Paint and Pour Up newest business for entrepreneur Kevin Skeen

A new entertainment destination was welcomed to downtown Albany on June 14 as a ribbon cutting ceremony was held for Paint and Pour Up. Joining Owner Kevin Skeen and Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) Executive Director Georgette Steffens in celebrating Paint and Pour Up at its 61 N Pearl Street location were Mayor Kathy Sheehan, Assemblymember John McDonald’s Community Liaison Michael Saccoman, and Albany County Director of Policy and Research Michael McLaughlin.

Coming one year after Skeen’s first Downtown business, Food Near Me, opened its doors, Paint and Pour Up continues the entrepreneur’s mission to grow expand neighborhood offerings. Designed to provide a space for fun and creativity, the studio offers more than guided group art classes; since opening in April, Skeen has hosted events including Memorial Day cookout, Adult Game Night, and birthday parties. Plans also include karaoke nights, and free workshops for area youths in a variety of fields.

Having initially toured the Steuben Alley space last year, Skeen realized immediately that it was the perfect spot to house the art studio he’d been envisioning for two years. With a passion for art and dedication to uplifting the community, the 30-year-old hired local artists Rae Fraiser, SION The Artist, Tanner Damico, and Brandon to paint the walls of the studio with colorful murals comprised of portraits, quotes, and graffiti lettering.

The colorful walls are one aspect Skeen points to in differentiating Paint and Pour Up from other studios, also noting the fun and attentive staff, calm vibe, and great music as highlights for the venue that serves as a new way to experience Downtown as a date night or evening out with friends. Through the space itself and the works of art created within, Skeen’s goal of adding more color to Albany’s newest neighborhood while growing employment opportunities are expanding nearly as quickly as Skeen can envision business ideas.

Read the full press release here | Watch the ribbon cutting ceremony here