Voices in the Dark – A One-Night-Only Immersive Paint and Sip Mystery at Oya Arts

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

For one night only, October 26, at the Oya Arts Studio in the Northrup King Building, 1500 Jackson Street NE, you can participate in a Halloween edition of a who-done-it paint and sip mystery. We spoke to Karen Caldwell, Producer of Voices in the Dark about the experience – you’ll be assigned a character to reenact, have fun painting and sipping, nosh on delicious Caribbean treats provided by Channa Trinidadian Kitchen and will solve the mystery of a haunted attic. Get tickets here.

Q:  As producer of Voices in the Dark, what do you hope the participants will experience? 

A:  I want participants to experience something they've never experienced before - this is not your typical paint and sip. At Oya Arts, we do things a little differently. We combine the fun of painting with a fully immersive experience, and for Voices in the Dark, we're turning the studio into a Victorian attic for the evening. So, participants can expect mysteries, riddles, and even a few scares along the way!

My hope is that people will feel like they're stepping into a story, where they’re not just painting but becoming part of a thrilling, haunted tale. Each person will take on a character, uncover clues, and work together to solve the mystery. It’s not just about the art - it’s about getting caught up in the atmosphere, the suspense and having a blast in a way that’s totally unique. I want them to walk away feeling like they’ve created something special and had an unforgettable experience that they couldn't get anywhere else.

Karen CaldwellQ:  Is there a maximum number of participants allowed to register for the event?

A:  We keep it to 20 people to ensure it’s an intimate experience where everyone can fully engage and interact with each other. Since each participant will have a character and are encouraged to get into their role, it’s important that the group stays small enough for everyone to be part of the mystery. This way, everyone has the chance to connect, contribute to the storyline, and fully immerse themselves in the experience.

Q:  Tell us more about the characters we’ll reenact. What might the characters be?

A:  Each participant will be assigned a character to reenact, adding to the immersive experience. The event centers around unraveling the mystery of a long-buried tragedy at Blackwood Manor, where secrets, rumors, and hidden motives have haunted the family for years.

Each participant will step into a character, holding key pieces of the puzzle as the night unfolds. Every character brings their own story and secrets, making them vital to uncovering the truth that haunts the manor.

Q:  This sounds really eerie and fun. Why just one night?

A:  We’re really excited about the event. Right now, we’re only running it for one night to keep it special and exclusive. However, if the demand is high enough and we get a lot of interest, we may consider adding another night to give more people a chance to experience it. So, stay tuned - there could be more opportunities to join in the mystery!

Q:  What type of art will participants be creating?

A:  The painting itself will be a surprise, revealed on the night of the event! But don’t worry, everyone will get their own personal canvas and acrylic paints, and an artist will guide you step-by-step through the process. No previous art experience is necessary - it’s all about having fun and getting into the spirit of the evening while creating something unique to take home with you.

Q:  Is there a prize for solving the mystery?

A:  Yes, there is a prize for solving the mystery! Everyone who guesses correctly will have their name entered into a hat, and one lucky winner will get to choose from a cool range of prizes. These include a private art class for two with an English afternoon tea experience, a ticket to a future paint and sip event, or a free art print of their choice. Plus, there’s also a prize for the best costume! One thing we love to do at our paint and sip events is always give participants a chance to win something fun, so there’s plenty to look forward to!

Q:  How can we be notified of other upcoming events?

A:  There’s always something exciting happening at Oya Arts! We run our immersive paint and sip events every couple of months. So far, we’ve had themes like a secret agent paint and sip, an art heist, a 1920s murder mystery, and now our Halloween special. We also offer art meditation sessions, private lessons with an English afternoon tea experience, and private events for birthdays, bachelorette parties, and team-building sessions for organizations.

We’re not giving away too much just yet, but keep an eye out for our immersive art escape room coming to Minneapolis early next year - watch this space!

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