ALAMOSA — The Wet Paintbrush presents a new kind of business for Alamosa.

Trending in metropolitan areas already, “paint and sip” establishments offer opportunities for patrons to experiment with their artistic skills while having a beer or glass of wine.

Krista Garcia and Javier Martinez, Adams State graduates with business degrees, have leased the former Blockbuster space in front of Safeway for The Wet Paintbrush where they plan to bring the “paint and sip” experience to Alamosa.

Martinez said only beer and wine would be served, and the emphasis would not be on the alcohol. This would not be like a bar but would be somewhere that people could join their friends for some fun, he explained.
“There’s a lot of interest for this type of thing in the city,” Martinez said during a recent beer/wine liquor license hearing before the Alamosa city council. “It’s pure economic development.”

Martinez said the couple is adding a second restroom and making sure the space is up to code. He said one wall of the venue will feature artwork from local artists, and the Paintbrush will employ local artists to lead out in art sessions.

The business would likely host art sessions on Thursday and Friday evenings and Saturday during the day, Martinez added. People could sign up in advance, with a limit of 40 per class, and walk-ins would be welcome if the session was not already full, he said.

He and Garcia said they would keep their current full time jobs in the community and would be happy if they just broke even with The Wet Paintbrush.

They presented 35 signatures collected in a couple of days in favor of their liquor license.

“I think it’s a great idea,” said Councilor Ty Coleman. He said he had the opportunity to go to a similar establishment in Colorado Springs and enjoyed the experience.

“This is awesome,” added Councilman Jan Vigil. “This is something we don’t have here. I think there’s a market for it. This is cool.”

Councilor Liz Thomas Hensley added, “I think it is a great idea. I look forward to doing this.”
Mayor Josef Lucero commended the young couple for putting their degree to good use opening a business in the community.

“This is what we really like to entertain and see from our young people,” Lucero said.

Sarah Ramirez of Alamosa spoke in favor of The Wet Paintbrush application during the liquor license hearing. She said she was 100 percent in support of this and called this “a great opportunity for our town.”

Her husband Adrian Ramirez also supported the application. He said there would be events for children at this venue as well.

Tracy Vigil supported the application and said this would bring people to the community and would be a good business to have here.

Resident Dan McCann added, “I am always for small business.”

The council was supportive of the liquor license application but will take official action during its next meeting.