Christmas Paint Soiree at FSUMC

Several art lovers and budding artists took Saturday evening to participate in what has been described as a “Christmas Paint Soiree” at Fenimore Street United Methodist Church (FSUMC) in Brooklyn. 

“The only cause that can pull most people out of their home on a very cold, dreary evening is either a medical emergency or something else of interest,” Jamaican Dianne Brown, chairperson of FSUMC’s Higher Education Scholarship Fund Committee, host of the event, told Caribbean Life on Monday.

“The Fenimore Street United Methodist Church Higher Education Scholarship Fund Committee couldn’t think of a better time than the Christmas season when it’s chilly and festive to host another sip and paint party for friends and family,” she added.

Last year, at about the same time, the committee hosted its first Paint and Sip Soiree.

Given its success, Brown said a second one was “highly recommended.”

“The intention is to raise funds for our church and to continue to pique the interest of the congregation by finding innovative ways to have good fun recreational time,” she said. “As part of a Christmas carol sings, ‘Joy to the World,’ I would say, yes, the sip and paint activity really brought joy to their faces and to their hearts. That’s the beauty of the event. 

“I could see and hear participants joking about their art, some admiring their artistry, and some keeping each other encouraged,” Brown added. “Even I, myself, walked around and patted a few on their shoulders and offered the phrase, ‘never give up the fight,’ and it was a goofy moment. 

“In fact, the activity suited the season,” she continued. “We ate, sang, listened to the Christmas carols, sipped, and painted.”

Brown said the instructor, Cara Holland, originally from Dallas, TX, who has been living in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, for the past seven years, was also “fun and engaging.” 

“Cara fitted in easily when she saw how welcoming we were and eager to learn,” Brown said. “It reassured her that it was going to be a wonderful evening.

“Most of the participants were mature people, and it brought back the nostalgia of youthful moments, as the setting was similar to a classroom with an instructor,” she added.

Holland told Caribbean Life afterward that she was delighted with the event.

“It went well,” she said, stating that participants painted holiday mittens. “Overall, it went pretty good.”  

Barbadians Harriet Gooding and Sophia Eversley, FSUMC members, also used the occasion to showcase their Mary K products.

“It feels amazing just to see the look on people’s faces who try the product,” said Gooding, noting that Mary K also supports cancer and domestic abuse victims. “The business has gotten me out of my comfort zone.”

Based on the positive feedback from Saturday’s soiree, Brown said her committee is “very much upbeat about planning another fun activity for the congregation next December. 

“What would it be?  I am not quite sure as yet,” she said. “It could be another sip and paint. 

“The support from mostly the congregation uplifts my spirits, and it shows that they appreciate the simplest delights,” Brown added. “Note that, regardless of our differences, recreation always brings people together, especially when God is at the forefront of the plan. 

“I must also congratulate Team Higher Education and friends for their time, donation, and support,” she continued. “This event couldn’t have happened without you. All praise and thanks to God!”