Written By Olena Riznyk
PARKHILL – The Parkhill Branch Library was filled with colour and creativity on January 21 as residents gathered for another popular Paint Night, an event that continues to draw strong community interest.
Melissa Mathers, the library staff member who organized and led the session, said the evening once again reached full capacity. “Tonight was full. All the seats were full,” Melissa said, adding that Paint Night consistently attracts strong participation from the community.
Each session welcomes up to 12 participants and is typically offered about every other month, depending on the library’s seasonal programming schedule. Summer months tend to be busier with other activities, which can limit how often paint events are offered. Melissa added that the next Paint Night is planned for March.
One of the strengths of the program is its variety. Every session features a different theme or subject, giving returning participants something new to look forward to. Past sessions have included seasonal artwork such as Christmas and Halloween designs, as well as animals and nature-inspired scenes. “It kind of depends on what I feel like painting,” Melissa said. “Sometimes I’ll look online and get inspiration and then make it my own.”
For many attendees, Paint Night has become a regular highlight. Angela, a local resident who has participated in several sessions, said she first decided to attend after seeing a toucan-themed painting advertised. “I really like birds, so when I saw the toucan, I thought, ‘I want to paint that,’” she said. Since then, she has continued signing up whenever new sessions are announced, adding that the relaxed atmosphere and creative focus make the events enjoyable and motivating.
The idea to bring Paint Night to the library came from Melissa’s own experiences attending similar events in other communities. “My mom and I used to go to paint nights in different towns,” she said. “I was thinking I could do that at the library.” What began as a personal idea has since grown into a well-established and popular program.
Paint Night is open to both adults and children, making it an inclusive creative activity for families and individuals. “You can come with your kids and spend time together,” Melissa said.
Another important aspect of the program is accessibility. The event is free to attend, with all supplies provided through the library’s programming budget, helping remove financial barriers to participation.
