Blue Ridge Brushes

Intro

Blue Ridge Brushes is a homegrown Charlottesville art business, founded in 2021 by local artist and entrepreneur Catelyn Myers as a way to share her love of painting with the community. She started by hauling bins of paint, brushes, and canvases out to a few favorite wineries. That mobile paint-and-sip grew into a whole network of venues and instructors, and in early spring 2026 they opened their studio, where they can now offer kids’ classes and art camps, private parties, and small-group workshops.

Why Families Love It

The thing parents appreciate here is how easy it is: you don’t need any experience, and you don’t need to bring anything. Classes balance step-by-step instruction with encouraged artistic freedom, using age-appropriate materials with an emphasis on fun and creative confidence. They also supply all the art materials. It’s the kind of place a nervous first-time kid artist and a confident one can sit side by side and both leave feeling proud.

There’s real teaching depth behind it, too. Founder Catelyn was born and raised in Charlottesville, went to VCU Arts, and worked in elementary education before discovering her love of teaching art to kids in small groups. For families, the practical menu is wide: after-school art sessions for ages 7–12 at the downtown studio with all materials and aprons provided, plus summer and spring break art camps, and studio birthday parties. And because the business started mobile, the paint-and-sip classes still travel to local venues around the area, which is handy for a grown-ups’ night out or a group celebration.

What To Expect On Your First Visit

Because most sessions are ticketed, you’ll usually browse the calendar and register online before you come, whether it’s a kids’ class, a camp, a party, or an adult paint-and-sip. When you arrive, the station is set up for you. Aprons are provided, though it’s smart to wear clothes that can get a little messy. An instructor leads the whole room step-by-step through a painting while leaving room to make it your own, and everyone takes their finished canvas home at the end. For camps and after-school art, it’s a simple drop-off and pick-up at the studio.