15 Feb 2022

Art lovers had a grand pre-valentine time as they retold their stories through paintings during Paint and Sip valentine special event at Startup Lab at Extension 10 in Gaborone on Sunday.

The couples were coached by an upcoming artist Rodney Keitemoge.

In an interview on Monday Tiny Events co-owner Kabo Katse said together his partner Princess Bobo they organised Paint and Sip Session for art lovers who had no idea of how to hold the brush, as a way to generate interest in them by realising that they could also paint to tell a story.

Katse said the participants painted whilst sipping on their beverage of choice making the event even more memorable.

“The other thing is that we wanted couples to do something different for love therefore the Valentine’s special theme,” Katse said.

From his experience Katse said the paintings looked amazing and one would mistake them for being created by artists.

He said this concept would help everyone who has the love for painting to even do it at home.

Another aspect he said was using the art for therapeutic purpose, to bring about wellness and healing during the COVID-19 trying times.

The organizer said the unique event was created to bring together the community, friends, and family for a fun-filled and engaging activity with a light-hearted twist of painting.

The 27 year-old Painting Instructor, and street artist, Keitemoge aka Art by Rodney was happy to interact with amateurs.

Rodney who runs his gallery at the main mall said they taught everyone to paint on canvas, imparting skills on how to produce a masterpiece painting.

He creates portrait drawings, paintings and customized clothing.

“The paintings will forever be special to the artists. Everyone was happy with the artwork they produced at,” he said.

The artist said the couples who painted separately had their paintings merged and framed together, something that came out amazing.

The concept he said motivated people to appreciate art, raising cultural awareness and how Batswana expressed themselves.

Bobo said the event geared to bring a sense of hope and wellness as well as growing the appreciation for culture and arts in the city.

She said the event catered for all audiences, and offered a step-by-step guided painting session.

Bobo also noted the success of the recent installment of Paint and Sip held in December. “Beautiful portraits were done by novice painters.

She also said the highlight of the event was the healing process through creative expression experienced by attendees who enjoyed the ambient environment of aesthetic mood music.

If someone desires to discover painting together with friends, family, or colleagues; self-expression through color in a unique way Paint and Sip is the event to be.

Apart from its uniqueness from the usually outing the city dwellers are used to, Paint and Sip is different as it provides a rare creativeness and cultural experiences. ENDS

BOPA LC 14/2/22