Simply Paint It at 1905 Holland Road opened its studio to about 50 people for its grand opening on Saturday. City Councilman Tim Johnson and other city officials were there to cut the ribbon for the new art studio and try painting themselves.

“We had a good time,” Vanessa Boone, who co-owns Simply Paint It with her husband, Leon, said in a phone interview. “It was really nice, plus we had a paint party the previous night with (about) seven participating. We had a busy weekend.”

The new studio allows for custom paint parties and special event rentals with canvases, paint, aprons and other essentials provided. Patrons can book the venue and attend with their own beverages and snacks as well.

Boone said the studio is ideal for ladies’ night out get-togethers with a bottle of wine and lessons with local instructors.

“It’s a place to sit down and relax for a nice evening out,” she said.

The studio is looking for local artists that are interested in being instructors for two-hour group sessions for a nominal fee. Each lesson will have the instructor painting on a blank canvas, just like the students.

“The instructor is giving you step-by-step instruction,” Boone said. “When you finish, your painting should look like the instructor’s, and then you get to take your masterpiece home with you,” Vanessa said.

The Boones enjoy painting and felt there was a need to open a studio to offer more opportunities in southern Suffolk, where they reside.

“We have very little in the southern area of Suffolk for this kind of entertainment, but now we don’t have to leave to have a good time,” Vanessa Boone said.

The cost is $35 per person, or $25 per person in groups of eight or more people. Adult and children’s parties can be scheduled based on availability Friday and Saturday. Children’s parties require at least 10 children. There are no weekday hours as of yet.

Email vboone@simplypaintit.com, visit simplypaintit.com or call 641-5689 for more information.