Indulge in the art of cooking or kick back and relax while creating a masterpiece on canvas. Let your creativity shine at these Henry County, Georgia locations and take home more than just great memories.
A Splash of Color
At Creativity Café in McDonough you can express your creativity through canvas, pottery or jewelry making. No need to wait for a class, Creativity Café’s flexible format lets you and each member of your group pick their own medium to work in. It is truly a place to let your imagination play. For those who want a little more structure to their artistic endeavors, Creativity Café offers a huge selection of patterns that can be stenciled onto your canvas. If this is a girl’s night or maybe a date night, the studio allows wine after 6:00 p.m.
Party-by-Design has a painting class for all ages. From weekly “Girls Night Out” events to weekly “Grown Folks” or “Wine Up Wednesday” classes, all you need is to pick a time, gather some friends and the drink of your choice and head out for a little artistic expression. Stop in and let them create a canvas themed party for you. They are social on Instagram and Facebook.
Whether your taste in art includes sunflowers or sunsets, stilettos or even your own pet immortalized in acrylics, there is a class for you at Painting with a Twist. With classes offered Wednesday through Sunday, you can have a weeknight art escape or a weekend artist retreat. You can view upcoming classes on their website.
Create a work of art with barn wood as your canvas at BarnBeautiful. Each workshop is taught by local artist Susie Q, whose art is also on display within BarnBeautiful’s gallery space In addition to barn wood, some classes also offer slate and canvas as the base for your creation. Refreshments are provided. Check BarnBeautiful’s Instagram account for class updates.
*Each painting location allows guests to bring their own drinks and snacks, with adult beverages allowed during designated hours during adults only events. Check with each location for their specific rules. Each location is also offering DIY kits you can do at home!
Crafty Creations
Magnolia Pink Artisan Market is home to a variety of classes. Learn to create your own soy candles from wax to wick to scent. While your creation hardens, enjoy browsing the other artisan products featured in the market and listen to music. If the art of decoupage has always appealed to you, Magnolia Pink can train you up from novice to expert with classes offered for all skill levels. Check their website for class times and details.
Are you a fan of country chic home décor with a personalized flair? Hammer & Stain in Locust Grove has the workshop for you. Choose from tons of designs at their quaint studio space where you can create your own wood signs and home décor. Hammer & Stain also has open paint nights where the kids can paint their own rocks. You can also pick up a DIY kit to make your creation at home with virtual instruction. Visit their website for upcoming classes.
Out-of-the-Box Art
Looking for a work of art that is truly wild? Schedule a “Painting with Doc” tour at Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary and you choose the colors, but Doc the tiger or Anna Lou the grizzly bear will be the artist. You watch as they work from between the two fences alongside Animal Husbandry Manager, Allison Hedgecoth. Snap a photo for Instagram and take home your work of art for double the bragging rights. This experience is for ages 10 and up. Painting with Doc experiences can be scheduled on their website. (The paint used is non-toxic and 100% safe for the animals.)
Exquisitely painted rocks are popping up at locations all over Henry County. While the members of the Henry County Rocks group are responsible for most of these works of art, you can create your own rock art at one of several studios around Henry County. Hammer and Stain has special rock painting days for kids during their Open Painting Workshops. At Creativity Café, you can choose to switch out ceramics or canvas for a rock. Create a custom creation with the provided supplies. Whether you keep or hide your treasure for others to find is up to you! (For hints on where to find or hide painted rocks, be sure to join the Henry County Rocks Facebook Group).
The Art of Cooking
If food is your canvas of choice then Henry County offers several ways to hone your culinary craft.
*Rutabaga’s Market & Café in Hampton, Georgia offers first Friday Cooking Classes each month. In addition to the class each participant receives dinner and a special gift. There are even fun projects for the little chefs too!
*(First Friday Cooking Classes are currently on hold due to COVID-19. Check their Facebook page for updates.)
If your culinary artistry tends towards sweet treats, Crumbles by Nicole can teach you to decorate like a TV baking show champ. Nicole Silva, owner of Crumbles, is in fact a 3-time TV baking show contestant and a former elementary school teacher as well. Enjoy a fun, no stress cookie decorating class or for the aspiring cake artist, sign-up for one of the “Nailed It” cake decorating events held at the bakery. Check their Facebook page for class announcements.
Whatever way you choose to express your artistic side, share it with Visit Henry County, GA using #BetterExplored for a chance to be featured on social media.
For those interested in artisan goods or works of art by local artists check out the Henry County Artisan Trail page.