dgardine@mavs.coloradomesa.edu
For some seniors, the road after graduation is typically fuzzy and a little bit scary. Finding a job seems nearly impossible. Rarely does anyone expect to find the job she loves right away, but for CMU Graphic Design student Claire Meil, the story is not typical.

After an inspiring experience in Denver, Meil and her parents took on the challenge of making artistic entertainment venue into a reality. At a young age, Meil has opened The Palette, Grand Junction’s newest venue for artistic entertainment.

“I just knew this is what I wanted to do,” Meil said. “My parents and I figured, ‘why wait?’ I wanted to do this as soon as I could, and it has received an unbelievable response from the community.”

The Palette offers step-by-step classes by experienced instructors on how to paint simple, yet elegant pictures. Students are provided with a canvas, plenty of paint, brushes and a complementary glass of wine or other drink of choice. In a comfortable setting, with feel-good tunes playing in the background, Meil has mastered the perfect setting for creative fun.

Having dreamed up her studio last October, business has taken flight right away. Meil has a following of regulars and people are already signing up for classes in April. Some classes are selling out weeks ahead of time. Meil is thrilled at the response, but life as a working student is never completely easy. She still has a part-time job at Gold’s Gym, and is finishing up a degree in Graphic Design.

“Even with all that I am doing now, I am excited to see where it goes,”  Meil said. “It is really nice to have a plan for the next five to ten years, at the very least.”

The Palette offers classes Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 6:30 pm. Private parties are offered Sunday through Wednesday with a requirement of fifteen people or more. The Palette is located at 205 Colorado Avenue. For more information visit http://www.thepalettegj.com.