Sunshine City Paint, a new paint-and-sip lounge and art studio, will open at 909 Central Avenue in the EDGE District of downtown St. Petersburg this summer, according to a May 20 announcement.
The new business aims to provide family-friendly art experiences and affordable indoor activities for residents and visitors. Sunshine City Paint will offer sessions where customers can create artwork while enjoying beer or wine, instructor-guided painting classes, and other art-focused events.
Owner Julie Gioscio said the business is targeting a soft opening in early June. “I’ve been really passionate about art since I was young, and this opportunity feels full circle because the first career I ever wanted, even at five years old, was to be an artist,” Gioscio said. “The studio will provide easy and affordable indoor activities that will help build community.” She added: “It’s definitely about the fun of it. We’re not making fine art here.”
Customers can choose from pre-stenciled canvas designs such as nature scenes or opt for instructor-led classes on blank canvases. The studio also plans to offer miniature four-inch canvases with St. Pete-themed designs as souvenirs for tourists. “I wanted to focus on accessibility and affordability while still providing that art experience, so that’s where the smaller canvases come in because they take less time to complete,” Gioscio said.
Gioscio explained she set aside mornings for children: “to help create an environment where kids could be kids and have the freedom to be creative.” The main classroom seats 16 people; a smaller lounge area accommodates six to eight guests. Both spaces are available for private parties or events. A small bar will serve beer, wine, seltzers, and snacks.
Gioscio is making cosmetic upgrades ahead of opening day with plans for a bright space meant “to represent sunshine.” She chose downtown St. Pete as her location because she wanted her first business “to do it right” from the start: “I am really excited for people to find their community here… I’m glad I’ll be able to provide an environment for connection in that way,” she continued.
After its opening this summer, Sunshine City Paint expects regular hours from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.
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