Looking To Have Private Paint Party? New Joliet Business Opening

JOLIET, IL — As more and more businesses open in Joliet's downtown, local artist Donna Franks-Tapley is excited to be opening her new art studio called Sol Artistic Solutions on the fourth floor of the Crystal Building in downtown Joliet.

Her grand opening reception is from 6 to 11 p.m. Friday.

"I'm feeling the love with the Joliet arts movement," remarked Franks-Tapley, who has taught visual arts, painting and ceramics at Bolingbrook High School for the past 18 years. "The lease was affordable, and it's six minutes from my house."

Her family also owns the Tap's Tips BBQ restaurant on Joliet's Theodore Street.

As for the new downtown Joliet art studio, it's located in Suite 406 at 81 North Chicago St.

Franks-Tapley's new business will feature custom artwork, murals and paint party events. Her business includes a small gallery of paintings and pottery that people can purchase.

Her fourth floor art center offers about 900 square feet. She plans to keep Sol Artistic Solutions open Thursdays through Sundays. So far, at least 40 people plan to attend her grand opening reception this Thursday, she said.

People who attend the event will have a chance to win "a print from me," she said.

Franks-Tapley said she is best known for her "symbolic" artwork. She likes to work with circles.

"I typically use the human figure or a face," she said. "I feel that my work is segmented. Everything is like a mosaic, where it's put back together."

She wants Sol Artistic Solutions to become known as a destination for people of all ages looking to get together to host painting parties. She said that events for children can be held on Saturday afternoons and Sunday afternoons.

The events for adults involving wine will be held in the evenings.

"It's BYOB right now," she said.

For more information about Sol Artistic Solutions or to book a private party, visit its website here.