Lauren Parker Lasater (founder, owner, & artist) is the lead art instructor for Colors & Cocktails. Lauren is a professional artist originally from Nashville, Tennessee. She received her B.A. in Studio Art & Communications from Lake Forest College in Lake Forest, Illinois. Her studies have taken her around the world. She currently resides in Kalamazoo, Michigan with her loving & very supportive husband whom she met while teaching English abroad in Japan, their adorable son and two fur daughters!
Our other amazing art instructors are:
Do I need to have artistic ability to host a Colors & Cocktails party?
No prior painting or art experience is necessary! We teach step-by-step instructional painting so you and your guests can relax and have fun!
$35-$60 per person for a party of 4-20 guests. For parties of less than 4 guests, there is an additional $10 and 20% gratuity charge per person. For parties of 8 or more guests, there is an automatic 20% gratuity added to your total.
Prices include all art supplies for each guest. Guests & host provide the snacks & drinks! Payment is accepted in the forms of cash, check, & credit card and will be collected upon arrival of each guest.
How do I book a Colors & Cocktails party?
Colors & Cocktails requires a$25.00 depositto save the date that can be made by credit card via our “Book Now” section of our website! If you cancel at least 48 hours before the date of your party, Colors & Cocktails will issue a full refund. Cancellations with less than 48 hour notice will not receive their $25.00 deposit back. We will do our best to work with you to rebook you and push your deposit forward to a future date.Send all Colors & Cocktails party inquiries to lauren@colors-and-cocktails.com.
What materials does Colors & Cocktails provide for my party?
Colors & Cocktails provides all of your art materials including: easels, canvases, glassware, paints, palettes, paper towels, water cups, brushes, sponge tools, aprons, & table coverings.
What type of paint do you use for Colors & Cocktails?
We use acrylic and multi-surface acrylic paint because it dries very fast. Your painting will be dry by the time you leave!
Does each guest paint a different painting?
At a Colors & Cocktails party, all guests paint the same picture when painting on canvas. This ensures instructors are able to provide concentrated, step-by-step instruction and individual attention when needed. Although all painters are working on the same-featured painting, individual artistic license is encouraged!
When painting on glassware, guests are encouraged to bring their own reference material that our Colors & Cocktails art instructors will provide individual step-by-step instruction!
I have an idea for my party but don’t see anything like it in the Colors & Cocktails gallery. May I request a different theme painting for my Colors & Cocktails party?
Absolutely! At this time, there is no additional fee to have a custom painting created for your party. Normally, there is a $50 non-refundable fee for custom painting requests. We need a two-week (minimum) notice to be able to honor your painting request(s)!
How long does a Colors & Cocktails party typically last?
Generally, from start to finish, about 4.5 hours. One of our awesome instructors will arrive at your doorsteps with everything you and your guests will need to successfully create your masterpieces! Your instructor will need about 45 minutes to set up and have access to running water and a sink. Instruction time should last about 2.5 (+/- 30 min) hours. Your instructor will need about 30 minutes to clean up.
What is the minimum amount of people I need to host a mobile party?
We require a minimum of 8 people (or $350 + 20% gratuity) for you to host a mobile art party!
Is there a minimum age requirement?
Yes, ages 12 + for adult parties. However, we are happy to accommodate a group of (1-12) children ages 7-12 for a kid’s party! Please contact us for further details on how to book a kid’s party today!
What should I wear to a Colors & Cocktails party?
We do provide aprons for all guests; however, accidents do happen so please wear clothing you don’t mind getting a splatter or two of paint on!
How far will an instructor travel for a Colors & Cocktails party?
We are willing to travel within 15 miles of zip code 49007: Kalamazoo, Portage, and Texas Corners areas. We will travel further for a small fee.
Do you sell gift cards?
Yes, we do! Gift cards make a wonderful present for birthdays and holidays! We offer gift cards in every amount both online and in-store.
Where is Colors & Cocktails located?
We are located in the heart of downtown Kalamazoo between Taco Bob’s and Rustica on the historical Kalamazoo Mall at 240 S Kalamazoo Mall!
We have 2 sister shops where we have a small sampling of our downtown shop and can also teach classes in each location! Please visit us at KalamazooKitty located in Portage and Vintage Inspired located in Mattawan! Please check Google for current hours!
Am I able to bring food and drink to your location?
Currently, we are a BYO destination! We encourage you to bring your own food and beverages (including alcohol) to our studio! We recommend keeping food easy – think snacks, charcuterie, etc.
We currently offer coffee, tea, and water in the cost of your class.
What is your cancellation policy?
Please notify us 48 hours in advance of final numbers or any cancellations. Cancellations after that time are nonrefundable and full payment is required. We understand life happens so you will receive an art kit with everything to be able to paint or create at home! Thank you for your understanding!
Where can I park? Do you subsidize parking?
As for parking, please park in the Epic Ramp on South Street! To unload for your party, you are welcome to quickly pull up in front of the shop and put your hazards on and then move your car!
Unfortunately, we do not get a break from the city to help cover the cost of parking for patrons. However, there is now 90 minute free parking in the Epic Ramp on South Street!
Do you guys accept walk-ins?
Yes! We accept walk-ins every day of the week for groups of 6 or less! Enjoy painting or creating at our new art bar located upstairs in our retail shop! For groups of 6 or more, please head to our website and click the “book now” tab to book a reservation!
