Creativity + Socialization

In small town living, there is rarely an opportunity like the one I experienced with a few friends one evening over the weekend.  In a totally indirect way, I came to find out about a new program in Wheeling called "Paint n' Sip."  I came across a flyer for the December offering and, with great excitement, asked a friend if she'd be interested in joining.  Since my New Year's Eve weekend would be, otherwise, pretty mellow, it was the lone item of major interest, and it did not disappoint!

The idea of Paint 'n Sip is to have about 35 individuals reserve spots, in advance, for an evening of painting.  The most important note is that absolutely no talent is required.  The only requirement is that participants show up, pay the reasonable $35 to paint, and bring along a beverage of choice (the most common beverage of choice in our class was wine) as well as a creative and enthusiastic spirit.  All materials are provided, so we arrived to two large rooms stocked with canvases on easels, a large assortment of brushes, paint colors and other various tools.  There is a single image that the class is instructed to paint.  In our case, it was a guitar amidst a fantastically colored backdrop.  One of my friends and I slightly modified ours to be violin images since we both play and adore the instrument.  In addition to the common theme of image, the background music for the night was Beatles music (how can any beginning go awry when Beatles music is involved?).

So, we arrived, got positioned at our respective easels and immediately started getting into the Beatles groove.  The instructor provided details in very manageable doses and walked everyone through the mechanics of producing the common image.  The instruction was minimalist so as to promote personal exploration and creations.  At the midpoint of the evening, we took a break and snacked on a delicious assortment of crackers, cheeses and fruit as well as hot apple cider.  Afterwards, everyone returned to put the finishing touches on their pieces and gathered for the group photo.

I've been told this type of program is available in other places around the U.S., and I would highly recommend it as a fun way to spend time with friends.  It's so unique and free-spirited, and you walk away with your piece as well as very fond memories of an evening spent allowing your creative spirit to reign.