Imagine a room full of easels, brushes flying, drinks in hand, and stories unfolding on canvas—sometimes with hilarious twists, like the time a participant proudly held up my demo painting as her masterpiece (we all laughed until we cried!). That’s the pure fun of my Paint & Sip events (formerly Paint & Wine nights).

I’ve hosted hundreds of these joyful gatherings over the years: monthly nights at the cozy Vini Culture wine bar in downtown Frederick, MD; lively birthday and bridal parties; sweet Mom & Daughter sessions; a wildly successful afternoon with enthusiastic 9-year-old Girl Scouts; and even a special custom event where 15 participants sent me photos of their dogs—I sketched each one onto the canvas ahead of time (after plenty of photo back-and-forth to get it just right). Everyone left with a heartfelt portrait of their pet and huge smiles.

During the peak “haydays” at VisArts in Rockville, MD—one of the DC area’s top adult art schools—I was one of the key instructors for their popular Paint & Wine (now Cocktails + Canvas) program. Weekend classes ran back-to-back, often with 40+ in one room and 20 in the next, drawing huge crowds. My role was simple and joyful: demo the chosen painting on my canvas, then walk around answering questions, offering tips, and keeping the energy light and supportive. I’ve also led corporate events for up to 80 participants—total successes packed with team spirit and amazing results.

Now in West Virginia, I’m reviving this chapter through partnerships with local venues. These events are perfect for date nights, girls’ outings, celebrations, corporate fun, or just unwinding—no experience needed, just an open heart and a sense of play!