Reem Hussein, owner of Splash Art Studio at 230 Main St. in Farmingdale, recently requested a special use permit from the Village Board of Trustees to change the name of her business to “Paint and Main” and allow the consumption of alcohol on the premises for adult wine and painting classes, subject to the approval from the state liquor authority.
“It’s become a national trend,” Hussein said. “We give you the paint supplies you need and [the instructor] walks you through.”
According to Hussein, paint and sip programs are all the rage on Long Island; most notably finding success at Huntington’s Paint the Town Studio, which allows customers to bring their own bottle while they learn step-by-step how to paint.
Following a public hearing, on Jan. 5, board members voted in a 2-2 decision, denying the application.
Trustee Cheryl Parisi said she abstained because she was under the impression that the business would include retail sale items for local shoppers.
“I’m disappointed,” Parisi said. “What you presented is not what actually is there on a regular basis.”
“More of your store appears to be for children’s parties,” Deputy Mayor Pat Christensen added.
Despite Hussein’s initial presentation, which included ceramics and other artwork for sale, she said that the art studio has found more success in providing lessons and art classes than it did in retail.
“The retail never really took off, but the parties did,” said Mayor Ralph Ekstrand, who voted in favor of the application.
After some further discussion about the permit application, trustee Thomas Ryan requested the board reconsider the motion in the hopes of reaching a different conclusion. However, the effort was all for not, as trustees Parisi and Christensen abstained for a second time, resulting in another 2-2 tie vote.
“I’m barely making the rent,” Hussein pleaded. “I’m doing the best I can.”
Hoping to reach a different outcome, the board voted unanimously 4-0 to continue the hearing at their next meeting, on Feb. 2, when they expect to have all five board members in attendance.
