Taking up residence on the second floor of beloved West End pub The Montague Hotel, the Montana Art Project is an innovative street-style art space where patrons are invited to unleash their inner artists in a friendly environment free from the pressure to turn out a picture-perfect piece. The business model follows the popular paint-and-sip concept that has been gaining traction around the world – you can come along with your own drinks, meet new people and have access to the proper equipment to make your own masterpiece to take home. There is no experience necessary, so don’t worry if you’ve never so much as picked up a paintbrush – think Bob Ross levels of chill with the added benefit of some delicious BYO drops to get the creative vibes flowing.

The Montana Art Project is the brainchild of artist Stewart Shuker and hotel owner Peter Stark, who have custom designed the space to reflect the relaxed vibe of ‘The Monty’ downstairs. The space is named for a piece of art that Stewart originally created for the hotel, which embraces the colourful and creative nature of both the studio and its home suburb of West End. Montana stands apart from other paint-and-sip studios with its unique, supportive and artistic space that is specifically designed to get first-timers comfortable with creating. The full-floor studio is equipped with all of the materials to create a piece you are proud of (and will have fun making) – whether you want to get a bit messy with a flicked freestyle background or keep things tight with a stencil, you can ease into the creative process in a style that suits you. Patrons are also treated to a complimentary glass of bubbles on arrival – because there’s nothing more inspiring than a cheeky tipple.

The Montana Art Project opens its doors to the public on Thursday October 18 – to book a class, head to the official website.