Community Canvas, Pilot Peak host “Paint & Pour” art classes

“WINE AND ART GO TOGETHER because both are about enjoyment of life,” says Jean-Pierre Got, the celebrated wine poster artist from Southern France. In the Napa Valley, the Robert Mondavi winery is well known for its impressive collection of sculptures and paintings.

The foothills is becoming known for its own innovative art and wine pairings at the picturesque wineries and their historic downtown tasting rooms.

One program involves Community Canvas, a mobile art school that lets artists unleash their creativity at Pilot Peak and other wineries.

The inaugural “Paint and Pour” event was held at Pilot Peak in Penn Valley, a stellar destination winery. Others are set for July 14, August 11 and September 8 at Pilot Peak.

In June, the class spent the afternoon painting the famous Magritte, The Son of Man, while sipping award-winning wines, visiting with one another and enjoying the sights.

Community Canvas offers professional art supplies, including paint, brushes, aprons and a canvas. “There is nothing to bring except yourself,” says teacher Tiffany McGuckin.

The grown-up art students were thrilled with the experience. “It is great to see visual arts moving out into the public arena,” owner-winemaker Lynn Wilson says about the classes.

Community Canvas also is offering “Paint and Pour” events at Matteo’s Public and Nevada City Winery.

Pilot Peak’s pioneering role in hosting art and wine events extends to the Grass Valley Wine Co, where it is partners with Bent Metal Winery and Solune Winery in a popular downtown tasting room.

Avanguardia Wines also has embraced wine and art. This summer, it partnered with Pioneer Arts to present its First Annual Summer Art Festival. The exhibit featured more than 15 local artists among the vines. Guests brought picnic lunches.

ASiF

Grass Valley Wine Co. has collaborated with Artists’ Studio in the Foothills (ASiF) to showcase the work of talented local artists.

ASiF Gallery @ Grass Valley Wine Company offers regular exhibitions and events at the tasting room. The wine and art pairing has been well received.

ASiF also is hosting a new art event series at Clavey Winery’s tasting room in Nevada City. It features gatherings of local visual artists, poets and singer songwriters.

(photo credit: Lynn Wilson)