Wine and Design Expands Operations with Second Studio Location in Wilmington

RALEIGH, NC, March 16, 2011 (Press-News.org) Less than one year after opening its doors in Raleigh, Wine and Design is building on its success and popularity by announcing the opening of a second location in Wilmington. Managed by fine art illustrator, Kirah Van Sickle, the studio is located at 4949 New Centre Drive and will operate seven days a week from 2:30pm - 9:30pm. Like the Raleigh location, Wine and Design Wilmington will offer patrons a finished "masterpiece" in two hours.

Wine and Design is the dream of longtime friends and business partners Emmy Preiss and Harriet Edwards Mills. The studio opened its doors in April 2010 as—and still is—the area's first and only wine and painting party company. At a cost starting at $35 per person, Wine and Design provides the canvas, cover-up, paints, paintbrushes, and corkscrew. First-time painters, aspiring artists, or self-proclaimed pro's browse the company's website to find a painting they would like to replicate. Sessions are led by local artists that guide participants through a carefully-orchestrated, step-by-step process that promises a finished "masterpiece" at the end of the two-hour session. As an artist and teacher, Van Sickle says that she has met many people who love the idea of making art, but are intimidated by the painting process.

"When I first learned about Wine and Design and the concept of bringing people together in a casual, fun atmosphere to socialize and paint....I was sold," says Van Sickle. "After seeing the success of the Raleigh studio, everyone at Wine and Design is truly excited to be expanding to Wilmington. This is a fun, creative town, and people like having an alternative venue for a date night, a girls' night out, private parties, and kids' programs. The concept is universal and taps into the inner child that wants to be creative and have fun!"

Van Sickle says that Wilmington's team of painting instructors are diverse and easy going. They love art and sharing their inspirations with others. Just like the Raleigh studio features many regional landmarks in their paintings (WRAL Azalea Gardens, Raleigh skyline, and UNC-Chapel Hill's Old Well and the Morehead-Patterson Bell Tower), Wine and Design Wilmington's painting designs will relate to the colors and themes of living in a coastal area. Both adult and kid classes will feature sea life, as well as fun beachscapes reminiscent of the Cape Fear region.

Because the area is an attraction for tourists during the summer, Wine and Design Wilmington is planning seven week-long kids' programs, as well as summer evening beach-themed classes for area visitors who want to take home a unique and handmade souvenir. "We want to make Wine and Design Wilmington the perfect place for a fun night out—not only for locals, but for all the vacationers, too," adds Van Sickle.

Wine and Design accepts general reservations, but also books private parties. Bridal showers, baby showers, and Bunco are just a few of their offerings, as well as a selection of events just for kids. The company also hosts fundraisers, with a portion of the proceeds going directly to the cause. Wine and Design Wilmington is now accepting reservations for April sessions. To view available paintings and to register online, visit http://www.wineanddesignnc.com and choose "Wilmington" under the Location tab. For additional information, call (910) 313-2600.

Press Contact:
Louise Cottrell
FireBrand Marketing, Inc.
(919) 302-9010
louisec@firebrandmarketing.com