Paint Night with a Twist

NORWALK, Conn. — The Norwalk Department of Recreation and Parks is teaming up with local artist Celine Carrion to host a second Beach Paint Night on Friday, August 8. The event will be held at Calf Pasture Beach, next to Ripka’s Beach Cafe, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and is open to adults and, for the first time, children 12 years and older.

“I just want to tailor it a little bit more towards kids and their families, and it’ll be like a very cute underwater beach scene,” said Carrion, who is a self-taught painter and the founder of Art by Smile.

Attendees will be painting the selected scene on a 16×20 canvas and will complete the piece using real seashells, which Carrion gathered during a trip to Florida this summer.

“It’s such a fun interactive activity,” she said. “Instead of just a paint night, it adds a little twist, because then they get to pick through all the shells, and it almost makes them feel like they’re going through the shells from Florida.”

Carrion said she approached Norwalk’s recreation department with the idea after hosting paint nights at parks, homes, and community events. The first Beach Paint Night held in June sold out with around 35 participants, according to Diane Campbell, the Recreation Supervisor for the city.

“Most people came with a significant other or a friend, and they wanted to spend the evening out,” said Campbell. “It’s a nice date night, or just hanging out with your friends.” 

This time around, paint night will be available to children as well, on the suggestion of Carrion, who thinks these are more “family-friendly events” rather than just for adults. Carrion, who grew up learning to paint from her grandmother, said she enjoys working with beginners.

“I lead them step by step, so it doesn’t matter if you’re like, a beginner, if you’ve never painted before,” she said. “Everyone’s artwork at the end comes out amazing.”

Beach Paint Night is also a part of the Norwalk Department of Recreation and Parks’ initiative to have a wider range of events that residents can participate in, according to Campbell. 

“Norwalk likes to be diverse, so we like to hold all aspects of activities, arts, and physical,” said Campbell. “Everybody’s not athletic, so we like to have something for all.”

A ticket to the event costs $30 and can be purchased from the Norwalk Department of Recreation and Parks’ website.