Katie Ward applies a base coat of paint to her canvas at Spirited Art.In recent years, many businesses have opened to offering guided workshops to help those who don't know the difference between Monet and Monopoly create passable works of art and have fun in the process.
All of the necessary supplies are provided, and instructors walk participants through each step as they recreate a predetermined painting. To sweeten the pot, most of these businesses have a bring-your-own-food and -beverage policy to help lower participants' inhibitions, artistic and otherwise.
ARTSYU
Address: 5084 South Terrace, Suite 15
Price range: $25-$35 for adult solo classes; size of the painting usually can be upgraded for an additional $10 at the door. The studio can be reserved for private parties for $245 (eight participants) on weeknights or $385 (12 participants) on weekends.
Alcohol allowed: Wine is allowed, but not beer. Water and soft drinks are available.
Registration: not required, but encouraged
Phone: 321-2317
Website: www.artsychattanoga.com
SPIRITED ART
Address: 1925 Gunbarrel Road
Price range: $35 for adult classes; $25 for kids classes; more for certain special events, including paint-your-pet and holiday classes. Private parties are available for a minimum of 12 participants ($420) with a $280 deposit.
Alcohol allowed: Yes; beer and wine are allowed.
Registration required: Yes
Phone: 531-6278
Website: www.myspiritedart.com/chattanooga
BRUSH PAINT AND SIP
Address: None. This is a mobile unit designed for private parties or other events.
Price range: Painting parties require a deposit of $100 and a minimum of 10 participants at a cost of $35 per person.
Alcohol allowed: Generally yes, but it depends on the location. If the party is held somewhere alcohol already is served, the venue may require that you purchase from them.
Registration required: No, but highly recommended
Phone: 504-9053
Website: www.brushpaintandsip.com
CREATE & CELEBRATE STUDIO
Address: 3342 Keith St. NW, Cleveland
Price range: $25-$5o for classes; $200 for group events, which include supplies for up to eight participants. Additional painters are $25 each.
Alcohol allowed: Yes. Beer and wine are allowed.
Registration required: No, but highly recommended. Walk-ins welcome if space is available.
Phone: 339-4700
Website: www.create-celebrate.com
PAINTING PARTIES CHATTANOOGA
Address: 4121 Hixson Pike
Price range: $30 per person for classes; $200 set up fee for private parties, which require a minimum of 10 participants.
Alcohol allowed: Yes. Beer and wine allowed. Spring water is provided during classes, and participants can bring snacks.
Registration required: No, but highly recommended
Phone: 605-1632
Website: www.paintingpartieschattanooga.com
THE CREATOR'S CANVAS
Address: None. This is a mobile unit designed for private parties or other events where participants want to create paintings with a Christian theme. Some classes are open events and are announced online ahead of time.
Price range: $30 per person; events require a minimum of 6 participants and a maximum of 20.
Alcohol allowed: No, but participants can bring their own non-alcoholic beverages and snacks.
Registration required: Yes. Parties can be scheduled after 6 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays or any time on Saturday, but the schedule generally is prebooked one to two months in advance. If the event hasn't reached capacity, additional guests can pay on-site.
Phone: None listed. Email thecreatorscanvas2012@gmail.com.
Website: www.thecreatorscanvas.com
Contact Casey Phillips at cphillips@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6205.