SOMETHING DIFFERENT TO DO....

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If you’re looking for something different from the typical dinner-and-drinks night out, ditch the cocktail dress and don your smock for the latest trend that’s taking the suburbs.

Vino van Gogh is a fresh way to have fun combining good drinks, good company, and, by the way, painting. Set in some of your favorite local restaurants, it’s a guided painting class, but the art is secondary to the socialization. Whether you’re looking for a therapeutic outlet or a memorable night with friends, the experience is what you make it.

Here’s how it works: you and your friends call or sign up online for a class in your area. You might even vote on the featured painting before attending. When you get to the venue, try the local fare and get your creativity going with some grappa. Follow the artist’s instruction, and add your own style. Make some memories and take home a masterpiece. Repeat as necessary, or until you’ve turned your home into a personal art exhibit.

Vino van Gogh is the brainchild of founder Brenda Schmidt. After seeing similar concepts around the country in her travels, Schmidt decided to bring the painting program to Chicagoland. In just four months since its first event, Vino van Gogh’s artists have instructed nearly 2,000 patrons at over 20 local venues such as Dolce Amore in Naperville and Capri in Downers Grove, among others.

“The whole premise is getting artists exposure and partnering with local restaurants,” Schmidt says. “It’s all about locally helping each other out and being good stewards to artists and the business community.”

Vino van Gogh doesn’t have a traditional storefront, because mobility is the key to accessibility for patrons and to directing business toward hosting venues. Reaching out to the west Chicago communities is an ongoing effort, as new venues are being added all the time. Recently, Mad Housewife Wine joined the team and will be catering some tastings at events this spring.

A Vino van Gogh class is $38 per person, which includes all supplies. Painters should sign up at least two days in advance and arrive about 30 minutes early. Drinks and food can be purchased from the hosting venue. Schmidt will post deals and discounts throughout the month on the Vino van Gogh Facebook page.

For more information, visit vinogogh.com or
facebook.com/vinovangogh. Vino van Gogh events this May:

Naperville
May 16 and May 24 at Dolce Amore
May 9 at The Melting Pot

Wheaton
May 6 at Adelle's Fine American Fare
May 15 at Ivy Restaurant

Downers Grove
May 17 and 24 at Capri

Fox River Valley
May 22 at the Red Oak Nature Center, Batavia.

-Michelle Markelz, Editorial Intern