I was incredibly excited to be able to participate in a class at “The Spirited Artist,” a newly opened BYOB art studio on Bridge Street.
The idea of attending an art class while drinking wine sounded like a pretty awesome idea to me, and I was more than game. First, I had to pick up a bottle of wine to take with me. Alan Prescott from Black Walnut Winery suggested their 08’ Cabernet to accompany me to the studio, and I agreed. I think that red wine is the best to paint with…it can feel so Parisian to spend an afternoon sipping and painting, no?
“The Spirited Artist” is located in the former space of the Hipster Home, but has been redone into a studio layout. 28 chairs and easels are available for classes, and Ed Luterio, the artist and instructor in residence, has his own canvas set up on a slightly elevated stage, so that every participant has a great vantage point.
The owner of “The Spirited Artist,” Greg Pietrzykowski, got the idea for his new venture after visiting his sister in Louisiana. She was proudly displaying a piece she had done at one of many BYOB studios, and Greg thought it would be a great idea to bring the concept of a BYOB studio north to our community. Knowing Ed would be a great fit, the two embarked on finding a space and setting up a class schedule.
They held a soft opening on April 1st, the day I visited. Both the owner and painter were full of enthusiasm and their energy and passion about the concept was contagious. Every class is based around a painting Ed has previously done, and the painting schedule can be found online at their website or on their large calendar in house.
Once the class starts, Ed and the participants slowly recreate the painting with their own personal twist. Don’t worry about getting lost in the crowd though, as Ed walks around and gives pointers, or helps you if you get stuck on your painting. I received some great tips and help on the fin of the fish I was painting, and I never felt rushed or hurried as we painted through the two hour class.
Sitting and painting with Ed, you can really see the passion and love he has for art and it comes through in his instruction and conversation. He wants to see people of all ages and skill levels come to his classes. The fun, laid back atmosphere is perfect for a date or girls’ night out, and families can come for special classes with their children, or leave children over 10 years of age, for an hour class. I had a simply wonderful two hours painting the “Coy Koi” and I was tickled at the final result. I can’t wait to find a place to hang it in my house, and maybe paint another sometime soon!
Classes are from 7 – 9 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and more class times are offered on Saturday and Sunday, including a one hour “Family Class” for $25. Classes run for two hours, and all supplies are included in the class fee of $35. Participants are encouraged to bring a bottle of wine, beer, or spirit of their choice, and glasses and openers are provided. May I suggest the Cabernet from Black Walnut Winery? It pairs well with a great afternoon of painting!
Ed will be out on the sidewalk painting this First Friday, so drop in and take a look around, and book a class! For more information and a class schedule, including special painting events based around local happenings, please check out their website at thespiritedartist.com and follow them on Twitter at @phoenixvilleart.
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