Eat, Drink And Paint: Corks and Canvas Offers a Relaxed Art Class for Everyone

Have you ever been interested in taking an art class, but were afraid to give it a try? Corks and Canvas might have the solution for you.

By: Justin Stevens

At Romano's Macaroni Grill on Sunday night, a party of about 40 people sat down to enjoy a nice evening at the popular Italian restaruant. But this was not your average dinner party. Instead of a plate of pasta di mare or eggplant parmesan in front of them, a blank canvas was their dinner view.

Corks and Canvas, a local business that holds art classes at local wine serving restaurants, started business in the Columbia area on July 1st. The class is inteneded for patrons to eat and drink whatever they want from the restaurant, while painting a picture they can take home at the end of the night.

Tammy Jones, Co-owner of Corks and Canvas, believes that this is an alternative form of entertainment people can enjoy in the Columbia area.

"There is only so much of going out to eat and going to see a movie that people can do," Tammy Jones said. "We are a form of entertainment. This is art entertainment. So you can come out and paint and you can eat and drink and socialize."

Corks and Canvas' event at Macaroni Grill was there fourth event in the Columbia area. Originally based out of Augusta, Georgia, the buisness is the only art class in Columbia that is held at local restaurants.

Tammy Jones said that this class not only helps out her business, but also helps out the restaurants that host these classes.

"It's a win-win situation," Tammy Jones said. "They are purchasing the painting class from us, and their purchasing food and beverage from the restaurant so it is helping us both."

Homeowners know that purchasing a nice piece of art work can get expensive when decorating a home. Lex Jones, Co-Owner of Corks and Canvas, believes like the $35 cost to take the class can help people with the decision of buying artwork, by creating their own.

"We feel like we are taking those people who don't want to [purchase artwork] or cannot afford to that with artwork, allowing them to create their own and beginning to appreaciate art and see art in a different way, Lex Jones said.

Corks and Canvas has two locations in Columbia where they hold class; Romano's Macaroni Grill and Gilligans Seafood is Lexington. The Jones' plan on expanding their business to the Northeast Columbia side at Stonefire American Grill and to undecided location in The Vista in August.

For more information about Corks and Canvas, visit their website at www.corksandcanvas.us.com.