Wine and Design: Painting it Forward

Upon entering it’s hard not to notice the colorful paintings that blanket the walls of the warehouse space of Wine and Design just off Coleman Blvd in Mt. Pleasant. Peacocks, boats, marsh scenes and sunsets hang floor to ceiling. On a typical day, the in-studio painting class might be creating a replica of one of these. But the 'Paint Your Pet' class is different. During these classes, students paint a one-of-a-kind painting of their one-of-a-kind pet.

Wine and Design presents ‘Paint Your Pet’ once each month. “This has been a sold out class each month for the past four years,” owner Heather Speizman says proudly. A smaller class size of 30 attendees allows for more individual time with the instructor for these pet classes which can be a bit challenging. “Everyone had a different image, which is unlike any other class that we do. It can be nerve wracking for the first hour, but once everyone gets in the groove, it’s smooth sailing,” says Speizman.

“You may worry about getting it right, don’t stress, that’s what the wine is for,” instructor James Irving calls out to the class as they settle into their seats. Fun and funky music fills the air, adding another element of fun to a crowd that is already reminiscing. The instructors mill about, dispensing paint and technique suggestions.

Wine and Design partnered with Pet Helpers in 2011 to feature an adoptable dog or cat as the instruction piece and at the end of each class the finished painting is donated to Pet Helpers. But the entire proceeds ($2,015) from the most recent class held July 19th will be donated to Pet Helpers.

Getting to know each other occurs pretty quickly among classmates while swapping stories, encouraging each other and enjoying a glass of wine. People share the stories of the miraculous and the mundane as they paint in the background or add whiskers. One pet owner paints her beloved cat that is currently missing. A couple at the front of the class paint their rescue dog, Max, together. Others create masterpieces of their pets past and present.

In addition to the Paint Your Pet class held once a month, Wine and Design also offers a summer camp for kids and space is available for private parties. The average class ranges from $25 to $45 and includes all that you would need to hang your work as soon as you get home.

To take part in a future Paint Your Pet class, contact Wine and Design at 843-388-7857 to reserve your spot. Their next class is August 18th and the cost is $45. Classes fill up fast! They have a second location in West Ashley as well. Learn more at www.wineanddesignsc.com