Chaucer chapter try to schedule a different activity each month during the summer hiatus so that we can keep in touch.  In July, we spent a terrific evening at "Corks 'n Canvas."

From what I found on the Web, "Corks 'n Canvas" started in the New Orleans area, but is now franchised in Alabama, Florida, and perhaps some other states I didn't read about.  You reserve a spot for your group, and each bring a bottle of wine or some munchies.  The studio provides the easel, canvas, brushes, paint, etc. and everyone paints the same picture, instructed step-by-step by a local artist.  No artistic talent is necessary - I can vouch for that, because the last time I painted anything (that wasn't a wall of my house) was in the 4th form at school.

The aims of the evening are primarily to have fun. Secondarily to paint a picture to take home, and lastly, to maybe learn something.  The painting is done is acrylic, which dries quickly, and occasional breaks are taken to let the painting dry a bit, and fill your glasses and sample another hors d'oevre. 

As you can see, we painted a New Orleans streetcar.  The cool part about it is that everyone's painting is a little different, because creativity is encouraged. 

Click on photo for larger view

We all had so much fun that we plan to reserve an evening for a private party later in the year, and invite the whole State!