Paint and sip studio marks second Downtown business for entrepreneur

ALBANY, NY: A new entertainment destination was welcomed to downtown Albany with a ribbon cutting ceremony today, June 14, 2022. 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.

A Harlem native, Skeen moved to the Albany area about a decade ago following in the steps of his grandmother and mother. In 2018 he started media management company We The Difference, which serves, in part, to help elevate other entrepreneurs and further his goal of creating jobs. In 2021, he opened convenience store Food Near Me last year, and plans for his next business are already in the works.

Paint and Pour Up Owner Kevin Skeen said: “My love of art will come out in every project I take on, and it’s been a great feeling to be receiving such positive feedback to the studio so far. There is a lot to do in Downtown, and a big part of my investment here is wanting people to visit this area and experience it for themselves. Here at Paint and Pour Up, whether you’re out for karaoke, a game night, or to create a painting, we are here to welcome you to an incredible night out where you’ll make more than art – you'll make memories to smile about for years.”

Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said: “Congratulations to Paint and Pour Up owner Kevin Skeen on opening his second Downtown Albany business in under two years. Kevin’s love for art is evident on the walls of Food Near Me and now he has a business that allows him to expand on that passion while also offering a fun and unique new option for downtowners to enjoy. The Downtown BID has been a great partner in supporting Kevin’s mission to lift up our community and enhance our neighborhoods and I want to thank everyone for collaborating on this latest endeavor.”

Assemblymember John T. McDonald III, RPh said, "Congratulations and thank you to Kevin Skeen for investing in another business in downtown Albany. The vibrant atmosphere of Downtown continues to grow and Paint & Pour will add to that by providing a creative outlet and by offering activities to bring people together in the community. I look forward to seeing this business add to all that downtown Albany has to offer."

Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy said: “I couldn’t be more excited to welcome Paint and Pour Up to downtown Albany, the latest entertainment option for locals and tourists alike and the newest venture led by entrepreneur Kevin Skeen. As we continue to come back from the worst of the pandemic, more and more people are looking for more ways to go out and have some fun, and that’s especially the case with the influx of new residents in this neighborhood. I want to thank Kevin for his continued investment in Albany County and I wish him and Paint and Pour Up continued success in the years to come.”

Downtown Albany BID Executive Director Georgette Steffens said: “Kevin’s dedication to uplifting and serving this community has been evident since plans for Food Near Me began, and with the opening of Paint and Pour Up we are also able to celebrate his vision for expanding the ways people recreate in Downtown. Thank you, Kevin, for your inspiring passion and entrepreneurial spirit, for continuing to enhance our neighborhood with your businesses, and for bringing to our District a perfect idea for date nights or an evening out with friends.”

Located at 61 N Pearl Street, Paint and Pour Up’s upcoming events can be found at paintandpourup.com. For updates, follow them on Instagram at instagram.com/paintandpourupllc and Facebook at facebook.com/paintandpourupny.