Wine & Paint Class: Fun for Momma

Last week I got to go to Charleston, SC, for work. I have never traveled out of state for work, so I was psyched. Even better, my best friend growing up now lives in Charleston. Perfect! K. and I bonded in 6th grade gym class, where we were drooling over the same cute boy, and have been friends ever since. I hadn't seen her since Zip was a baby, so of course I stayed an extra night so we could catch up.

My meeting ended early Friday, so K. picked me up and we grabbed tacos and sangria (yum!) at Zia Taqueria before heading to Folly Beach for a walk. Then we met a friend of mine from college for an early dinner at Shem Creek. Did I mention the weather was about 10 degrees above normal for January? We ate dinner on a deck overlooking the river. Or is it a marsh? Canal? I'm not sure what all of those waterways in Charleston are called, but it was gorgeous.

On the beach

Anyhoo, to the point of this story, besides that if you have a couple of nights away from the kids, take advantage and have fun...After dinner K. and I went to a "social painting class." Apparently this is a big new trend that I knew nothing about. I'm telling you, I am a late adopter of all things trendy! I just watched the Gangnam video on Youtube this week - for the first time and only because my 6-year-old asked me about it. I was something like the 1.5 billionth viewer. But K. has gone to these wine and paint classes a bunch of times and when she asked if I was up for it, I said Sure. My philosophy is when the opportunity presents itself to try something new, go for it.

Painting class: Totally fun. If you have something like this in your area, I highly recommend it. It makes a great girls' night out (something different from the usual dinner and drinks) and could also make for a really fun, unique date night.

The studio had all of the supplies we needed already set up - easel, canvas, brushes, and paints. We supplied the wine. A lot of people brought munchies too - finger sandwiches and veggie trays and so on. The instructor takes the class through the painting step-by-step, so anyone can do it. No need to be an artist. I think our paintings turned out pretty well. We painted a landmark Charleston bridge, so it is a perfect keepsake from my trip. I really can't believe I painted that! And everyone's paintings looked great. Not identical, but all great in their own ways.

Just call us Picasso

I did a little hunting when I got home, to see if there was a place near us that Hubby and I could check out. Here are the sites I found - if you're interested, check them out to see if there is something in your area. These are chains, but there are also a ton of one-shop, local places that turn up by searching "wine and paint" and "social painting."

Wine & Canvas

Painting With A Twist

Wine And Design (NC, SC, and VA)

Colors & Bottles

Social Artworking

Unfortunately, there aren't any studios near us. Bummer. I guess I'll just have to go back to Charleston and take Hubby with me this time.

Have you been to a wine & paint / social painting class? What did you think?

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