The Roanoker Sept/October 2023 - 20

The Gist
Art with Heart
written by Laura Wade Let's Party Creatively won three platinum awards
in The Roanoker's 2023 Best of Reader Poll (Best Ladies Night Out, Best
Pop-up Event and Best Virtual Pop-Up Event). Why? Because Dana Long
makes art easy and fun!
Christine Chisholm
and her daughter,
Elena Chisholm make
memories and art
together.
from " under the sea " to " fairy gardens, " there
is something for everyone.
Christine Chisholm says that she and her
10-year-old daughter, Elena, take classes every
chance they get. They participated in Bob Ross
inspired paintings, zen gardens, textured paintings
and air plants among others.
When Chisholm's family visited from
Florida, she took them all to a painting class.
" It was the first time my mother had ever
taken a painting class, " shared Chisholm.
" Dana provides a welcoming environment for
anyone of any skill level to participate. "
Long says, " It brings me a lot of joy to help
people be creative and to show them that they
have the ability to paint, plant or create a craft. "
The business began in 2017 with plant
parties then candle-making. It expanded to
include painting and acrylic pour, macramé
and other crafts in 2019. Long keeps abreast of
trending DIY projects and finds ways to bring
them to her clients. She customizes themes and
projects for clients as well.
In addition to public events typically held
at restaurants, breweries and wineries, Long
offers private parties for events like birthdays
and bridal showers, " fun " -draising events and
corporate team building.
Team building events offer an opportunity
for co-workers to relax and get to know one
another outside of their typical work interactions.
Long kicks off these events with conversation
starters to increase communication
and camaraderie.
" One of the most fun team-building
events is a presentation on Creative Thinking
for Problem Solving in the Workplace, "
shares Long. After the presentation, they
work together to make a painting without
using brushes which spurs collective creative
problem-solving.
When she isn't teaching art, Long is busy
making candles, soaps and custom gifts for
weddings, birthdays and corporate gifts. She
can also be found at area craft shows.
Michaela Robertson says " Dana is the epitY
20
ou
don't have to consider
yourself an artist to create art
and have fun.
Just ask Dana Long, owner
and Chief Creative Officer at
Let's Party Creatively.
" It pains me to hear from people that they
can't draw a stick figure let alone paint, " says
Long.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2023
" We can help them be creative and
discover that they do have talent and skills. "
Long makes it her mission to research and
teach painting and projects that require no previous
talent or specific skills. Just show up to
the party and plant, paint or pour.
Plant parties allow participants to design
a themed terrarium or potted display with
succulents, air plants or other easy to care for
plants. Simple to do, with a variety of themes
ome of 'Small Business Owner with Heart'she
brings such joy and life to every event, and
truly makes everyone feel like they are an artist.
Dana pours her heart and soul into every
event. "
Enjoy art for the fun of it. Find upcoming
events on Facebook @Let'sPartyCreatively,
Instagram @CreateRoanoke or their website
let'spartycreatively.com. I
TheRoanoker.com
COURTESY OF LET'S PARTY CREATIVELY
http://www.TheRoanoker.com
The Roanoker Sept/October 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Roanoker Sept/October 2023
