The Paint Factory unleashes the inner artist in all of us. The studio speaks to the history of Hutchinson located in one of the most historic buildings on Main Street. The Paint Factory introduces a friendly, hip and creative environment for an evening on the town with your friends or special someone, a morning with co-workers, or an afternoon with your entire family. If you haven’t painted since elementary school, come on into The Paint Factory and paint away. Our Instructor will walk you step by step through the featured painting giving you the time to sip on an adult beverage, visit with your neighbor, listen to some great music and have a fun night out. It’s cheaper than therapy and the trendiest new spot in Hutchinson!
Tara Tepley – Owner/Instructor
I’m originally from Hutchinson so I’m a midwest girl at heart. I graduated from Gustavus with a degree in Psychology and English and moved to Denver, CO in 1999. I spent 15 years in the “real world” of sales, marketing, ministry, and my passion of golf at an amazing resort/golf club. In 2010 I was diagnosed with breast cancer and life took a complete 180 degree turn. Before my treatments I went to my first painting class at Canvas and Cocktails in Denver. This studio soon became my refuge place where I could get lost in creativity and fellowship with my family and friends. Three years later, I knew I wanted to bring this concept to MN.
This is a business that is fun, exciting, creative, and unique. This studio convinced me that we all have our own inner artists! They are just waiting beneath the surface ready to be unleashed. With the help of instruction, let the creativity begin! Not only will my studio bring a unique twist to our community, it will also be my passion to give back to all it has given me. My goal is to be able to support individuals and families who are faced with the reality that cancer is scary but painting can be healing! Come paint with me!
Favorite Artist: Van Gough
Favorite Song at Class: Sweet Caroline…I love hearing everyone sing along
Favorite Painting to Teach: Splatter Tulips…it is such a colorful painting that always turns out beautiful. But my favorite part is seeing everyone splatter their painting at the end and watch the smiles emerge.
Favorite Memory at The Paint Factory: Every class seems to have a special memory at it seeing people come in terrified and slowly start to see their masterpiece unfold. One of my favorite memories was a night that we had a tornado warning and we had to move the entire class into the basement. We brought the music with us downstairs and the class was such a fun group that just had a blast making the most of the moment.
Sara Fennell – Instructor
Me in a NUTshell: I grew up here in Hutchinson just down Main Street. I have lived here almost my entire life and I love this “little” town. I graduated from HHS in 1988 and then went to art school at College of Visual Arts in St. Paul. Painting and drawing were everyday things for those 4 years. I’ve worked in the printing industry ever since graduating with my BFA. My day job is all about ink on paper but my happy place is all about paint on canvas! I’ve managed to raise 3 very creative daughters and I love it when they come down and paint with me. Our house is full of art (and song) all the time. I love music too (but can’t carry a tune even in a 5-gallon pail) so the whole studio concept here at The Paint Factory is amazing!
Favorite Artist: I have favorite paintings by several of the masters but not any ONE particular favorite artist. Goldfish, Henri Matisse; The Bodmer Oak, Claude Monet; any of Edgar Degas’ Ballerinas; Garden Path with Chickens, Gusav Klimt… the list goes on and on!
Favorite Song at Class: September by Earth, Wind and Fire (1971) it’s just MY JAM!
Favorite Painting to Teach: TOO MANY!!! The one I want to teach but never have… Chat Noir 😉
Favorite Memory at The Paint Factory: All of those moments when a painters eyes get big and they realize they’ve created something that they really LOVE! It happens at every class… I’m not sure why they are always so surprised!!!
I’m originally from Hutchinson so I’m a midwest girl at heart. I graduated from Gustavus with a degree in Psychology and English and moved to Denver, CO in 1999. I’ve spent the last 15 years in the “real world” of sales, marketing, ministry, and my passion of golf at an amazing resort/golf club. In 2010 I was diagnosed with breast cancer and life took a complete 180 degree turn. Before my treatments I went to my first painting class at Canvas and Cocktails in Denver. This studio soon became my refuge place where I could get lost in creativity and fellowship with my family and friends. Three years later, I knew I wanted to bring this concept to MN.