Springfield paint bar expanding

The Sip and Dipity Paint Bar opened in downtown Springfield about two years ago, and is now branching out to host pop-up parties in Columbus and expanding with a new location in Xenia early next month.

Tracey Tackett, who opened the business in a previously vacant storefront at 10 N. Fountain Ave., said she knew it was a risk to open a paint bar in downtown Springfield because there were no other similar businesses in the area. But she’s seen the business slowly grow enough to expand with a second storefront at 65 S. Detroit St. in Xenia on Sept. 1.

Tackett said she’s watched as several other businesses have opened on Fountain Avenue in Springfield since the paint bar opened.

“You can tell there’s a bigger boom happening downtown and I love that,” Tackett said.

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The paint bar is available for private parties, but also hosts events for schools and other similar activities. Guests can bring their own beer or wine or can simply stop by and paint if they choose, she said.

The business will teach customers basic painting techniques and offers residents a chance to relax and do something different, Tackett said. Customers work on a basic design submitted by area artists, she said, but each piece ends up a little different.

Since the business started, Tackett also began hosting pop-up events at venues around Columbus, and was considering opening a second paint bar there. But she said officials in Xenia approached her about opening in that city instead, which she said seemed like a good fit.

The important thing, she said, is that customers have a good time.

“We’re not fine art, we’re fun art,” Tackett said.

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