NORWICH – The Chenango Arts Council has long been associated with the performing arts and gallery showings, but the organization also offers a diverse mix of instructional and interactive workshops designed to bring out the artists in just about anyone.

One workshop in particular caters to adults looking for a good time in a relaxed atmosphere while also exploring and challenging their inner virtuoso. “Drink Wine and Let's Design” has been growing steadily in popularity over the past year and a half since its debut, and it is regularly booked solid. The program is hosted on a monthly basis. Participants bring their favorite bottle of vino to serve as a magical medium, easing the everyman (or woman) into the shoes of Picasso, Dali or O'Keeffe.

The class instructor, Matt Wilson, says the class is intended to be “a painting workshop for any level artist, no experience is necessary.”

Wilson arrives early to set up the studio located in the old music wing of the former Norwich High School so that when participants arrive, everything is ready to go. The class begins with a brief discussion of the style and technique that will be utilized for the day’s creation on canvas, and each student is provided with a printed example of what the finished product “should” look like.

“Your paintings don't have to look anything like this,” said Wilson. “You can choose to paint whatever you'd like. It's completely up to you. Everyone sees art differently.”

Drink Wine and Let's Design is sponsored by Wilson Ceramics and Chenango Arts Council as a community outreach initiative. Paint is generously donated by Golden Artists Colors, and the rest of the supplies—canvas, brushes, palette and even a wine glass— are included in fee.

“The course is a step-by-step ‘how to’ paint while enjoying your favorite wine, and the theme changes depending on the class,” said Wilson.