TJ’s Paint Parties & Creative Events

09/01/2026

A Letter to the Tucson Community ... 🏳️‍🌈

Every day, and sometimes several times a day, I see another post about a local Tucson shooting.

It's confusing, frustrating, heartbreaking, and it feels pretty sh*tty to not be able to have an answer, or to know who to talk to or how to help. Because who is really doing anything about it? And if they are, then why don't we know about it?

Just after midnight, two men were targeted and murdered in a hate crime at Venture-N, a well-known and longtime gay bar on N. 6th Ave.

Cameron Davis Capara and Vincent Anthony Siqueiros were confronted and later shot by the suspect. I don't feel like sharing his name.

I don't know if there was a "reason" why they were specifically targeted, or if there could ever be a reason that would make sense, but apparently the shooter had a list of local LGBTQ+ businesses that he planned to also target.

I don't have words much beyond this because I feel lost.

"Why do we still need Pride?"
"Why do you have to announce that you're LGBTQ+?"
"Why do you have rainbow flag stickers on your business windows?"
"Why do you have to host q***r events?"

Because this. Because beautiful, fun-loving, innocent people's lives can still become the target of hate.

And yet, still, I pray for those who are sick, hurting, hateful, or lost to the point of doing something like this, and then taking their own lives too. Because I don't believe people are born with hate in their hearts for themselves or others. And I do believe in the power of love. Love for all.

What do we do? How do we make the changes?
It's more than just "vote." It goes so much deeper.

Love each other. Do the hard work. Communicate. Have compassion. Teach instead of shame. Inform instead of blame. Learn about each other. Listen to each other. Don't kick people when they're down. Put a hand out to help. Be a friend. Be a safe person. Be a kind ripple.

And to my LGBTQ+ family, friends, neighbors, and community, thank you. Thank you to you and to our allies for being visible, for speaking up, and for offering safe spaces.

I love you.
💜
_____

(photo: ABD Photography)

08/27/2026

Blog: Now Booking Fall & Winter Paint Parties in New Bern, NC

TJ’s Paint Parties & Creative Events is bringing colorful, beginner-friendly paint parties to New Bern, North Carolina, and communities throughout Craven County! Our Fall and Winter 2026 calendar is now open for private parties ...

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Book a private paint party, birthday, corporate event, fundraiser, kids’ party, or holiday celebration in New Bern, NC and Craven County. No experience needed!

08/27/2026

This Friday, Aug. 28, wraps up TJ's Paint Parties for the Chillin at the Chul summer events! We'll be painting Summer Swing beginning at 6:30pm in Sami's Courtyard.

Register at tjspaintparties.com/events - Adults $40, Children under 12, $20.

Details about Chillin at the Chul:
https://tohonochul.org/event/chillin-at-the-chul/

Enjoy cooler summer evenings with live music, drinks, art, family-friendly activities, and bites from the Garden Bistro—set in the shaded beauty of the gardens.

08/27/2026

📣 Okay, Craven County… 👀🎨

TJ’s Paint Parties is on the goooo real soon 👀 and I’m officially opening the calendar for Fall & Winter 2026 events in the New Bern area!

Private paint parties • holiday parties • birthdays • kids’ parties • corporate events • team building • fundraisers … if you’ve got a group, I’ll bring the creative fun! 🎨💜

No experience needed, and I bring ALL the supplies, AND heart, hugs & jokes too!! 🤪

New Bern + Craven County, NC
TJSPaintParties.com

08/23/2026

From the moment they opened the door and the doggo quickly greeted me before sending us all on a chase after her 😆😆 .. I knew this would be a special party …I felt right at home!

The littles arrived one by one and two by two, sparkly ready for some birthday fun .. including some glitter boots and butterfly wings!

Mushroom decor to match the painting, and tea party treats with more mushroom decorations 🍄🍄‍🟫

I enjoyed a few moments observing while guests arrived … the happy friendship hugs, the cheerful chatter, shrieks and laughter … and it all carried through …
During the break for snacks, they ran off into another room and I could hear more laughing and giggling, their footsteps as they ran from room to room … playing with each other, no phones, no tablets, ahhhh yessss … good ol wholesome family fun! 🎨💜

08/23/2026

You spend your days caring for everyone else … I loved getting to watch you take a little time for yourselves. 🙏🏼

08/17/2026

Thank you to Debbie’s Family, Friends (and doggo too) for celebrating a very special UNbirthday with TJ’s Paint Parties! 😄🎨💜🥳

08/17/2026

VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE: (Supplies included!) - Deadline to register: Aug. 18

Celebrate the end of summer with a little Red, White & Bloom!

Join TJ's Paint Parties & Creative Events for a fun, beginner-friendly live virtual paint party from the comfort of your own home.
We'll be painting Red, White & Bloom on an 11x14 canvas, and I will guide you step-by-step from start to finish LIVE on Zoom. No painting experience needed!
🎨 Everything you need is included!
Your $45 ticket includes your painting kit AND shipping right to your door.
Register Here: https://allevents.in/online/red-white-and-bloom-live-virtual-paint-party-tickets/80001369105211