Clinton’s Heather Turlington loves to paint and, admittedly, does so on a regular basis. That’s why when she learned about a new kind of painting experience that coupled dabbling in color and design with a relaxing atmosphere, she jumped at the chance to participate.
“You just have a great time,” Turlington said of her visit to Fayetteville’s Wine and Design, a business that specializes in allowing participants to sign up, show up, grab a canvas and just paint, as well as sip on their favorite beverage while listening to soothing music in what Turlington says is a quiet and friendly atmosphere.
The premise is based on a two-hour painting session, offered to any age group — children, couples, women, men, the elderly. Those who participate are encouraged to bring their favorite beverage and a snack of choice.
You don’t have to be experienced in painting or even know how to mix colors, said Crystal Keen Roberts, owner of the Fayetteville Wine and Design along with her husband Richard. All that’s really required is a desire to relax and allow the master inside to flow freely.
“The canvas, paint brushes and paints are all set up and waiting for you,” Roberts said. “You just have to bring your favorite beverage and a desire to have a little fun while either relaxing with friends, having a date night with your husband or significant other or spending time with the kids.
Local artists, five in fact, are there to guide those who need a little, or even a lot, of help, assisting participants to create that masterpiece that they can take with them to hang in their home or gift to someone else.
The paintings, Roberts said, are suitable for the first-time painter or the more experienced ones.
It’s a fact that Turlington can attest to. She and friends Amy Clark and Melanie Wrampie used their girls night out to paint and found that the experience was a great one. “It was Amy’s first time and she loved it,” Turlington said.
While the company’s name suggests bringing a bottle of wine to the evening of painting, Roberts said it doesn’t have to be an alcoholic beverage at all. In fact, many, she said, bring juices for the children and waters or sodas for the adults, along with a snack of some kind.
“Whatever you want to drink is fine with us. The whole idea is for you to be able to sit, sip and paint, and, of course, enjoy yourself at the same time.”
That’s exactly what Turlington and her friends did on their visit to the Fayetteville location, one of several they’ve been to.
“I loved the Fayetteville venue,” Turlington pointed out. “Everyone was so professional and so helpful. There was lots of space, and because it was downtown, there was also the historic aspect of it all.”
Roberts’ Wine and Design is located at 113 Donaldson St. in the heart of Fayetteville’s downtown.
She and her husband, an entrepreneur in his own right, decided to open Wine and Design because of the uniqueness of the business, and because Roberts, who had actually been to another location, loved the idea and believed it would be a hit.
“I took him to one and he actually had a good time. He came back and basically said let’s do it, so we did, and it’s been great so far.”
But the Fayetteville Wine and Design, Roberts said, is really her baby.
“I’m the face down there, although my husband gives me tremendous support.”
Roberts’ face may actually be pretty familiar to many in Clinton since the other hat she wears is that of adult nurse practitioner for Wake Heart and Vascular, which brings her to Clinton at least once a week to see local Wake heart patients.
She’s also making a name for herself through Wine and Design, a place that many in Clinton are catching onto and visiting.
Turlington called the experience an artistic adventure, an opportunity for she and her friends to get together, enjoy their adult beverages, paint a little, talk a little and relax a lot.
“It’s something different; I guess that’s what I like about it most. It’s not shopping or going to the movies, it’s a more intimate atmosphere where you can enjoy some soothing music, chat with your friends and come away with a beautiful painting, all in one night.”
While more and more locations are popping up around North Carolina, Turlington said she liked the Fayetteville venue the most of those she had visited, something that pleases Roberts and adds an exclamation point to how popular their business has become in a short time.
Roberts and her husband opened the Fayetteville business June 23 and by July 4 it had exceeded even their wildest expectations. “Things have just taken off,” she said.
Turlington wants one in Clinton. “It would be great to have one of these locally. Honestly, I believe it would be a huge hit.”
Roberts has been so successful at the Fayetteville location that she’s taken the concept on the road in a mobile Wine and Design on Wheels, something she’s willing to do for private parties, even in Clinton.
“It’s the same concept, except we come to you,” Roberts said of the mobile painting project. “We are regularly in Dunn doing those and we’d love to come to Clinton and Sampson County, too.”
Cost for the Wine and Design on Wheels can be discussed with Roberts by calling her at the studio, 910-483-0433.
Average cost to participate in a two-hour session at the Fayetteville venue is $35 for adults and $25 for children, a price Turlington called “very affordable.”
“That’s the other nice thing about Wine and Design,” she said. “It’s a good deal. The cost isn’t so much and you get a painting when you leave.”
To sign up for a class, all one has to do is visit www.wineanddesignus.com/Fayetteville or call the studio to set up an appointment.
On the website, Roberts said, was a calendar that shows when certain paintings are being done, when their are couples nights, children’s nights, family nights or even girls night outs.
In addition, Roberts sets Sundays aside to do fundraisings.
“We’re having a lot of fun with this,” she said, “and I think those who come join us are having a lot of fun, too.”
Turlington can attest to that. “I enjoyed it very much. It’s a good time, something that may take you out of your comfort zone, but yet it’ll be something you’re glad you did.”
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