Today Is Last Day to Sign Up for Melha Shriners Paint Craze Night

SPRINGFIELD — The Melha Shriners will host a Paint Craze Night fund-raising event on Saturday, June 20 at the Melha Shrine Center, located at 133 Longhill St., Springfield. The event will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Today is the final day to purchase tickets for the evening of fun, socialization, and art. To sign up, visit www.paintcraze.com. No tickets will be sold at the event.

The cost to participate is $35. Participants will be provided with a canvas, paint supplies, and brushes — everything necessary to become a 21st-century Picasso. Artist Christian Goulet will lead the event, entertaining and guiding participants to complete a step-by-step “Beach Day” masterpiece on a 16-by-20-inch canvas. No art experience is needed, and beginners are encouraged to attend. Light refreshments and a cash bar will be available. No drinks may be brought into the building.

“Even if you think you can’t paint, that’s not an acceptable excuse to avoid this event,” said Melha Shriners Public Relations Chairman Al Zippin. “You will be able to create a painting on canvas, which you will then take home with you. While you are enjoying your painting experience, your $35 will be helping the Melha Shriners.”

This is the second Paint Craze Night fund-raiser the Melha Shriners have planned. The first, held in October 2014, raised money for the Shriners Hospital for Children in Springfield to purchase a GlideScope video laryngoscope — a scope used by medical professionals to examine the back of the throat, larynx, and vocal cords. Funds raised from the upcoming event will help the Shriners continue to be visible in the community with parades, special events, the annual circus, and more.

“The atmosphere that this night will create will have everyone smiling. I’m hoping for a complete sellout,” said Past Potentate Russ Mitchell.