WEEKEND warrior
By Bryan Richards
Our pick for the best way to make that
sweet 48 hours of freedom count.
Pablo Picasso had Hôtel de Savoie in Paris, Andy Warhol
had The Factory in New York City, and now you have
Studio Cellar in South End. The Queen City's newest sip-
and-paint studio is a bit different than the social painting
studios you know. "We want to make art more accessible
to Charlotte residents," says Charlotte Gaskins, the
studio's founder and curator.
Studio Cellar offers two types of experiences. The first is
your traditionally led class in which a local artist takes
students through the painting process from start to
finish. Instructor-led classes are offered twice daily—
once in the afternoon and once in the evening. If you're a
little more free-spirited and prefer to paint on your own,
then stop into Studio Cellar anytime and scoot up to the
Freestyle bar. An artist will set you up with a canvas,
paint and as much instruction as you desire. Want to
make an adult outing of your artistic venture? Studio
Cellar is licensed to sell beer and wine, so there's no
need to bring your own bottle.
The space lends itself to the creative process. Everything
from the bar to the wall murals were made (or painted)
by Studio Cellar staff whose own artwork is on display
for sale. Order a local craft beer and see where your
inner muse leads you.
46 OCTOBER 2016