Sometimes, it takes a little juice to get the creativity flowing.
That's why painting classes at Creative Juice Art Bar include a glass of wine along with the canvas and art lesson.
The business, which opened late last month, isn't a new idea - there are similar ventures on the East Coast, in Denver and even up the road in Scottsdale - but it's a first for Tucson.
"The goal is to have a new and different fun night out," says Chellie Krajnak, a former teacher who owns Creative Juice with her brother, Preston Pingry, and longtime friend Kristina Valencia.
Creative Juice is just like it sounds - part studio, part bar.
It's a comfortable, airy space with natural light flooding in from a front wall of windows. Track lighting offers a boost for the night classes. Table-top easels line long tables. At the back, a wooden bar with chalkboards highlights the nibbles and beverage options.
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There's even a small consignment shop with pieces from local artists ranging from metal and clay work to T-shirts designed by Valencia's teenage son.
In the weeks since it's been open, Creative Juice has hosted girls' night out, some dates and even a couple who celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary by painting.
"It is just kind of escaping for awhile - you have a drink, listen to nice music," says Valencia, who teaches art at Castlehill Country Day School.
It's perfect for people looking to do something artsy without the commitment of regular classes, Valencia adds.
So, how does it work? Well, first, sign up for a class based on what you want to create. Creative Juice's website shows the available paintings - everything from the San Xavier Mission and landscapes to whimsical works like watermelon slices and swirly trees. The $35 price covers supplies, including a 16-by-20 canvas, as well as one glass of wine. Creative Juice offers Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet, Malbec and a smooth red. Beer, available by the bottle ($3-$4), includes Kilt Lifter, Guinness and Stella Artois.
You can order munchies, too, easy-to-eat fare from Epic Cafe that includes a rotating selection of dips like hummus and pesto ($5.50-$6.25). Dessert fiends can order a slice of locally-made Betty Bundt cake ($4.25) in flavors like chocolate or champagne, accented with fresh strawberries.
Once everyone's settled with drinks and food, a teacher - Valencia leads the majority of classes - takes people step-by-step through the acrylic painting. But it's perfectly OK if painters want go rogue and create their own piece. Classes typically last about 2 1/2 hours.
Creative Juice also has classes for children and teens as well as Sunday Fun Day classes that let kids and parents paint together.
If you go
• What: Creative Juice Art Bar; painting classes for adults; kid and teen classes also available.
• Where: La Plaza Shoppes on Tanque Verde, 6530 E. Tanque Verde Road.
• Information: 298-8063; www.creativejuiceartbar.com
• Cost: $25-$35.
