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Jamba Juice Coming to Former Ben and Jerry's Space in Dupont Circle

Merlot’s Masterpiece Coming to U Street in Former Habitat Space

1512 U St, NW

Back in Dec. 2011 we learned that Habitat was closing at 1512 U St, NW. A new business called Merlot’s Masterpiece is moving into the space:

Merlot’s Masterpiece is a new painting experience in Washington, D.C. where you can paint, enjoy wine, and a fun night out with friends and good company.

No experience required! We provide the art supplies, canvas and aprons. At the end of the session, you will take home your one of a kind masterpiece.

Reminds me a bit of ArtJamz in Dupont.

Merlot’s Masterpiece’s calender lists a June 2nd soft opening and June 8th grand opening.

Do you think something like this is a nice fit and will do well on U Street?

Category: art, Bars, Coming and Going, Top Stories, U Street

By: Prince Of Petworth | 22 May 2012 11:23 PM | 8 Comments

anon

All of these wine-and-painting storefronts are tired. Where are my cheap-beer-and-metalsmithing boutiques?!

May 22, 2012 at 11:57 pm
Alex

The only thing that could save this easy concept is a merciless instructor who spares no student in his fervent scolding of their bullshit paintings of overfed french bulldogs and the wine bottle that was already sitting on the table in front of them.

May 23, 2012 at 12:02 am
annonny

I wish them luck, but think DC is too full of busy-busy people to support a concept like this. Unless they’re selling paint-by-numbers canvases that people can do in under 30 minutes, it’s going to be a tough sell.

May 23, 2012 at 9:19 am
Bloomingdude

They should just offer honest-to-goodness painting classes that let you drink wine while you learn. I’ve been on a waiting list for over a year to get into a painting class somewhere around Gallery Place. Based on that, it seems to me there is a need for more studios, at least east of 14th street.

May 23, 2012 at 9:31 am
caddy

Am I the only one who thinks these are a lot of fun?!

May 23, 2012 at 9:41 am
- notlawd
  
  No! I have been to two of these and they are a really good time. I think the price might be a little high to get more people to try it though. Both times I went I had a groupon-type deal for 2-for-1. I think if they lowered the price to $25 they would get more repeat customers.
  
  May 23, 2012 at 1:18 pm
tastedc

I guess “Merlot” isn’t considered the shitty varietal anymore after the movie Sideways blasted it! These “Paint and Wine” concepts remind me very much of the trend about 15 years ago of “Make Your Own Pottery”..people are just looking for stuff to do – this isn’t for artists or even really wine lovers, it just fills a void – literally!

What DC needs is more physical activities to blow off the steam of the working day..how about the return of bull-riding? Or DyingSocial could do rock-climbing wall with mixing cocktails at the top..maybe have people rappell to the bottom and add circuit training? 918 F St. is working on it..

May 23, 2012 at 10:01 am
U-St

I wonder about the success of this venture given that there are already many spots to participate in the “paint and booze” concept. There is Art Jamz and Living Social and Brush and Blush. In my experience, I would much rather take an actual art class or workshop as the “paint and booze” usually doesn’t give you sufficient time to finish a painting and there is limited availability of paint colors and brushes.

Finally, while this is fun, how many times a year does someone feel the need to paint and booze? For me its something I might do every 6 months – 1 year.

May 23, 2012 at 11:12 am