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Local Voices

Picasso's Grapevine Opens in Clarkston

Leanna Haun wants you to be impressed … with yourself. While enjoying a successful 20-something year career in the world of accounting, the 1996 Walsh College business grad tapped into her artistic side to open Picasso’s Grapevine in Clarkston, an art studio offering private and open session painting parties. 

Named in honor of the renowned Spanish artist, Picasso’s Grapevine invites those 21 years and older to bring wine to the studio to help stir creative juices.

Based on the premise that an “inner-artist” lives within everyone, Haun says the key to creating displayable art is in the instruction. “There is a methodology,” Haun explained. “Landscapes for example are free-formed and forgiving.”  The studio offers stencils and other aids to help guide artwork proportion. 

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“My biggest challenge is convincing people they can create beautiful artwork. At the end of the session our guests are really impressed with themselves,” said Haun who has already enjoyed repeat business from previous artistic self-doubters.

Her standing-room-only ribbon-cutting celebration this July included well wishers from the city’s chamber of commerce, fellow Clarkston business owners, family members, friends and the team of Walsh College professionals who helped move her entrepreneurial aspirations into reality. 

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Haun reconnected with her alma mater after receiving a correspondence inviting her to discover the attributes of the college’s Blackstone LaunchPad business accelerator program. “I got the card in the mail in September, right when I was thinking of starting a business,” said Haun.

“I contacted Carol Glynn and she and her team have been so supportive and wonderful,” said Haun. The new entrepreneur said she received advice on business model essentials including marketing aspects, copyrights, search-engine optimization, purchasing or leasing a facility, and location.

Haun’s careful assessment of location possibilities directed her away from her initial plans to open her studio in Rochester. “On the day I was planning to sign a lease, I discovered three competitors were opening nearby, one right across the street,” said Haun.

Picasso’s Grapevine www.picassosgrapevine.com offers seven days a week paint sessions from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.

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