Editor’s Note: This blog was written in April 2011. I can’t find any information if Fleur de Christi still does painting and drinking classes in New Orleans. If you do let me know in the comments. However, I still think those classes can be fun and this is a good example of why so I’m keeping the post up!
For a long time, I’ve wanted to try a Corks N Canvas (Editor’s note: That company is now known as Painting with a Twist) class. The concept is simple: gather with friends, sip champagne, and paint a picture. These paintings range from fleurs de lis to Michalopoulos houses, streetcars, and iconic New Orleans street lamps. A friend of mine, Vinnie, has attended several of these classes—though not always the official Corks N Canvas ones—and her paintings always look fantastic.
When Vinnie set up a painting party with her friend who runs a business called Fleur de Christi, I was thrilled to join. Fleur de Christi hosts painting parties at her home, providing all the materials and step-by-step guidance. On Friday, I joined Vinnie and three work friends to paint a streetcar, excited for my first painting experience.
Dinner at Juan’s Flying Burrito
Before we began painting, Kurt and I stopped for dinner at Juan’s Flying Burrito in Mid-City, a favorite spot for Mexican-inspired dishes. I was craving their crawfish pizza, but since they had run out, I opted for cheese enchiladas with whole black beans and yellow rice. While I missed out on the crawfish pizza, the enchiladas were delicious—full of rich flavor and generously portioned. My friends enjoyed their meals as well, ordering burritos and nachos.
Dessert at Angelo Brocato’s Italian Ice Cream Parlor
Even though we were stuffed, we couldn’t pass up dessert at Angelo Brocato’s, a legendary Italian ice cream parlor. While I’m picky about Italian desserts, their strawberry cheesecake gelato was delightful, though not quite like the gelato I’ve had in Italy. I didn’t try the other treats, but the cannoli and cookies looked tempting. My husband and I plan to return to sample more of their offerings.
The Painting and Drink Classes in New Orleans Experience
After dinner and dessert, we headed to Christi’s home in Mid-City, near City Park and the Fairgrounds—a picturesque location surrounded by quintessential New Orleans charm. Her house was filled with vibrant paintings, many of which were for sale. One standout was a stunning saxophone painting with metallic tones, while another was a beautiful cherry blossom branch, perfect for my upcoming wedding theme.
At the table, canvases, brushes, and paint were neatly arranged, creating an inviting atmosphere. As someone with little artistic experience, I was nervous about painting something as intricate as a streetcar. However, once we started, it was surprisingly easy and incredibly fun!
Step-by-Step Guidance
Christi guided us through the process step by step, making the experience approachable for beginners. She demonstrated each technique, and I used about 10 different brushes to bring my streetcar to life. What surprised me most was how forgiving the process was—mistakes could easily be fixed by blending more paint. Watching the painting come together was deeply satisfying, creating a real sense of accomplishment.
Creative Expression and Stress Relief
Though we all painted the same subject, it was fascinating to see how each of our personalities came through in our artwork. Each painting was unique, reflecting our individual styles. For me and my friends, the class was more than just an art lesson—it was a much-needed stress reliever. All of us being teachers and with the school year winding down, this creative escape was the perfect way to relax and recharge.
Why You Should Try a Painting Class
If you’re looking for a fun and creative night out, I highly recommend trying a painting and drinking class like Fleur de Christi. You’ll leave with your own masterpiece and a memorable experience. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a total beginner, these classes are a fantastic way to unwind, bond with friends, and explore your artistic side. I
So grab your friends, pick a subject—maybe a saxophone next time!—and let your creativity flow.
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Super cool! I want to find something like that here. I love painting, but I think a fun class would be awesome.