Mountain Matters: August Paint Nights

Although living on Mt. Hood offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation and play, there are other ways community members can find a creative outlet and one of those is local paint nights hosted by Mt. Hood Villages resident Meg Eaton. 

Hosting these paint nights in the community since 2022, Eaton has become an artistic staple and instructor with her ever-growing, ever-popular paint nights held at various locations within the Villages. Hosting at places such as The Whistle Stop, Pub 26 and The Brightwood Tavern, Eaton offers community members the chance to explore their creative side with her guidance, paint and brushes. 

“Each class is different and special,” Eaton said. “It ends up bringing different people together, connecting parts of our community and people who might not have met before.”

For $25, participants have the opportunity to connect to art in a way they may not have experienced without the help of the event. Using provided supplies and a master copy of the image Eaton personally created for the class, students are encouraged to see their own shapes, colors and dimensions using her blueprint and their own individual creativity. 

“This class is developed for beginners, though it is intended for any level, my instruction is intended to be fun and very much not technical,” Eaton said. “I have had individuals who have never painted up to the professional level. My class is intended for being able to have fun and relax.”

No matter the location, Eaton has found that the Mt. Hood Villages community members are always eager and ready for the next paint night. 

“I really like her and enjoyed the class,” Mt. Hood Villages resident and paint-night enthusiast Cindi Sempert said. “I have done two with her and would have done more if my schedule allowed it.” 

Similar to Sempert’s sentiments, Eaton knows the positive impact her pant nights have had within the community. 

“It is an amazing moment to see people smile and be doing something constructive and positive that they might not have attempted before,” Eaton said. “Painting in a group setting makes it a little easier to try new things and maybe make some new friends along the way.”

Currently, Eaton is hosting paint nights twice a month.

Pub 26 hosts Eaton’s paint nights on the second Wednesday of every month and the last Saturday of the month in the afternoon at The Whistle Stop. Eaton is also available for private lessons and parties. For more information on paint nights in the area, email Eaton at supermegabeth@gmail.com.