DETROIT – Forget meeting at the bar, grabbing a movie or maybe catching up over coffee -- one of the growing trends to catch up with friends involves pouring some wine and grabbing a paint brush.
Moms and daughters, girlfriends, husband and wives, even newly dating couples are coming to wine and canvas events as a way to get out and enjoy themselves.
"It is my fifth time," said Holly Zehel. "It is such a relaxing mode for the evening to take my mind off of everyday things that are happening. It's an inexpensive, fun, entertaining evening out."
Before you say, "I don't know how to paint," you get plenty of instruction, but also room to be creative.
"Most people when they come in don't think they can paint it, but when they go home, they're satisfied," said artist Michelle Rhodes.
During one class, everyone was painting the Detroit skyline.
"We do a lot of research coming up with good fresh paintings that we think people would like," said Robert Kenyon, owner of Wine & Canvas -- Detroit.
Stacy Striz is the mayor of Melvindale. She was one of the many in the class.
"I have no artistic ability so we'll see how this goes," said Striz. "I have a few friends that said they've come out and they really enjoyed themselves."
Wine and canvas events take place in different venues in different cities.
"Changes of atmosphere, change of pace, you know, it's just nice to come in to different venues and our customers," said Kenyon. "You know a lot of them will come in and have dinner beforehand, and, you know, they can choose to eat, drink, whatever they want beforehand."
So while Kenyon's business grows, he helps another business grow. Portofino Restaurant in Wyandotte was seeing the benefits during one of his events.
At the end of the night, everyone has much more then just a fun time with friends -- they have a painting they can show off to others.
"It's very rewarding to see someone say, 'You know you did this,' and I say, 'I know this,'" said Zehel.
"Just some good memories with my mom and my sister, and something that we can all hang in our house that's the same picture," said Striz.
For a look at some of the Wine & Canvas events around Metro Detroit, click here.