Create a stunning pet portrait at Paint Your Pet Night in Bloomington! Enjoy a relaxed BYOB evening with expert guidance, perfect for pet lovers and art enthusiasts alike.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels as the activity is mostly seated and relaxed.
Wildlife
History
Bloomington was originally part of early 19th-century Illinois settlement and has rich cultural ties to local artisan communities.
Conservation
Efforts in Bloomington focus on maintaining green spaces and minimizing waste during outdoor events like Paint Your Pet Night.
Merlot and A Masterpiece
Create a stunning pet portrait at Paint Your Pet Night in Bloomington! Enjoy a relaxed BYOB evening with expert guidance, perfect for pet lovers and art enthusiasts alike.
Merlot and A Masterpiece is a Bloomington, Illinois studio that offers approachable painting classes, themed events, and DIY kits for guests of all skill levels. The studio hosts two-hour step-by-step classes, pallet painting sessions, open-studio Pick Your Painting nights, and specialty events such as Paint Your Pet Night and Paint Your Partner evenings. Summer Kids Camp 2025 welcomes young artists ages 8–17 for themed sessions guided by patient local instructors.
Classes are led by talented local artists who provide clear, stepwise instruction and pre-sketched canvases for select sessions, so no prior experience is required. Many events are BYOB friendly; participants may bring drinks and snacks to enjoy during classes. The studio maintains a relaxed, social atmosphere and handles cleanup after sessions, allowing guests to focus on creativity.
Merlot and A Masterpiece partners with nearby businesses for collaborative events, including a step-by-step collab class with Nautical Bowls that pairs guided painting with a choice of refreshment bowls. Take Home Kits include a 12x12 canvas, brushes, paints, and a step-by-step video tutorial so participants can recreate featured projects at home. Special promotions such as First Friday SPECIAL $30 offer accessible options for downtown Bloomington visitors.
Booking information, session dates, and available themes are posted on event listings. Spots for popular sessions and Summer Kids Camp are limited and suggested to be reserved in advance. For families, creatives, and groups seeking a memorable, hands-on evening in Bloomington, Merlot and A Masterpiece provides a variety of painting experiences designed for enjoyment, learning, and art.
Location
Bloomington, IL
Central Illinois studio
Tours Offered
10+
Classes, camps, and kits available
BYOB Friendly
Yes
Bring drinks and snacks
Kids Camp
Ages 8-17
Summer Kids Camp 2025
Book a class, sign up kids for camp, or order a Take Home Kit — creative experiences with local artists and easy online reservations.
Bring a Photo of Your Pet
Even though there's a pre-sketched canvas, a clear photo helps you capture details better.
Dress for Outdoor Comfort
Wear comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting a little paint on.
Use Bug Spray in Warmer Months
Mosquitoes can be active during summer evenings, so apply repellent as needed.
Arrive Early to Settle In
Arriving a bit early helps you get comfortable and set up your workspace smoothly.
Comfortable Clothing
Wear clothes that allow easy movement and don’t mind getting a bit of paint on.
Bug Spray
Keep away mosquitoes for a more pleasant outdoor painting session.
summer
Light Jacket or Sweater
Stay comfortable during cooler spring evenings.
spring
Camera or Smartphone
Capture your finished masterpiece and moments from the event.