Color Cocktail Factory

Bought a Groupon for this place and had a girls night out for painting the Chicago skyline, Starry Night style. The instructor was awesome and we brought 6 bottles of wine and got decently drunk. Super fun and I would totally do it again! Plus my painting came out pretty well.

I found this place through Groupon where they had a $ 29 per person deal for the Van Gogh comes to Chicago paint night. My boyfriend and I are always looking for fun date night activities and this fit the bill perfectly. The fact that it was a BYOB event made it even better!
I was pleasantly surprised by how easy and painless the booking process was. I accidentally booked the wrong date at first but was able to change it easily through the website after a quick phone call. On the morning of the paint night, all the participants got a text from the instructor reminding them of the instructions and directions to the place; this was a nice touch!
Yahya is a very amicable and competent instructor. I only wish that we had followed him exactly and not tried to make our own spin on the Chicago skyline. The next time I try this out, I’m definitely following along because people who did that had much better looking paintings.
The studio is located in the Pilsen area and is underground, with a kitschy, lived in vibe. All the instructors are super friendly and the studio is well equipped for a BYOB, with plenty of ice, multiple cork openers, glasses and a fridge to cool your wine.
We had a really fun night, and the only hiccup was a loud, obnoxious group of soccer moms seated right next to us who kept cracking unfunny jokes to the point where most of us couldn’t hear the instructor. It would be nice if the studio had some sort of signaling so that groups like these wouldn’t spoil the experience for the rest of us. :/

This place this in the basement of a building in East Pilsen so that just adds to the artsy fibe and atmosphere. we had a group of 5 people and they accommodated as well. We brought four bottles of wine and they let us put it in their mini fridge. They also had an ice maker which was convenient.
The instructor who was teaching that night was very nice. we were supposed to finish the class in two and a half hours but at that point it was only 90% complete. they allowed us to finish it and we were not in a hurry to leave so it was okay. but I thought at the time that I’ve been better managed. all in all, we had a great time and we’ll come back again!

I purchased a Groupon for Color Cocktail Factory and registered for the Van Gogh painting class on ⁴⁄₈. First off, I love where this studio is located — a couple blocks away from China Town and a 5 maybe 10 minute drive to the Pilsen neighborhood. So, if you are leaving the place a little tipsy, you can either go for some tacos OR chinese food. Next, there is FREE parking. (Thank you baby Jesus!) It is very hard to find a place in the city with Free Parking or a parking lot.
The next best thing was a REMINDER text from your art instructor introducing himself and including the details of your event. So, if you are like me, where you google the address last minute and try to find the entrance to the place, RELAX. The text includes all the necessary information you need :) I was surprised that it was in a large basement — different from a traditional BYOB intimate class.
When you arrive, there is a coat hanger rack and a couch for you to leave your jacket/​back pack. **Side Note: There isn’t space for you to put your purse/​back pack/​long winter coat on the working table or on the back of your chair, so if you don’t want to leave your purse on the couch, place it on the floor.
Besides the instructor who occasionally walks around checking out others’ paintings, there are 3 – 4 other staff members attentive to your needs. If you need more paint, raise your hand and one of them will come quick.
What was a big dissatisfaction was how fast the instructor led the class in sketching and painting the Van Gogh piece. Honestly, I gave up during the middle of painting and started to draw a different background pattern. Would I come back? Sure, but it wouldn’t be my first choice in BYOB painting.

The Instructor was very nice and encouraging. We were allowed to sketch with pencils before class started to get a jump. I only wish we could have made a painting exactly like the one on the calendar. Great deal. Pilsen is nearby for a better dining option than Chinatown.

What a fun night! When my date and I saw a picture of their «Starry Night Chicago» painting we knew we had to come! We purchased the groupon which was about 50% off and scheduled to paint on a Wednesday night.
The instructor, Yahya, was very informative and patient with our class. He kept a very smooth pace that allowed everyone to draw and paint along with him. Everyone could see and hear him which was a plus! They had a fun playlist going with everyone singing along while painting which added to the fun. Whenever you needed more paint, a new brush, or more water someone was always there to give you what you need. I really appreciated such great service!
This did become a bit of an intricate painting so be prepared to stay late! This was only my second time painting though so that could have something to do with it :) The class started a little after 7:30 and I don’t think we ended up walking out until 10:45 or so. Overall, great time and would recommend!

First time doing this and it was an amazing Experience. Yehya was super patient especially since some people were busy singing along to Justin Beiber and Bruno Mars then asking a million questions lol. My Boyfriend and I had an amazing night of laughs and wine and somewhat great Picasso painting after. Will most definitely will go again soon. Went 1÷22÷16

Fantastic evening! Yahya was terrific. The pace of the class was very nice, the efficiency of getting all your supplies coupled with a warm atmosphere was just a winning combination!

This was a great experience. The leader, Yaya, was relaxed and efficient. Everyone in the room, which was nearly full, had a positive experience; as we walked around the room, we saw a number of creative efforts that expanded on the theme. Highly recommended. Just one thing — Living Social has the wrong address on its site and its vouchers. The correct address, as of December 2015, is 600 West Cermak Rd.

Everything is perfect, had a really good time with my friends there. We will go back definitely!

Four Friends. A Haunted Basement. Vino. Van Gogh.
It was an awesome way to spend a Sunday night!
I love art. My mother is an artist and when I was five I wanted to be an artist when I grew up. Until I discovered law, of course. However, it was incredible to partake in this cool experience with all of my friends.
Color Cocktail Factory is located on Cermak in the basement of an ancient haunted Chicago landmark. It’s actually in the basement– and it’s actually haunted (there’s a Chicago paranormal company in the same building). The location has free parking as well.
Art Institute educated instructor Yahya is super cool and laid back and the atmosphere was relaxing. We all sat down, sipped on vino and listened to his instructions on how to create the Chicago skyline. The coolest part is that you can modify your art however you want (you don’t have to follow his exact instructions).
Using acrylic paints (which dries right away like plastic– according to Yahya), we all crafted our own versions of Van Gogh’s striking painting– «Starry Night» which is one of my personal favorites (other than the works of Frida Kahlo).
The entire evening lasted about 3 hours (the Groupon said 2.5) so be prepared the stay. The artwork turned out amazing and I can’t wait to frame it.
All in all an incredible time. Color Cocktail Factory also has other pictures you can paint. The price on Groupon (around 30) includes the canvas, paint brushes, smocks, expert instruction, and even cups for your own libation. Also, remember to tip!
Recommended!

Great class! We did a belated birthday outing and it was fabulous. Laid back atmosphere and patient instructor. We will definitely be back.

My friend and I both had a blast at Color Cocktail Factory! We got a great deal with a Unilocal voucher and the reservation process was very easy.
The instructor was very nice, very helpful and did a great job. This is definitely something I would recommend to anyone — with any skill level. :)

Excellent class! We painted the Chicago skyline and it turned out as good as one can expect from me having almost no artistic talent. The instructor was dynamic, engaged, flexible, and helpful. I would go again in a second!