WITH sand between their toes, colourful palettes to their aid, and the sweet temptation of a blank canvas, guests at Sandals Montego Bay were the first to experience Island Strokes — a new niche, art-infused, vacation experience which debuted at the Luxury-Included resort recently.

Brainchild of the innovative and forward-thinking Greg Miller and co-founder, Nyatali McFarlane, Island Strokes is a unique travelling entertainment experience — part party, part art class — that is on a mission to get people happy and relaxed while allowing them to express their artistic abilities in a fun environment.

Having already established a strong clientele within the island’s local market, Greg and his team of artists have had their hearts and brushes set on the hospitality sector and bringing their unique brand of ‘joy through art’ to the island’s visitors. “This is now a reality thanks to Sandals’ willingness to work with our team,” said Miller, Island Strokes’ creative director/CEO.

“Sometimes people take themselves and life way too seriously. Island Strokes isn’t about that,” said Miller.

“We’re hoping that this will be the beginning of a long-lasting relationship with Sandals Resorts, as we look towards expanding the programme more in the near future, with offerings for special parties, families etc,” Miller continued.

Group manager for entertainment at Sandals Resorts International, Joel Ryan, couldn’t agree more. “This art experience creates a new platform of expression and opportunity for new and emerging artists. Sandals continues to be the place where guests enjoy the hands-on, creative experience ,and through jewellery and woodcarving classes, we provide opportunities to showcase the indigenous arts and crafts,” he said.

“As the official ‘no worries’ resorts of the Caribbean, Sandals Resorts is about fostering a stress-free environment that is both fun and culturally infused,” he added. “As a company, we are always on the lookout for innovative ideas and unique offerings that will enhance our guests’ experience, and this latest initiative with Island Strokes promises to do just that.”

For hundreds of years, people have used art as a means of self-expression and promoting insight into one’s life, and research has shown that participating in the art-making process helps to decrease anxiety, stress and depression. Coincidentally, this is what most people hope to achieve on vacation, which makes this partnership a winning formula.

Guests participating in the Island Strokes experience learn how to paint by following step-by-step instructions of a local artist. They can do this right on the beach, while sipping wine and grooving to the rhythmic sounds of the islands. Participants also get their painting as a lovely souvenir to take home, and the best part about it is that there is absolutely no prior artistic experience required.

“I enjoy painting back home, however, I’ve never done it on vacation, so it was really enjoyable having that opportunity,” said Sandals Royal Caribbean guest and bride-to-be, Keri Deschene, who participated in the Island Strokes experience at that resort along with other members of her bridal party

“I also thought the location and the scenery was awesome and the wine certainly helped my painting,” she added.