Wichita was down a couple of paint-and-sip businesses but now is getting a new one

Wichita recently lost another paint-and-sip business when Pinot’s Palette closed, but now it’s gaining another one.

Artist Kelly Welch is the new licensee for Painting & Vino in the Wichita area. A previous licensee went out of business early in the pandemic.

“Since I was a little kid, I wanted to be a professional artist,” Welch said. “I drew from the time I was able to hold a pencil.”

He sold his first commissioned portrait at age 14 and thought he would be a professional artist for a career. He took what he thought would be a temporary job with Boeing then stayed for 33 years, first in Wichita and then in Seattle for the last decade. Welch continued to paint for part-time work on the side.

Now, he’s returned to the Wichita area for retirement and to start this business.

Painting & Vino won’t have a permanent home. Welch will take the business to different venues, such as restaurants, private parties and even his own home for classes.

Classes are $39 for all supplies, including paint and a canvas, and three hours of instruction. Attendees can purchase food and drinks at the venues. For instance, the first one will be from 6 to 9 p.m. on Oct. 18 at Magnolia Cafe, 2424 N. Woodlawn, where there will be a $15 buffet and drinks for an extra price.

Welch said a dinner theater he and his wife, Michelle, attended partly inspired him. He said it was three hours of fun and no worries.

“We laughed and just enjoyed ourselves the entire time,” he said.

That’s what he said he now wants to provide for others.

Also, Welch said he’s enjoyed teaching his wife to paint, working on techniques and “teaching her what to see.”

“It just felt like a natural thing for me to do,” he said.

“It’s just kind of fulfilling a lifelong dream.”