GoFundMe campaign launches to keep Sip’n Paint Studio alive

Ryan Stocks envisioned a gathering space for people to connect through art classes when he purchased Sip’n Paint Studio nearly two years ago. 

But the coronavirus pandemic put a halt to those plans as it intensified in the state in mid-March, forcing many businesses to close, including Sip’n Paint.

The impact of COVID-19 has been especially devastating for Stocks because Sip’n Paint isn’t allowed to reopen until a later phase of Gov. Jay Inslee’s Safe Start plan, and that date has not yet been determined for Spokane County.

Spokane wedding photographer Laurken Kendall took note of Stocks’ efforts to sustain Sip’n Paint and decided to take action by launching a GoFundMe campaign last week to help save the business.

“Next year, my job will continue, but for people like Ryan who I’ve been friends with – just watching him try so many ways to generate business and keep Sip’n Paint alive was just really breaking my heart,” Kendall said, adding Stocks has been offering virtual painting classes, selling gift cards and paintings, and doing Grubhub deliveries to keep the business afloat.

The GoFundMe campaign has generated more than $2,330 of its $8,000 goal with 76 backers as of Thursday.

“It’s important to preserve local small businesses and the people who put their life savings into bringing something of value to the community,” Kendall said, adding Sip’n Paint provides a place for people to go on date nights or to learn how to paint. 

Stocks, who relocated the studio to a new location at 9718 N. Newport Highway in February, said he was humbled and encouraged upon discovering the GoFundMe campaign.

“I had no idea Laurken was going to do this. I was pretty speechless and kind of in shock,” he said, referring to the campaign. “She went and outdid herself with this. A ton a people have been supportive and helping out, a lot of whom I never met. It’s kind of a special feeling that you don’t understand until it’s provided to you.”

Stocks was able to obtain an Economic Injury Disaster Loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration in April that helped keep the studio afloat until now. He also applied for a federal Paycheck Protection Program loan but has yet to receive approval. 

The GoFundMe campaign will help cover rent, supplies, updating the studio’s website and paying employees so they can continue to offer more virtual paint classes, among other things, Stocks said. 

Stocks said he hopes to reopen in the future to bring the community together through art. He also aims to pay it forward by holding events to benefit local charities and organizations. 

“Those who have donated, you don’t know how much that means to me, my family and my business,” Stocks said. “It’s the only thing that’s going to keep us alive right now. Small local businesses have been hit incredibly hard, and I’m unfortunately one of many. (The campaign) is a special thing, and I hope it will be able to get us going so we can show people a good time and keep the arts alive.”