"UAA wanted to do something big for First Friday," said Catherine Warden-Daniels, so they contacted her company, Arctic Crown Canvas and asked her to set up a mass paint-in for their students and anyone else who wants to join.
Arctic Crown Canvas, founded by Warden-Daniels and her sister Victoria Hunter two and a half years ago, conducts sessions where an art instructor leads a group of painters, usually novices, in replicating a painting over the course of a couple of hours. Easels are set up, paint and brushes and other supplies are provided. Painting coaches provide step-by-step instructions and tips. "Our idea is that everyone should paint, even the stick-figure challenged," she said.
The biggest session they've done in the past involved 70 students who painted Mardi Gras masks at the Hard Rock Cafe last year. For the upcoming session, open to the public, as many as 120 painters are anticipated. Plans call for a team of five or six instructors on hand, led by Arctic Crown's studio manager and senior art coach Mike Daniels.
The image that participants will replicate is a night scene of a full moon, northern lights and spruce trees. "But no one has to do that particular painting," Warden-Daniels said. "They might decide to paint a bird. It happens."
A large number of University of Alaska Anchorage students are already signed up for the happening, and everyone else is invited, regardless of skill level or age. The cost is $5 for a family of four.
"UAA is calling it 'Family Paint Night' and hopes to make it an annual thing," Warden-Daniels said. "Our approach is easygoing and nonjudgmental. In short, we have fun."
Family Paint Night will start at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5 in the UAA Student Union building. More information is available by calling 907-306-1738 or emailing arcticcrowncanvas@gmail.com.