By Oniska Blevins | The Selma Times-Journal

Brush strokes and good conversation will fill the Coffee Shoppe on April 6 from 7-9 p.m., as the shop prepares for its second First Friday event paint party.

This is the shop’s first time doing this type of event, and Coffee Shoppe owner Jackie Smith said she could not be more excited. She said her daughter helped her come up with the idea, and she is happy the community has responded overwhelmingly to it.

The Paint Party tickets sold out within three days and the staff could not be more excited.

“It lets me know that I am doing the right thing,” she said. “I am providing a true service that’s in demand for this area.”

First Fridays are a way to bring something unique and different to Selma on the first Friday of every month according to Smith. She said events like these are fun and safe for the entire family.

The first First Friday featured Southern Groove and was chicken and waffle themed. Community members gathered at the shop for a night of good food, music and fun.

The event was a hit with the community, so Smith quickly started planning the second. Smith said things like that lets her know she is doing something the community wants and it gets her excited to plan the next events.

“I have been on the phone organizing, reaching out to people for the next six months to go ahead and put stuff together,” she said.

Smith said she loves to entertain people and things like this gets her excited to know there are people in the community that are willing to attend safe and fun activities.

A canvas, supplies, and a beverage will be provided for each painter and an instructor will lead the session.

Smith wants to encourage the community to tell her of new and fun ideas for First Friday events.

She said stop by and talk to her because she is open to ideas on how to offer more events like these.