A social art event that offers a different night out, Cabernet & Canvas classes guide you step-by-step through a specific painting – not to mention there’s the possibility of alcoholic beverages to help unleash your inner artist.
“While drinks are not included in our ticket price, most of our public classes are held at licensed venues where participants are most welcome to purchase drinks and nibbles to consume during class,” says Ella Dent, owner and one of the artists/instructors. Dent says the classes are aimed at people with little or no experience with painting who wish to connect with their creative side in a fun and social setting. “Though our relaxed approach to the class means that people with more experience enjoy our classes as well.
Class cost includes your art materials, and you get to take your masterpiece home. According to Dent Cabernet & Canvas was started in 2012 by an American expat and the idea is based upon the hugely successful Paint & Sip classes held across the United States. Class participants range in age from early 20s through to late 60s. “While the majority are generally women, the blokes always enjoy themselves too.”
Classes are held at various venues around the Perth metro area, each one running between two and three hours. Cabernet & Canvases scheduled classes for May are booked out but places are still available for June. “All At Sea features a turtle swimming in WA’s warm turquoise waters and will be painted on the 4th of June at Rydges in Perth City. June 11 sees us in Joondalup painting Monet’s Sunset In Venice, and on the 12th we’re back in the city to paint van Gogh’s Three Sunflowers at Rydges.”
Do changing themes mean people come back again and again? “Yes! Because each class features a different painting, people are able to choose the paintings they’re interested in from our calendar and paint a new work of art for themselves each time. It’s great to see our repeat customers returning and building on their skills and confidence with a paintbrush.”
You also don’t have to wait for a scheduled class to enjoy the concept; Cabernet & Canvas offer private parties, corporate functions and team building events for a minimum of 12 and a maximum of 60 painters. “We’re a mobile business, so are able to set up in any suitable venue that has the space for us, from people’s homes to workplaces, restaurants, galleries and pubs.
“Our most overwhelming feedback is from people saying they went into the class for a laugh but ended up leaving really proud of their paintings and amazed by how skilfully our artists guided them through the class,” says Dent.
One final question: is red wine or white wine more popular during the Cabernet & Canvas experience? “I think more people do opt for red wine, though there’s always a good representation of white wine, beer, and cocktails (depending on venue) as well.”
For more information, head to cabernetandcanvas.com.au
GILLIAN O’MEAGHER
