Every week, Seanna Redman and Cam Biggs schedule a quality date night on their social calendars. The engaged Logansport couple recently found themselves spending one of them at the Wine and Canvas event at the Jean Shepherd Center in Hammond
“We like to try new things, and one of our friends attended an event like this, so we went online to see what’s available,” Redman said. “This particular class caught my eye, but there wasn’t a session available near us. We don’t mind traveling to have fun, so here we are in Hammond.”
Artist and instructor Krista Gray welcomed 41 participants to the recent class, a partnership with the Hammond Parks and Recreation Dept. and the Wine and Canvas company. The latter provides easels, canvas, paint, brushes and aprons, and Hammond Parks provides the venue. The monthly class offering recently celebrated one year in operation.
“I had attended a Wine and Canvas event in December 2015 and was very impressed,” said Megan Flores, who was the Jean Shepherd building manager at the time. “I had a feeling it would be a good fit at the center, and it’s really caught on. We average 40 to 50 people each month.”
There is no pressure, no grading and no critiquing, only suggestions during this enrichment class.
“I am a seamstress and didn’t know I had an artist in me,” said Elaine Cerajewski, of Hammond. “This is my second class. Last time I painted an owl and surprised myself. It came out beautiful.”
So taken was Cerajewski with her first masterpiece that she took it home and hung it in her sewing room — amazed that the colors matched the decor.
For some of the would-be artists, the recent class was a family affair.
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Darline Swindler, of Hammond, and her daughter Jodi Henriquez, of Hammond, set up their easels as they waited for Swindler’s other daughter and her friends to arrive.
“This is my first time, but I’m already relaxed,” Swindler said. “It’s a great atmosphere here to spend time with others.”
Students must register, and the seat price includes only the painting part of the session. Snacks, wine and soft drinks were for sale.
Wine and Canvas assistant Jessica Hayes said many of the participants are pleasantly surprised when they complete their project.
“I love the whole concept behind this,” she said. “Everyone has an artist in them waiting to come out.”
Utilizing the plain white canvas in front of them to fashion a twisted black tree of sorts, which included nearby cherry blossom buds, was the students’ goal for the evening.
As the instructor explained beginning techniques to mix colors, many participants came to the front of the room, using their cellphones to take a picture of what their masterpiece was supposed to look like when completed. They then set their phones up near their easel as a constant reminder.
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.