Canvas and Chardonnay invites you to explore your creative side

You’re yearning to paint a lovely picture, but don’t know how to get started with a blank canvas, you can sign up for step-by-step painting classes and some wine, beer, or alcohol-free beverages at the Canvas and Chardonnay art studio. They have a different project to teach each class, and each painting has a theme, such as flowers or an outdoors scene. After all, even Matisse started with a blank canvas, paints, and his imagination. I have taken several of the step-by-step painting classes with the deaf group.

Located in a historic 1900s building in downtown Rochester, Canvas and Chardonnay has been in business for six years. The atmosphere is rustic yet comfortable with brick walls, long tables covered with butcher paper and easels, and sofas in the waiting area by the entrance. Brightly-colored paintings are displayed along the brick walls.

In May 2018, Leah Joy Bee, her partner Tyler Aug, and mother, Eileen Bruns, purchased Canvas and Chardonnay from the previous owner, Lisa Schneider. Eileen, a sign language interpreter for the deaf, describes herself as creative. Leah has experience in painting, jewelry, and multiple art forms, and Tyler is a videographer and photographer.

Since June of last year, Canvas and Chardonnay has been exploring new directions, offering art classes making jewelry, macramé, embroidery, ceramics, tapestries, and painting with water colors or gold leaf. With spring around the corner, you can sign up for classes in caring for potted plants. You also can sign up for yoga classes and attend poetry readings. Tuesday night features local bands and visual artists. C & C also offers private events, fundraisers for local organizations, and kids art camps during the summer. On vinyl nights, you can listen to music and buy records. During the summer, C & C hosts LGBTQ dance parties.

Eileen said, “Our goal when we purchased Canvas and Chardonnay was to provide a space where our guests would enjoy a fun and relaxed atmosphere... to be inclusive and to encourage each one to explore their creative side. We believe this is exactly the experience they are getting. Customers are always welcome to choose their own colors and are encouraged to think outside the box."

To check out the latest classes at Canvas and Chardonnay, see their website, like them on Facebook, or follow along on Instagram.

Karen Smith is a freelance writer living in Rochester. Karen has three decades of experience working in the IT industry as a technical writer. She also has an advanced certificate in medical writing and editing from the University of Chicago’s Graham School. Her website is medcitywriter.com.