Firm members bond, relax over wine and paint

Paint. Sip. Relax. Repeat.

During the day, these workers’ compensation litigation specialists fight for employer and carrier claim issues in Oregon and Washington. But by night they came together for a relaxing night of wine and paint at Vine Gogh in Tigard, Oregon.

Some were introduced to this unique painting studio though a staff day event, others through friends or a friendly invite at the office. Two groups painted on different nights earlier this month.

“I like painting because it takes me out of my comfort zone,” said Amber Hanson. “It’s a great way to bond with co-workers and have fun outside of the office and just relax a little bit.”

“It’s for the fun comradery, the spending time together and not having to discuss or do any work,” said Robin Hurst. “It’s a great relaxation for me. The most memorable parts of the night are watching us all paint the same picture and having each individual’s unique “stamp” come through as they all look similar in the end, but have creative differences that are really fun.”

“I enjoy drawing, sculpting, and doing other creative things,” said Nikki Wilburn. “It was just right up my alley. And like Robin, I too find it very soothing and stress relieving. I had always wanted to go to a paint night, but would never have made it with my schedule with my previous employer.”

“It’s a nice break from work/home chaos and I get to relax and drink WINE!” said Abbie Smothers.

“It is nice to get together outside of the office and get to know people you spend the majority of the week with,” said Tahnee Wilhoyte. “We have lots of fun places like this around here, but everyone enjoys painting.”

Vine Gogh Artist Bar and Studio is “Portland’s Original Sip and Paint venue” with classes in several locations around the Portland area.

(LEFT TO RIGHT): Shelby Baker, Abbie Smothers, Jaycee Hayden, Robin Hurst and Nikki Wilburn.

(LEFT TO RIGHT) BACK ROW: Sarabeth Pfingsten, Sara Wong, Sarah Brower, Victoria Bartscherer, Casondra Albrecht. FRONT ROW: Misty Plock, Tahnee Wilhoyte and Amber Hanson.