Alcohol and artistry have long gone hand-in-hand, if not always blatantly. But that’s exactly the relationship one company is looking at bringing to Lexington. 

Stan Finch, a representative from Brush and Goblet, was before the Board of Selectmen on Monday, July 30, to present a concept for a “paint-and-pour” business and test the waters before a possible future request for a liquor license.

According to Finch, the Brush and Goblet would couple art instruction with a beer and wine bar. Classes of 20 to 30 or so would receive painting materials and instruction on painting a well known piece while also being able to purchase drinks from the bar.

“We think there is an opportunity to bring this kind of business here,” said Finch, who noted the Brush and Goblet is eyeing the Boston area, and specifically Lexington.

Here's the description from the Brush and Goblet website:

Learn to create a painting with step-by-step help from our instructor. Each night features a new work, often by local artists. Then take your masterpiece home when finished. We offer a broad selection of wine and beer to help unlock the inner artist in you! Perfect for a girl’s night out, dates, birthdays, or just an excuse to get together.

Paint and sip concepts are more common in the South, but have been moving into the Northeast, according to Finch. The Paint Bar in Newton, Palettes in Natick and Paint ‘n Pour in Maynard are some local examples.

The paint-and-sip concept received a lukewarm reception from some of the selectmen, including George Burnell, who said his initial reaction was not favorable and he was not sure how it would fit in with the community.

“It’s an opportunity to open a bar with a gimmick,” he said.

According to Finch, The Brush and Goblet is in the process of opening/leasing a business in Maine and plans to operate that for a period of two to six months before expanding. While some of concern was about opening a gimmicky bar, the paint-and-sip would probably attract a crowd of mostly 25- to 45-year-old females who typically have two drinks while painting, Finch said, pointing to data complied by the Brush and Goblet.

“We certainly don’t anticipate this to be all that rowdy of a place,” he said.

No specific locations for the Brush and Goblet were discussed during the meeting, and Finch was advised about how to proceed with a possible application for a liquor license.

The Brush and Goblet would serve food, and Lexington has plenty of restaurant liquor licenses both beer and wine and all-alcohol, according to Lynne Pease, executive clerk for the Selectmen’s Office.

Is this paint-and-sip concept the kind of business you'd like to see in Lexington? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.