In a unique take on happy hour, a new event has taken residence in San Diego that urges guests to tap into their artistic side — while enjoying a few cocktails, of course. Wine and Canvas, an event that started in Indianapolis and quickly spread to cities in several other states, brings a crowd of adventurous friends together to try their hand at creating a work of art worthy of hanging on the wall, even if they claim to have no artistic talent. Guided by a professional artist, the group learns to create a painting in a step-by-step process that requires no talent whatsoever. Each class, held roughly once a week, focuses on a different painting, making it possible for guests to come back more than once without repeating a picture. On Aug. 9, a group of women — some friends, some strangers — gathered in the back room of Cozymel’s at University Towne Center and learned how to paint a wheat field. The class, while not limited to women, sees an overwhelming majority of female painters (many of whom didn’t mind lavishing attention on the young male artist charged with teaching the class). What the organizers proclaim is true — those in the class who had never picked up a paintbrush were able to create a painting they could be proud of. While perhaps no budding art prodigies were discovered, all the paintings looked relatively similar to the professional one on display at the front of the room — and the students seemed to genuinely enjoy themselves, blending girls’ night out with Picasso. But be advised: the event’s name may be slightly misleading, as the $35 class fee doesn’t actually include any wine. Guests are welcome to order food and drinks from the restaurant at any time during the class. Wine and Canvas will hold events at Cozymel’s, located at 4303 La Jolla Village Drive, on Aug. 21 and 28 from 6 to 9 p.m. Reservations are required. For those who can’t make it to one of the scheduled events, Wine and Canvas also offers private and corporate parties, or for the little ones, a Cookies and Canvas event. For reservations or more information, visit wineandcanvas.com/san-diego-ca.html.
