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Cookies & Canvas

Family Bonding Through Art

By Courtney Daly-Pavone March 23, 2018

You've probably heard of Wine and Canvas a fun night of Merlot and appetizers while you and a group of people create your own individual painting.  It's very chic, bohemian, and a great way to try your hand at painting in a non-competitive environment.  Its counterpart Cookies and Canvas is every bit as fun, but what makes this experience unique is that it can be enjoyed by the entire family.  As soon as I heard about Cookies and Canvas I had to jump right in.  My artistic talent had fizzled post Freshman year in college, but that didn't matter.  My husband wanted to relax at home that afternoon, again it didn't matter.  My child wanted to take a break from art, well you guessed it, it didn't matter.  Off we went on a new family adventure.  It had all the elements: It was new, we were unprepared, and honestly a little nervous. 

Cookie's and Canvas is mobile so the class that day was at Mimi's Cafe in Mira Mesa.  The instructor was warm and friendly, his staff was enthusiastic.  The room was filled with about twenty-five students made up of family and friends all eager to paint.  The subject was a day at the beach.  A finished painting rested on an easel, a blank canvas beside it as the instructor carefully painted and guided the class on every move, I instantly felt relaxed.  The soft brush strokes had a calming effect.  Another benefit was the gratification of seeing my work look professional.  I glanced over to see my husband and child bonding, talking, creating art this was nirvana! Why didn't we do this sooner? Other students were celebrating milestone birthdays, children were having playdates with a special friend.  According to Carolyn Thorne Co-Owner of Cookies and Canvas, "The best part is seeing adults and kids have fun together.  It's also fun to see regulars come back with their friends or relatives.  Sometimes you see three generations come to paint together."  There was something precious about sharing this moment with my family, and the art well that's ours forever!

Cookies and Canvas costs $25 per class and that includes art supplies and cookies. Meals and beverages can be purchased separately.  This once a month event takes place one Sunday every month.  For more information visit www.wineandcanvas.com