Sistas That Paint
With a desire to open their own art gallery, Sistas That Paint produces affordable art for the community while highlighting Black culture.
The “Art Baes of Las Vegas” sister-duo Karena and Angela Graham first founded Sistas That Paint on March 31st, 2019 – the day Nipsey Hussel passed away. They just celebrated their two-year anniversary. The inspiration for opening their own galley came after their experience at an art gallery on a cruise.
“They didn’t acknowledge us,” Graham said. “So we decided to open our own safe space for collectives instead of competing to be recognized.”
Their ultimate goal is to become a household name and open up a hip-hop museum honoring the West Coast culture.
Bringing Their Dream to Life
Officially opening its gallery in the midst of the pandemic, Sista’s That Paint opened its doors on July 11th, 2020.
“The pandemic helped us manifest our dreams. We told ourselves every day we wanted a gallery and we did it,” Graham said. “It’s brought us a lot of business. People were tired of being in the house so we offered them a place to be creative.”
Using their preferred medium – acrylic paint – the sisters create works of art with themes relating to current events and social issues.
Graham added that they bring to life “anything that’ll spark controversy or conversation,” particularly on the topics of mental health awareness, police brutality, and homelessness.
Per their website, they believe that the enjoyment, appreciation, and commentary of art is not and should not be reserved just for the wealthy.
Visit the Sistas That Paint art gallery at 900 E. Karen Avenue, Suite #H212.
Growing the Community Through Art
While producing their own art, Sistas That Paint also commits themselves to the community. They do this by offering lessons, events, and other opportunities to people of all ages. They devote themselves to bringing the artist out in their students.
According to their website, they offer classes to adults, teens, and children in both group settings and private lessons. They also offer take-home packages for those who can’t attend in person.
“There’s something for anyone looking to foster their inner Jean-Michel Basquiat,” Graham said. “We strive to instill creativity and teach form and function to all artists and guests that come to Sistas That Paint seeking a fun, upbeat, and well-rounded artistic experience.”
Sistas That Paint also hosts co-ed painting parties with a variety of themes and audiences.
“There’s no limit to being creative,” Graham said. “We like to reinvent the wheel and offer classes that our competitors aren’t like puff and paint, erotic paint parties with adult toys and naked models. We also have parties for kids with images that look like them.”
One thing they learned, Graham said, is that people want to support them and the work they’re doing.
“People are always looking for a creative outlet and are glad that we provide one,” she said. “We’ve met a lot of dope people and created lasting relationships. We enjoy seeing people channel their energy through our classes or open mic events.”
Bringing Beauty to the Community
On top of offering space and opportunities to people in the community to express themselves, Sistas That Paint also collaborates with other local artists and organizations to continue their dedication to the community. This includes organizations such as New Era Las Vegas, Better Minds Better Communities, and The Order of the Eastern Stars.
Back in January, the sisters were a co-sponsor of the Love to the Streetz event, put on by New Era Las Vegas and the Stretch For Change Foundation. There, they handed out hot soup to our houseless neighbors.
They’ve also had artists paint tables in their studio, and they display their artwork in their gallery to give them more exposure.
“We’ve also teamed up with a local artist to paint a mural,” Graham said. “There’s no competition with us; we just want to paint and learn from others.”
#GetinMotion with Sistas That Paint
The sisters concluded by saying to not wait for the “right time” to make your dreams a reality because the “right time” will never come.
“Don’t worry if friends and family don’t support you because there are a million strangers that will,” they said. “If you do what you love you’ll never work a day in your life.”
To support Sistas That Paint, check out their art that they’re currently selling, found on their website as well as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Right now, save 50% on all artwork.
Visit their studio on Karen Avenue and attend one of their classes or parties.
Follow their social media platforms to catch their posts for events as well as upcoming community service opportunities.And, contact Sistas That Paint through Instagram or by emailing them at Sistasthatpaint@gmail.com with any questions.
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