Calling All Creative Minds and Night Owls, Paddy’s and &THEM Want You — to Make Art All Night

Union City nightlife. Now there’s an oxymoron.

But next weekend, locals will actually have something to do on a Saturday night that doesn’t involve popcorn or having your new kicks stepped on at a crowded bar (in a crowded chain restaurant).

Next Saturday, April 7, and art curators &THEM Collective are hosting Late Night Art Sessions — an open house event that starts at 9 p.m. and lasts until 4 a.m.

Throughout the night, various artists, both local and from throughout the greater Bay Area, will create live art, network, collaborate and kick back.

Whether you’re an art geek or just looking to chill, everyone is invited to bring their own art supplies, grab a coffee or tea and “converge, collaborate and create,” organizers said.

“We’re opening it up to all creative minds and hopefully a room full of creative individuals can really get the place poppin’,” said Kevin Correa, a Union City resident and curator with &THEM.

The event is the latest offering from &THEM, who curate exhibits at San Francisco’s world renowned Hotel des Arts. The group has featured Union City artists Jessica Gill, Dominic Grum, , , and others in their gallery shows.

Last August, &THEM partnered with Paddy’s Coffee House on their , which featured artists drawing, coloring and making art pieces with local children during the day and an open house-like gathering in the evening. Late Night Art Sessions will capture that same spirit.

“We’re looking for ways for the public to interact with artists and step out of the typical gallery curation box,” Correa said. “It’s a good way to make artists more accessible to people. Rather than the public just be admirers of their work, they can get to know the artists on a personal level and potentially work and collaborate with them.”

Correa has been a regular customer of Paddy’s since it opened in 2003 and said he always keeps the local coffee shop in mind when coming up with ideas.

“There’s a lot of creative young kids that come around Paddy’s,” Correa said. “It’s a good way to open it up to them and share.”

The concept for the event was actually developed by coffee shop owner Paddy Iyer himself, who held a similar event three years ago.

“It’s fun. It brings all the artists out. It’s a different approach,” Iyer said. “And I love to see the new talent. I just love to see different kids of art. It’s how people see life.”

But why so late?

“That’s when everybody gets out, and that’s when artists are more creative,” Iyer said.

If the event is successful, Iyer plans to hold similar events in the future.

Artists currently scheduled to paint live at Late Night Art Sessions include Lee “BasicLee” Abner, Laura Ho, JP Neang, Vianca Salanga, Nick Trujilo and Turtle Wayne. More artists will be added to the lineup throughout the week.

For updates, follow &THEM Collective on Twitter and “like” them on Facebook.

Late Night Art Sessions will be held Saturday, April 7 from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. at Paddy’s Coffee House.