Wine and Canvas Minneapolis

Wine: Check. Painting: Check?

Wine and Canvas is just that, a two-part traveling business that brings friends, family, and groups of any kind together and sends every person home more confidently checking that second requirement, with a personal work of art in hand.

Though still pretty new to Minneapolis, this concept got its start about three years ago in Indianapolis, has gone nation-wide to 11 states and 19 cities, and is burgeoning.

Truly any degree of artistic ability is welcome. Any. (Which includes none.)

That’s what’s most remarkable and welcoming about this “No talent or experience is necessary” night out. It’s essentially, surprisingly, true. The nervous bursts of laughter that erupt at the start totally dissipate as non-artists realize they can tackle this creative feat, one little brush stroke at a time.

Each event, there’s a painting of the day and instructor to lead, plus “floater” artists walking around to help teach and encourage. It’s not a free-for-all, nor are there guides on the canvas. The work is all you—a slow step by step process that’s easy to follow (but definitely takes concentration, and the ability to follow directions—for two-to-three hours!) and magically leads you to a cohesive end.

For example: “Take brush four, measure two inches up from the bottom right corner of the canvas and leave a blue dot. Find your mark in the near center and add another blue dot, parallel to the first, three inches to the right. Then connect dot two and three, wrapping your line around the side of the canvas.”
 

 
 

Sure, there are varying degrees of success, and skills or inherit creative streaks that improve the finished look or artists’ ability to interpret directions, but it’s impressive how every person leaves with a finished piece and sense of accomplishment. Each painting is very similiar, as you can see below, but still unique.

Wine and Canvas is by no means gender-specific, but women do tend to rule. It’s perfect for friends, sisters, and any other women looking for a fun night out, where alcohol is OK and you’re left with a momento to mark the occasion.

Peruse the calendar online for varying times, locations, cost (typically $35-$45), and of course the artwork of the day. Then register to reserve your seat. All materials are supplied—the canvas, paint, brushes, and a smock to protect your clothes. Once you’re booked, all you have to do is show up—a little early, so you have time to grab a drink and order a bite before the instruction begins. Any beverages or food you purchase from the host restaurant or bar are additional. Must be at least 16 years old to attend and 21 at some venues; confirm online.

Piano playing, goal-scoring, trivial-pursuit-rocking—those skills and many more may be harder to pick up in an evening. But anyone can Wine and Canvas!
 

Wine and Canvas
Locations and cost varies.
wineandcanvas.com/minneapolis-mn
infominneapolis@wineandcanvas.com