Q_01_web-singlepage_Jun15

Martha Moen
Founder:
Paint & Pixels
i n t e r v i e w : Aviva Vetter
p h o t o s : Wilson Huynh Studio
With a passion for the arts, Martha set out to be a trailblazer
in the art meets digital tech world. Her imagination led her
to envision a space where people of all ages—especially
children—feel free to express themselves through
traditional art, such as painting or sculpture, integrated with
technology.
What led you to open Paint & Pixels?
My children have always been drawn to painting and
exploring through art. The expression on my daughter’s
face when she is creating is just pure joy! I wanted to
increase that emotion in her and allow her to explore
further. My immediate thought was to enroll her in art
classes, but I couldn’t find anything suitable that also
integrated other digital mediums. I wanted to find a class
that would encourage experimentation with art, having
fun with it and using one’s creative resources to transform
images using technology.
What is Paint & Pixels?
It’s an art studio that combines the digital arts—iPads, art
applications and a ‘green screen’—into the creative process
of the traditional arts such as painting and sculpture. Our
workshops, camps and classes integrate the two elements.
What are some of Paint & Pixels programs and classes?
We have a wide variety of classes, programs and events to
suit any taste—from charity night and craft night to themed
birthday parties and School Break camps. We believe that
it’s important to give back to the community, so we created
Charity Night—painting with a purpose. The activity is
a night of fun with a percentage of proceeds going to a
local cause. We feature a different charity every month.
Craft Night is a family and friends event, which includes a
painting lesson and a drink.
One of my most popular events is hosting themed birthday
parties. We also organize custom events for any occasion;
for example, team events or bachelorette parties. The ‘green
screen’ is a great visual arts tool which allows children to see
themselves in a setting of their choosing—their favourite
movie, pop star video or even investigating another planet.
It really encourages imagination and creative growth. One
of the best parts of every activity and event is that you get to
leave with your creation ready to hang at home.
Tell me about your team
Every single person we have on board brings a different
dimension to the table. We have the very talented Kelly and
Lisa, a sister duo whose Grandfather painted with the Group
of Seven. Brandon is another talented artist and Paint Night
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