Gals' Night In - Get Your Art On

Who says art is just for kids? Call some friends, break out your inner scribbler, and get your art on. When life gets hectic and you feel like you need a break, a Girls' Art Night might be just what the doctor ordered. Like any girls' night, an art night is all about eating good food and connecting with friends. The only difference is that while participating in art night, you unwind while you explore your artistic sensibilities. As a bonus, you get to take home your own work of art.

Don't worry if you're not the artsy type - anyone can put a brush to a canvas. When it's time to plan your Girls' Art Night, follow this fool-proof plan to ensure that you and your friends have a fun and creative experience.

Brushes, clay, or scissors

It's important to remember that the word "art" means different things to different people. Decide on what type of art you'd like to create before getting too far in your planning. To some people art is all about watercolors, to others, it's working with oils, adn some people love to work with colored pencils. A few of your friends might think of art as doing crafts, creating collages, or even making clay sculptures.

Any one of these ideas is fine. As a matter of fact, working on a combination of a few different art forms could make the night even more enjoyable. Just let your friends know what types of art you'll be doing, unless part of the fun is keeping it a surprise.

The perfect trio: art, wine, and food

Ideally, you'll have at least six friends attending your Girls' Art Night, but even larger groups of 15 or more can still work. Ask each person to bring something to eat or drink and $30 for the art experience. This way, you'll have enough money to hire an art teacher for the evening, buy supplies, and maybe even pay for a male model to pose nude. (Wink, wink.)

There are a few ways you can handle the food. For example, your list might include three main dishes, four side dishes, two desserts, and a slot for someone to bring the beverages. Then simply ask people to let you know what the'd like to bring. However, to make things even easier on yourself, you could tell everyone to bring their favorite appetizer or dessert and a bottle of wine. This way, you'll have more than enough to eat and plenty of good wine to drink.

Leave the creative planning to the pros

Finding a professional artist who'll drop by your house for an evening is much easier than you think. Does your child have an art class? Ask your child's art teacher if they'd be willing to join you for a night of fun and paid art instruction. You can also look online for art classes at your local community college, library, or community center. Get in touch with the instructors of those classes and ask them to provide guidance and tips at your Girls' Art Night.

If you still can't find an art instructor or would simply prefer not to hunt for one, there are several online retailers who sell art instruction DVDs for as little as six dollars. Another option is a website called Creative Catalyst Production. There you can download art instruction videos to your computer. However, you'll need to know how to connect your computer to your television so that everyone can see the instructions. Their website is www.ccpvideos.com.

Find a muse

If a nude model is just too hot to handle (aw, shucks!), then consider providing another sort of muse to get everyone's artistic juices flowing. A vase with colorful flowers or even a simple bowl of fruit could do the trick. To really expand your creative horizons, consider displaying works by great artists like Van Gogh, Seurat, or Kahlo, and then ecourage your guests to create something in a similar form.

Gather your artists' tools

Art night would not be complete without art supplies. You'll need paper, brushes, and paints or pencils that are appropriate for the type of art you've chosen to do. Don't forget that everyone is going to need a place to work. If you've got a nice large table that would accomodate everyone, then go ahead and cover it with something waterproof, and use it for your event.

If you don't have one large place to sit, you can buy folding tables from any large discount retailer or rent some from your local party store. If you really want to feel like true artists, consider purchasing some inexpensive tabletop or children's standing easels. An adult can comfortably sit in front of a child's standing easel as they complete their art project.

The obvious place to find art supplies would be yoiur local art supply store. However, several online art supply retailers offer great deals and little to no shipping costs. Search for "art supplies" online and you'll find more than a few options to choose from.

Few things are more refreshing than getting together with the girls. If you're tired of just meeting for drinks or coffee, then plan a Girls' Art Night to bring a new twist to your hangout time. Catching up with old friends, eating good good, and tasting new wine is always fun. Going home with your own unique work of art makes it even better. -Y.J.