Art Therapy for Me

Since publishing the blog about painting [the wine bottles] at Sisters Paint and Wine, I went there at least one other time to paint a stunning work of art in that studio. It was a spectacular pair of Koi fish, [symbolizing good luck and positivity] and I was hanging out once again with my awesome travel nurse friends, Angel and Daria!!

By now I am hooked [no pun intended] on paint and wine... so after Sisters closed their doors, I kept my eyes peeled for another studio. I was pretty excited to find this little gem.. “Art Therapy for Me” and I was watching their website and waiting for this exact painting to cycle back around on the schedule!! “Love Birds” a depiction of Shawn and myself [haha] and oh, in case you didn’t already know this about me... I LOVE love!! 

This studio was just a little different, mostly due to the fact that it was a “bring your own wine” kind of place. If I remember correctly, they didn’t have a license to serve alcohol here. [either because they couldn't get one or they just didn't want the headache of it... not sure which] They did provide all the staples like cups, glasses, napkins, plates, silverware, and ice. Any additions were left up to each individual to bring along with them. Your choice of drink and any snacks that you wanted for the class.

I took only a bottle of vino and a wine glass [wine just taste so much better to me when it's sipped from a glass!!] that I brought with me. I feel like food would be too distracting when I'm trying to create and eventually just get in the way. It was a fabulous little studio, very welcoming and organized. It still gave me those same stars in the eyes feeling when I walked through all the “clean slates” [aka blank canvas] looking for my assigned seat.

It was a sold-out paint night, and it wasn’t long until all the seats around me started filling up. I began to notice a pattern, the class was mostly comprised of couples. In fact, I feel like I was the only “single” person there. [good thing I find myself to be excellent company… LOL] I’m guessing that since the painting was of “Love Birds” that maybe it was considered a great date night activity?? HA!! [wonder who came up with this idea!? and for those of you who have met or know Shawn… can you see him going to a paint and wine class with me!?]

It was actually quite hilarious to hear the commentary between the men and their dates during their "beer and paint" session. They all ended up doing a great job and I loved that some of them painted their birds in the colors and numbers of their favorite sports teams and/or opposing rivals!! [I hope they actually got hung somewhere to be seen and celebrated!!]

I pretty much followed what the instructor said to do. [because I liked it just as it was, and I wasn't comfortable enough yet to do something off script] You can clearly tell that Shawn is the one on the left [under the LOVE word] by the size of the beak!! [wink wink] I actually meant to paint it much bigger, but there was not enough space in between. I have discovered that I am somewhat of an abstract painter. I always seem to paint bigger, bolder, and maybe a little out of proportion. I have also learned that it is in and because of my art that I have finally learned to love my flaws. This cathartic effect may be why I love the paint and wine so much. [well... and there is wine!!]

During the epidemic the owners released this statement... “It is with a great sadness that I am announcing the decision to close the Art Therapy for Me studio permanently.” “I want to thank everyone for your support, love, and friendship over the years." “Thank you for being a part of my business and my life and I hope you each stay safe and well.” It was terribly sad but they were unable to recover their covid losses.

Have any of you ever been to a paint and wine? Leave me a message and oh... join Wine with Wixy next week as we go to check out “Your Wine” [obviously if you want to know what I’m talking about you will have to tune in!! Haha]

Cheers to you my wine loving friends, and TTFN!!