Wet Your Palettes Inspires Novice Artists

For those of us who never got past drawing glorified stick figures, learning how to paint can seem a daunting task. But at Wet Your Palettes, even those with the most limited of artistic skills can take a class and walk out with a masterpiece.

The new art studio, which opened on Feb. 1, offers evening classes Wednesday through Saturday every week that cater to beginning artists. Each class features a different painting that artists work to replicate with the help of an instructor.

“It was just an idea that I had for a social setting for people in their late twenties and up,” said owner and Hyattsville native Keisha Gilchrest. Alcohol is permitted in the studio, so patrons must be over 21 to attend. However, classes open to children and families are offered on the third and fourth Saturday of the month.

Instructor Jose Piedra, who has been painting for 20 years, said he makes sure it's easy for even the least experienced artists to follow along.

"I try to prepare the examples for beginners, not too many details or too difficult to make."

Hyattsville was an easy choice as the studio's location, said Gilchrest. "The arts district and the large congregation of artists there shows the direction the community is taking."

"There are people right here in the community that have come in, curious about us," said manager Elena Willis. "So far we've gotten a really positive response."