Local Paint and Sip classes raise funds for nonprofits while fostering community connections
Feb. 20—DICKINSON -If you are interested in tapping into your inner Bob Ross, look no further than Elizabeth Henderson's local paint and sip classes hosted monthly at the Hawthorne Suites.
Between brushstrokes and beverages, Henderson provides step-by-step instructions on how to turn a white canvas into a beautiful piece of art. The $35 ticket can be purchased online or at the front desk of Hawthorne Suites, and includes the supplies, the lesson itself, food and beverage, and a good time, of course, Henderson said.
What's important for Henderson about these classes, aside from the art, is that all of the proceeds go to non-profit organizations in the community. Half of the proceeds go to the Badlands Art Association and the other half goes to the Dickinson chapter of Moose International in hopes of growing the local chapter.
Without things like donations and memberships, a non-profit organization doesn't exist, Henderson said. Between the two organizations that Henderson is involved in, the fundraising ultimately aims to help connect the community.
"I'm doing everything I can in the community to just try to liven up the art scene because art is so important," Henderson said.
Through these paint nights, Henderson hopes to offer people the opportunity to socialize, create and enjoy art, and to leave feeling good about themselves.
"I try to do my best to help people who say, Oh, I was never able to draw or I'm not a painter, get out of that mindset and just use their imagination and not have to think about the crazy stressful world we live in for a night," Henderson said.
With the help of family and friends, Henderson put on her first paint-and-sip night back in 2019 where she raised $700 at the newly opened Phat Fish Brewing to raise funds for the Amazon Rainforest. At 7 months pregnant, Henderson taught her first paint-and-sip night to a room full of over 40 people. Henderson remembers thinking, "All I have to do is what Bob Ross does. I should be friendly enough, I'll figure it out."
"I really didn't think that many people would show up..." she recalled.
Throughout her life, Henderson has balanced her passion for art with her passion for non-profit work. From raising money for medical benefits to human trafficking prevention, Henderson dedicates as much time as possible to non-profit work.
"My passion for nonprofits really motivates me to do these kinds of things. It just gives me a sense of fulfillment and purpose," Henderson said.
Henderson has had a lifelong passion for creative expression whether the vessel happened to be an instrument or a paintbrush.
Henderson grew up singing, playing the drums and piano, and even drawing. It wasn't until she was 19 and a loved one gifted her paint, canvases, and a word of encouragement, that her relationship with painting blossomed.
"That's all it took," Henderson said.
Just 6 short months later, Henderson would go on to sell her paintings on the walls of the hotel she worked at. Henderson was born and raised in North Dakota moving between rural areas before finishing high school here in Dickinson.
Her mother is from Nicaragua where she met Henderson's father while he was in the Peace Corps after serving in the military. Between the Peace Corps and time spent as a teacher and coach, Henderson watched her dad give back to the community, which had an infectious impact on her.
"I get the ambitious side of nonprofit work through my dad," Henderson said.
Coming full circle, Henderson gathers a lot of inspiration from her own daughter and wants her to have a bigger future. Moving from North Dakota to Louisiana, Henderson joined the Louisiana Conservation Corps where she spent time focusing on environmental conservation. When Henderson wasn't working on forestry services, she was working on disaster relief for hurricanes in places like Florida during hurricane Irma or in Texas during Hurricane Harvey, an experience that Henderson said changed her life.
As a second-generation immigrant, Henderson was able to use her bilingual skills in Texas which would in turn teach her about herself.
"When I was traveling and doing all of that I started really getting to know myself as an artist," Henderson said.
Henderson continues her art journey not only through paint and sip nights but also by being involved in the Badlands Art Association and through a side project called the Imaginarium. She partnered with In the Flesh, a local tattoo shop, to create an alternative gallery that has more room for obscure and abstract art pieces. The partnership has turned the walls of the tattoo shop into a gallery where artists 18 and older can display a variety of art.
"We want to welcome anybody who wants to display their art," Henderson said.
Looking forward, Henderson hopes to create paint classes for children as well, where kids can enjoy art, pizza, and the pool. Just like any of Henderson's other events, she hopes to encourage a sense of community through art.
"It's a way to get out and connect with your community and get to know each other and be involved for a good cause that's going to grow and benefit our community," Henderson said.
For more information on Henderson's art, classes, or non-profit work email
.
