Summer is officially here, and with it comes the opportunity to pick up a paintbrush and unlock your creative side with Shine Bright Paint! Being an artist isn’t a requirement. All that’s needed is the desire to be creative and have fun.
In 2016, mom and daughter Mary and Allissa Gabriel spent a lot of time in and out of hospitals due to Allissa’s genetic condition, cystic fibrosis. With lots of time on their hands and not much to do, they took their hobby of painting and started to paint on anything and everything that would stand still—from windows to nurses. As they filled the walls and attendings with colorful creations, they decided to turn this fun time-filler hobby into a business that would give back to kids and adults with genetic disorders and disabilities who also had to spend a lot of time in the hospital. And so, Mary founded Shine Bright Paint, a mobile painting business, and the nonprofit Shine Foundation to do just that.
When Allissa turned 18, she bought the business and foundation from her mom. Mary shared affectionately, “It’s all her, and I just love to see her grow.”
From painting parties at churches, schools and businesses to girls’ nights, fundraisers and private events, they do it all! The paint parties come with everything you need to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Each event has a pre-chosen work of art that they teach you how to paint, step by step. Before paint ever touches the canvas, they share their story and have everyone begin by adding words of things that bring them joy onto the surface to be encased within your unique take on the creation to come.
“We’ve worked with them for years, and every time they come out, it’s nothing but good energy, positive vibes and always an unforgettable experience. Their events always bring our community together for a good cause, and we truly love and appreciate these ladies,” emphasized Elite Nutrition.
All the funds collected are used to provide free birthday paint parties for kids and adults in hospitals with terminal illnesses. “Painting brings me joy, so I would like to spread it!” expressed Allissa.
When the pandemic hit in 2020, Shine Bright Paint decided that if they couldn’t do in-person events, they would spread joy in the dark and uncertain times by doing free weekly online paint events through Facebook. If you were in need of supplies to participate, they even offered to deliver everything needed for a small fee. The live sessions they held during that time are still up and available to be viewed to continue spreading happiness and joy.
It was after this time that the Phelan Pinon Hills Community Services District reached out to Shine Bright and asked if they would be willing to come and be part of the summer program they run. This summer marks their fifth consecutive year bringing joy and creativity to anyone in the Tri-Community who takes part in one of their two weekly sessions.
Fellow resident Hayley and her daughter attended a session this past June and shared, “I love how you can invite family and friends of all ages, and how each painting is uniquely different even though everyone is painting the same thing!”
When asked why she thought creative experiences like these mattered in a rural area, Allissa shared, “In rural areas, access to art can be limited, especially for people with disabilities or chronic illnesses. Creative experiences bring joy, connection and confidence, and I believe they quietly help people heal and feel seen.”
Having art experiences like these easily accessible to residents of all ages can make an impact on the community. When it comes to the impact Shine Bright Paint hopes to have, Allissa continued, “I hope our paint parties create connection and make people—especially those often overlooked—feel seen and celebrated. Everyone’s creativity matters, and I want our events to reflect that.”
Turning a hobby into a business that gives back and creates joy for kids and adults in hard times can be incredibly rewarding. “There have been so many rewarding moments, but the most meaningful are the quiet, personal ones—like when a parent shares that their child with disabilities had their first real birthday party, or when someone proudly shows off their very first painting. It’s in those moments that I’m reminded exactly why Shine Bright exists,” expressed Allissa.
“Having a terminal illness, especially with a life expectancy so low, there’s just a need to accomplish everything so fast,” shares Allissa. “Shine has helped me slow down and be in the moment.”
Shine Bright Paint has sessions running every Thursday at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. through July 31 at the Phelan Community Center. To secure a spot, you can visit Eventbrite.com and search events under Phelan Pinon Hills CSD. To stay up to date on upcoming events or to set up a paint party with a great cause for your next event, you can visit their website at shinebrightpaint.net. You can also follow them on Facebook at Shine Bright and on Instagram @shinebrightpaint.
