Sip and Paint at Fenimore ‘a great success’

Budding artists display their work after completion of their art.
Photo by Nelson A. King

Brooklyn artist and entrepreneur Lett Luckain has described as “a great success” a “Sip and Paint” event she conducted last Saturday in the Fellowship Hall at Fenimore Street United Methodist Church in Brooklyn.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to combine my love for art and fashion into a thriving business,” Luckain, founder and owner of Sure Let’s Create, told Caribbean Life afterwards. “From sip and paint parties to photography, interior design and fashion design, I am able to express myself and help others tap into their own inner creativity.

“One of the highlights of my journey with Sure Let’s Create was organizing the sip and paint event,” she added. “It was a great success, with over 40 people coming together to create works of art. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and openness as everyone, including myself, dove into the process of creating something beautiful. It was truly a blessed experience.

“As an artist and entrepreneur, I believe in the power of creating and the joy it brings,” continued Luckain, a “proud” graduate of Texas Southern University, where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts (John T. Biggers School of Art).

She also has background in fashion design and fashion merchandising from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in lower Manhattan.

Lett Luckain gives instructions.
Lett Luckain gives instructions.Photo by Nelson A. King

“I am dedicated to inspiring and teaching others how to find their own creative spark,” Luckain said. “Whether it’s through painting, photography or fashion design, I strive to help individuals discover their inner artist and embrace their unique talents.”

She surely helped participants at Fenimore’s “Paint and Sip” event to “find their own creative spark”, as Dianne Brown, the Jamaican-born chair of the Fenimore Street United Methodist Church Higher Education Scholarship Fund Committee, testified.

Diane Brown, chair of the Higher Education Fundraising Committee at Fenimore Street United Methodist Church.
Diane Brown, chair of the Higher Education Fundraising Committee at Fenimore Street United Methodist Church. Photo courtesy Diane Brown

“The turnout was a blast, most from the tickets holders showed up for the event,” Brown told Caribbean Life. “The instructor, Lett Luckain, was marvelous. Luckain reassured the audience that they will do a great job, if they relax and trust her.

“When I saw how the audience settled down, focused on their art work and listened to the art instructor, I knew then that this activity was absolutely necessary,” she added. “The relaxed ambiance brings out the artist in everyone.”

Brown said it was also “thrilling to see the young children painting on their own terms as well.

Barbara Castleberry, in foreground, work on her art while snacking.
Barbara Castleberry, in foreground, work on her art while snacking. Photo by Nelson A. King

“We provided smaller canvases, wooden crafts and paints for them, because we believe in inclusiveness,” she said. “There were moments of laughter. Some people were making funny remarks about their art, and some were just telling jokes. It was a beautiful event, and I was overwhelmed with joy to see their happy faces with their paintings.”

As a result, Brown said patrons are asking for another “Paint and Sip” event, preferably in the spring.

“My team and I are getting positive feedback about this event,” she said. “The people who said ‘I can’t paint’ were so enamored with the art piece that a few mentioned about framing theirs.

“There is a piece of magic in each and every one of us, and you will never know until you try something new,” Brown added. “Our expectations were met. We wanted people to have a good time, and they did.”

Ayshea de Roche-Cummins, a Brooklyn resident and native of the southern St. Vincent Grenadine island of Canouan, said she had “a good time.”

“It was pretty good,” said de Roche-Cummins, who brought along her daughter, Tasha, 18, to participate in the event.

“I have more artistic skills than I expect,” added de Roche-Cummins, whose uncles – Ossie, Ipa and Monty Constance – are major artistic and cultural figures in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

She also disclosed that her son, Neil, 15, is an artist.

“The art is lost on me,” said de Roche-Cummins in jest.

Curlin M, last name withheld, a Grenadian national residing in Brooklyn, said she “loved each and every moment I spent at Fenimore’s UMC Paint and Sip event.”

“The artist was interactive and pleasant,” she said. “Everything went well.  I love the atmosphere.  Can hardly wait for another one.”

Selma C, another Grenadian national who resides in Brooklyn and wants her last name to be withheld, said the event was “very creative and engaging.”

“The artist explained everything clearly so that we have a clear understanding of what to do,” she said. “It was fun, I loved it, and I’m looking forward to another.”

Brown said the Higher Education Scholarship Fund Committee worked “really hard” in planning the event, and that she wanted it to be “a relaxing evening of finger foods, non-alcoholic beverages, upbeat classical music, meet and greet, and painting.

“Some people asked, ‘what are we going to paint?’” she said. “But I couldn’t say; it would not be fun.”

Brown thanked her team, patrons and supporters for making the event possible, stating: “We couldn’t have done it without you.”