Claire & Megan
Claire Giroux-Williams and Megan Winward met in 2015 when they were both working as artists at the Burlington Paint & Sip Studio. Together they shared many fantastic memories helping people learn to love painting (and sipping). In 2017 when the studio came up for sale, Megan texted Claire and said “hey, I want to buy the studio… but I think the two of us should do it together…”. That text got the ball rolling and the two officially purchased the Burlington Paint & Sip Studio on January 14, 2019.
Together with their staff they adopted the mission to “inspire connection through creativity for all”. This comes from the fact that the philosophy of the Burlington Paint & Sip Studio goes way beyond art, in fact, art is simply the method of fulfilling the mission of connecting with others and connecting with oneself. Taking the time to relax into creativity is something important to everyone’s wellbeing, and the studio is a perfect way to spend time with family, coworkers, friends, and make new friends!
When you come to an event, you will see firsthand our mission-in-action, and will leave with a fun souvenir, but more importantly, a fantastic memory created with people you care about.
Our Artists
Claire
Claire was born and raised in SC and moved to Vermont in 2007. Joining the Paint and Sip family in August 2015 brought her back to her artistic roots. Claire received her BA in Studio Art with an emphasis in painting back in 1997 from Columbia College of SC, and since has been working in higher education and non-profit development in her full-time life. She loves the time she spends at the studio helping people develop their painting skills. When not at work you will often find Claire having a cocktail with friends, hanging with her wife and dogs, and giving much unsolicited advice to anyone who will listen.
Kristin
Kristin moved to Vermont after graduating with her BS in Elementary Education. She grew up in Maine, but she fell in love with everything Vermont had to offer along the way. Kristin has been a die hard crafter since the beginning, and she loves trying new mediums. If you’re ever wondering what she’s up to, it probably falls between organizing anything she can get her hands on and snuggling up with her rescues.
Megan
Co-Owner of Burlington Paint and Sip has been painting at the studio since 2015, and she knows how to party Paint and Sip Style!! She teaches a hell-of-a kids Birthday party, can party down on a Friday night with a bunch of Bachelorettes, and chill to a relaxing Mimosa Morning. She brings her “anyone can paint attitude” whenever and where-ever she is!
Shannon
Shannon (they/them/theirs) came to Vermont back 2007 for undergraduate studies at St. Michael’s College, and settled permanently in 2012. After earning a BA in Fine Arts, they went to work at the Vermont Department of Health and has been there since 2013. Shannon is a grad student at St. Michael’s College and looks forward to being an art educator. Since 2019, they’ve been instructing awesome studio classes at Burlington Paint and Sip! Favorite paintings include pop culture references and all sorts of geekery. Bob Ross is a huge painting inspiration for Shannon, and his calming and anxiety-free painting stylings help lull them happily to sleep.
Jenna
Jenna is a born and raised Vermonter. She is currently in school for a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. When she is not working in the healthcare setting you will find her here at paint and sip. She loves to buffoon around and she thinks she’s funnier than she is. She loves to paint in her free time and she is also a professional sipper.
Ivan
Sydney
Sydney grew up in Vermont and has always had a love of art. She graduated UVM in 2023 with a Bachelor’s in Art Education. Sydney spends time collaging, crocheting, sculpting, making jewelry, and of course, painting! She is inspired by Jackson Pollock’s philosophy that making art is about the experience of creating and experimenting, not about the end result.
Mikayla
Sarah
Sarah (she/her) is a community organizer, environmental activist, vegan and animal lover who lives in Burlington’s South End. She has been painting since childhood, and loves to ride her bike around town, spend time in nature, with animals, skiing and with family and friends. Community, protecting our earth, justice, and finding joy in the little things is really important to her.
Emma
No Experience Necessary. All you need to Bring is Yourself!