a grand opening two years ago, because they just hit the ground running.
To her credit, Painted Grape has already expanded. Sajban runs and teaches at the Hardyston location, and co-owner Ryan Spadaccini opened their second location Sept. 2015 in Burlington, N.C.
Sajban explained Painted Grape is the first craft and paint studio in Sussex County, emphasizing fun with art and not being afraid to try something new. She especially welcomes people who have never picked up a paintbrush and want to have a good time.
Even tiny artists, 2-years-old, are welcome.
“Everyone can come and make art," Sajban said.
Painted Grape just offers the community the space to try it. She also adds, art does not have to cost a lot of money.
For parents on a budget - “Grape Kids” classes allow a child to see if he/she even likes art, without a major financial commitment.
Sajban says there are not any studio fees, quite unique for art studios. So if the child wishes to systematically finish their chosen piece over multiple visits, there is only the initial canvas fee.
For adults, there are paint (& sip) classes, where Sajban and her four artistic employees walk each client through painting a picture. Potential painters can find the selected evening painting schedule on the website.
If a client would rather choose from the countless paintings surrounding the studio walls, “Open Studio” is available. “Open Studio” requires a little painting experience or having taken a previous class.
In only two years, Sajban and her staff have helped people create over 5,000 individual painted canvas works of art.
On top of that, they host adult paint classes and crafting sessions to create: wreaths, painted wine or pilsner glasses, woodcraft and even crochet. Their ceramics can even be finished the same day, because they use a special glaze which does not require kiln firing. Sajban said, it gives people a feeling of accomplishment to complete a craft the same day, if they wish.
As part of their outreach to the community, the Painted Grape offers: Grape Kids classes after school, week day open studio classes for Homeschoolers, Grape Kids Camp days during the summer and school breaks, a Grape Kids Open Studio every Saturday morning, specialty events like, “Meet a Princess/Hero Paint,” birthday parties, fundraisers, corporate team building events, and an Adaptable Adult class with SCARC (Supporting people with developmental disabilities.)
For more information, see: paintedgrapenj.com, call 973-823-1464, or email: info@paintedgrapenj.com.