The idea of mixing a blank canvas, some paint and a bottle of wine is a trend that’s spreading across the country like a cabernet on a white rug.
Adults who think they can’t do more than a paint by numbers get to paint a themed picture with instruction from actual artists, and then they get to take it home with them. Plus, they get to drink wine while painting their masterpieces.
You’ll find these paint-and-sip classes offered by franchises and art centers, bars and private parties. In fact, it’s quite common to see corporate parties, bachelorette parties, girls night, birthday parties — one place even has a party for a fantasy football team.
“It’s a different way to socialize now,” said Heather Muse, owner of Muse Art in Crystal Lake. “Now, ladies nights are coming out to paint. It’s an inexpensive way to get out with your friends.”
Painting for two hours while sipping wine with your friends is completely relaxing, she said, and yet patrons still have a great piece of art to take home.
“They’re amazed that the paintings turn out so well,” she said. “We want people to be successful so they will tell their friends and come back. We don’t do too much advertising other than social media and word of mouth.”
Jiliianne Overman of Morris is the owner of Rose ‘n’ Vine by Jillianne Renee. She brings the paints and 16-by-20 canvases to your house, you supply the people, the food and the wine — or whatever you want to drink.
“It gives women something to do — an organized activity with their friends,” she said. “The coolest part is you get to finish a painting — you work on something from start to finish and get in touch with your inner artist. Everybody’s always turns out really good. You paint step by step and build it up in layers. People are always (surprised) they actually finished a painting.”
“I think they are so popular because it’s a great place for people to come and be with friends,” said Lynn Day. “We have an atmosphere that’s all about being creative and we also are very open if people want to have conversations with each other while they’re painting, they can. It’s a very energetic environment that people love to be a part of.”
February will be a month of love, with images about love and friendship, she said.
“We’ll include wine glass painting classes and mixed media classes,” she said. “We’ll also do family classes when the kids are on break. It has been wildly popular.”
Annie Alleman is a freelance writer.
Original article from Chicago Tribune
Our Schedule for painting parties:
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