Wine and Design's Wilmington Location Announces New Ownership

WILMINGTON, NC, August 06, 2011 (Press-News.org) Wine and Design, Raleigh's popular wine and painting venue, has announced that its coastal location, Wine and Design Wilmington, is now under new ownership. Molly Loflin is now owner and manager of the company's fourth franchise—joining Jamestown, Cary, and Wilson.

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 Raleigh'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.

Loflin is an artist at the Wilmington studio and says that owning and operating a business in the art/design industry has been a goal and dream of hers for some time. Loflin is the great-niece of internationally-acclaimed realist painter and designer Bob Timberlake. Timberlake lives in Lexington, NC and began painting as a young child. He began his professional career in 1970 and his work is best known for its intricate attention to color and detail. His depiction of the simple life in his native North Carolina has endeared his work to millions of admirers around the world for 40 years. Loflin says that having an artist in the family has indeed had a great influence on her career choice.

"I have always had a love for art and am amazed at Bob's design ideas," says Loflin. "He is truly creative. I have worked on several projects with him at Bob Timberlake, Inc. Learning from someone who has made a successful career in the [art/design] industry is very inspiring. Bob has been very encouraging with my new career choice as well."

Timberlake is currently the chairman of Bob Timberlake, Inc., the licensing company that acts as manager and agent of the Bob Timberlake brand across two divisions: Bob Timberlake Licensing and The Bob Timberlake Gallery. He says that he is excited to see his niece continue to pursue her artistic passion.

"I have worked with the industry's best in interior and product design, so I can honestly say Molly is very talented," says Timberlake. "I have had the privilege of working with her on some projects over the last few years and her special abilities are obvious. The fact that she's my great-niece makes me so proud. We love her dearly."

Loflin says that her uncle is very excited about this new venture and the coastal area, which has served as an inspiration for many of his paintings. She says that Timberlake spends quite a bit of time in the area. When asked about the prospects of a special appearance by Timberlake at the studio, Loflin replies, "You never know."

Loflin says that she doesn't plan to deviate from the studio's current offerings—still providing residents and visitors the opportunity to create paintings with a regional feel, such as sea life and fun beachscapes. She says that she has a few ideas that she's considering, but plans on sticking with the Wine and Design business model since it has already been so successful.

"Wine and Design Wilmington is a place for people to come and have a great time! It is a fun and relaxed atmosphere," says Loflin. "We want people to enjoy themselves and discover the fun art has to offer. We put up new paintings every month so I invite everyone to check out our online calendar, as well as like us on Facebook. Just sign up, show up, sip up, and uncork your creativity with Wine and Design Wilmington!"

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