SPLATTER PARTY! As the The Paint Shack in Eau Claire surpasses 10 years of business, owner Cyndi Kortbein continues to offer accessible entry points to different visual art mediums. Now, the space has welcomed the addition of a "splatter room," where groups up to 12 people – of all ages – can step in and let their creativity flow. (Photo via Facebook)

This year, The Paint Shack (2524 Golf Rd., #2c, Eau Claire) celebrates 10 years of business in subtle, but vibrant ways. Owner Cyndi Kortbein has created a space for locals of all ages to put on an apron and discover their inner artist.

Kortbein said The Paint Shack is inspired from a girl's trip to Dallas in 2012 where she experienced her first painting party. After arriving back in Eau Claire, Kortbein decided to host painting parties for her kids and church friends until realizing this dream could become a reality.

In 2015 The Paint Shack became an LLC and one year later, Kortbein moved into her first studio space.

Outside of the Shack, Kortbein teaches at a local Christian high school and is connected with many organizations including 4-H and Ashley for the Arts, she shared.

Since she began the business, Kortbein has expanded to offer new services including shattered glass art to create a 3D look on a canvas and screen or denim painting.

“It’s really fun art, not fine art.”

Cyndi Kortbein

owner, the paint shack

1,000 pre-painted canvases – all created by Kortbein or her family members – are currently covering the walls to spark inspiration for all visitors.

“That self-realization that (customers) did something they didn’t think they could and that just never gets old for me,” Kortbein said.

The newest addition to The Paint Shack has been its splatter room, where groups up to 12 people can step in and let their creativity flow.

Plastic cover ups, goggles and shoe coverings are provided before the fun ensues. Within the splatter room, artists can paint on their own canvas, each other, or the community canvas that will be sold to charity after a few months of residency.

“It’s really fun art, not fine art,” Kortbein said.

In the summer, The Paint Shack offers kids camps – ages seven and up – to learn about and experiment with an array  of art mediums: paint pour, splatter paint, stretched canvas and more.

For regular patrons of The Paint Shack, Sandi and Geoffrey Kreiss, they look forward to their weekly visits at the shack.

Week long art camps, private parties and open paint sessions are among the current courses available at The Paint Shack in Eau Claire. (Image via Facebook)

Sandi said their front entry way at home has transformed into a small version of canvas covered walls from The Paint Shack.

“I have a 38-year-old with Down syndrome, we go almost every week for four years,” Sandi said. “I can’t say enough wonderful things about (Kortbein)and her business and what she’s done for enrichment for my son.”

“I like it because he makes his own choices of what he wants to do at that session. So it's coming totally from him, which I think is very important to me,” Sandi said.

With pricing starting at $15/guest, Kortbein said she feels confident each person can find and create their next masterpiece while at The Paint Shack.

The Paint Shack has a full calendar of events posted on their website at thepaintshack.net. Follow their journey on Facebook (The Paint Shack LLC) where they post ongoing updates and event highlights.