The ART of Date Night

Earlier this month Foxfield Inn shared some of the best places in Charlottesville to browse and purchase local art. We may have overlooked one truly entertaining option: make your own! We’ve scouted out some of the popular instructor-led classes, workshops, and studios nearby to help jazz up your next date night while creating a fabulous memento for your home.

Gone are the days of stiff still life painting classes. Fun Nite Art will have you on-your-feet excited about painting. Literally. At a recent class I attended, no one was allowed to paint until everyone had spent some time dancing in place at the beginning of class – sort of like the start of an Ellen Degeneres show. Our instructor, Tammy, had us laughing the entire time and set even the most art-phobic of us at ease. Each class has a model painting that all participants paint their own version of and are able to take home at the end of the night. At my class, it was truly empowering to see a series of carefully placed marks on my canvas suddenly transform into a cow.

 

Check the schedule of upcoming events online here, and when you find the painting you’d like to create, be sure to register for the event online to reserve your place. Remember to check out the “date night” events where each person creates a half of a painting which are then placed together to create a whole piece–a very special way to commemorate your relationship. Supplies and aprons are provided, and many events are held at restaurants where you can order snacks, drinks, even dinner. No wonder they call it a pARTy!

There must be something in the water here…pottery and ceramics have flourished in Charlottesville, and City Clay is the place to go to be a part of this thriving community. Check out the list of current classes here. Although they are not offering date night events this season, those are expected to return in early 2014. In the mean time, you could inquire about a team-building activity or private session for beginners.

Even if you decide not to take a class, be sure to check out City Clay’s gallery, as well! You may even be able to meet the artists at opening receptions held the first Friday of each month. Further, City Clay is a part of the Artisan Studio Tour held November 9-10 of this year, where you can get an inside look at a pottery wheel demonstration.

Fusing. Slumping. Sandblasting. No, these are not things you got in trouble for in middle school, but rather part of the craft of creating with glass! From stained glass wall hangings to glass jewelry and even vases and dinnerware, The Glass Palette offers flexible walk-in hours during which you can create any piece you want, no experience necessary! Let the staff guide you through some examples and offer expert instruction in designing your unique piece, and then go to town! Celebrating an anniversary? Why not decorate your own pair of wine glasses to commemorate your big day?

It can be intimidating to sign up for any class if you consider yourself an art novice. But whether you’re a beginner or quite advanced, spending time with your loved one to create a very personal piece of art is a great way to reconnect as you rediscover your own inner creativity. Let us know how else we at Foxfield Inn can help you explore the Charlottesville we know and love for your next date night. We can’t wait to hear about the fabulous masterpieces you create!

Check out more of our Charlottesville, VA date night ideas here.