Art On The Town
Take your creative side for a spin with these nights out
It’s a weekday night, and you’ve just finished work. The local brewery down the street is always a good choice for catching up with friends, but this time you want something a little different. You’re in luck. The Port City scene offers several arts and crafts nights where you can not only enjoy that glass of wine or evening treat, but let out your creative side, too.
Wine and Watercolor
This past spring, local watercolor artist Nick Mijak (above, center) began teaching a weekly art class at BELLA’S BAR LOCAL, located in downtown near Water and Market streets. Every Tuesday night, you’ll find him and some art supplies by the bar, where he’ll begin the night by teaching an introduction to watercolor painting. The class doesn’t have a set structure, and patrons are welcome to paint whatever inspires them.
“It’s learning and then applying all the techniques,” Mijak says. “I usually teach the three basic techniques within the first forty-five minutes. I want people to feel familiar enough with watercolor to approach it fearlessly.”
And even if beginners still feel a bit intimidated by this unique type of painting, perhaps a little wine will help calm the nerves. The $30 price of the class includes a glass.
Sip and Scribble
Since June 2010, Mike Pigford and other artists have been meeting weekly for a chance to make art and make friends. Over the years, the location of their meet-up has changed, but as of right now, the group converges at the INDEPENDENCE MALL FOOD COURT on Mondays.
There’s no cost for this evening out, unless you choose to purchase dinner on-site. The group asks that you bring your own supplies, which could be for any style of art. Although the majority of the crowd favors illustration work such as comics or cartoons, Pigford invites all artists to join.
“It gives us a chance to talk about art, too,” Pigford says. “You meet all kinds of people.”
Pin and Pinot
HOT MESS STUDIOS recently moved from its location in Hampstead to 6005 Oleander Drive in Wilmington. The studio offers several arts activities including Pin and Pinot, featuring a glass of pinot from the neighboring Fire & Spice Gourmet and a craft activity inspired by Pinterest.
“We pull a trending pin off Pinterest, and then we recreate it here in the studio,” says Hot Mess owner Andrea Jacquot.
Pin and Pinot happens every Thursday evening. To attend, you’ll need to preregister at the studio’s website or by calling the store. The price includes a glass of pinot.
To view more of photographer Anna Mann's work, go to annamann910.weebly.com.
