Meet Alicia Lea | Art Curator / Artist / Art Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alicia Lea and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alicia, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I always wanted to be in a space that was inclusive, creative, and supported the arts in my direct community so i decided to create that eventually! Things naturally progressed starting in college and I realized every job I took and opportunity offered served my goals! The hardest part was figuring out how to make such a space sustainable! Working in education and at a local sip and paint I saw a disconnect between art, artist, and “non-artist” and created a plan that would connect the three teaching FUN creative art classes hosting artist receptions and much more!

What should our readers know about your business?
Paint Cohoes: Studio & Gallery is a place where ART IS FOR EVERYONE! What sets us apart from other places is we combined traditional FUN sip and paint style art classes in a collaborative space that displays local art. This then bridges the gap from art artists an.d non-artists. I am so proud of the community that has developed and grown this past year. In order to grow and stand out I am constantly educating myself and networking with other local businesses. The summer months were difficult and we managed to get through that by working with the city on events planned such as Eat in the Street. One lesson learned was to have clear outlined contracts in what is expected of all parties involved. It has been a learning process and I am excited to introduce immersive intuitive painting classes that promote healing, wellness, coping and personal change. ART IS FOR EVERYONE!!! Do not be afraid to create and explore the arts!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Cohoes NY is such a cute little town!! To make a day in Cohoes I would start with a little coffee and breakfast at Babes Cafe (hidden little gem tucked away behind everything)! Afterwards, we would take a little hike near the waterfalls in Peebles Island State Park (minutes from the downtown area). Then we could grab a boba tea over at Chocolate is Self Care right on the main drag Remsen st.. Paint Cohoes is not the only creative and interactive space, we also have The Planter Llc. a block down to create our own terrariums (and grab a glass of wine!). To end the evening we would do dinner over at The Daisy, for tacos and freshly made margaritas, and a show over at the Cohoes Music Hall!!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Paint Cohoes is built on COMMUNITY!! All of the artists that have participated and repeat customers who take classes played a huge roll in the success of the business! A big reason the business was able to grow was with the help of Stephanie Ginett! Her energy, hard work, and ability to show up and get things done is inspirational! We are able to offer yoga classes free to the public through her donated time! In the beginning stages (where our fears and stresses are at an all time high as we dive into being business owners) I was very very lucky to have Michael Cochrane and Dennis Proulx in my corner!! They saw potential in ME, guided me, and supported my vision (and I have a lot of visions hahaha).

Website: www.paintcohoes.com

Instagram: @paintcohoes

Linkedin: Alicia Lea

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paintcohoes