Wine and paint pairing on Market Street

If you like wine, and you think you'd like to paint, there's actually going to be a place to enjoy both at the same time on East Market Street in the old Michie Building. Wine and Design is a franchise with a wine and painting party concept that started in Raleigh, North Carolina about three years ago, and since then 28 studios have opened across the country. Basically, its kind of a night out concept where you have some wine, meet new people, and create some art.

“Charlottesville has proven to support the art community,” says Charlottesville franchise owner (believe it or not) Katie Painter.  “ I think people in Charlottesville are always looking for innovative activities for both adults and children. We want to provide that service here.”

Painter, originally from Strasburg, got her masters in education at West Virginia University and went into teaching, but after four years teaching third grade there, she decided to relocate to Charlottesville and open Wine and Design.

“Our goal here at Wine and Design, is to embrace everyone, from first time painters to experienced artists.  We want to provide fun art entertainment, for a two hour class session, while allowing our customers to express their creativity,” says Painter.   “We love the reaction most first time painters have when they were able to create from a blank canvas.”

What can you expect?  Well, W&D provides the canvas, apron, paints, paintbrushes, and corkscrew and you bring the wine.  You can take painting classes, at all levels, starting at $35. They're going to have date nights, paint your house and pet nights, and the space will be available for private parties. The studio will also showcase local artists. They also plan on having kid classes and kid party themes.

You can check it all out on Saturday, September 7 at their grand opening party. There'll be music, light food and drinks from 7-10pm at 609 East Market Street, suite 109. Oh, and the studio is already open and accepting reservation for painting session. So, grab a bottle and go paint, go make some art, go check out this concept on their website at www.wineandesignus.com/charlottesville or give them a call at 434-218-3112.