A unique new kind of art class that combines art with alcohol is coming to the Okanagan.

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KELOWNA – A unique new kind of art class that combines painting with alcohol is coming to Kelowna, West Kelowna and Penticton next month.

Paint Nite is not your average art class, says administrator Jacqueline Wong.

“This is more than just painting,” she says. “It’s socializing with family and friends and anytime you include alcohol you’re going to have fun.”

Paint Nite’s are held in licenced pubs and restaurants so students not only get lessons from local artists, but get to have a drink and meet new people while they work. There are Paint Nite's held in most major cities in the U.S. and their official Facebook page has more than 180,000 likes.

Wong says the classes are popular because they aren't just for experienced artists.

“It’s a really great experience for people who think they can’t paint or draw,” she says. “It’s just a fun way to connect with my creativity and have a good time with friends and family. It’s something different to do.”

The first Okanagan Paint Nite will be held at Original Joe’s in West Kelowna Sept. 15, but there will be another Paint Nite at Grateful Fed in Kelowna and Barley Mill Brew Pub in Penticton Sept. 19. Classes start at 7 p.m. and for the time being will be restricted to 20 students per night.

The classes will be hosted by various local artists who teach students techniques they used in making their own work. Wong says students can choose to either copy their teachers work or make something more unique.

“They walk around the room and teach you how to do it step by step… but it’s not restrictive at all. It’s more about building creativity and having a good time.”

Paint Nite was started by a company in Boston and Wong says in the last year it has grown in popularity.

“It’s really started booming,” she says. “In Edmonton there are Paint Nite’s almost every day of the week so we’re really excited to bring it to the Okanagan.”

The classes are open to all ages and abilities.

“I’ve seen a group of women go for a bachelorette party. I’ve seen families go and I’ve gone with my family as well. It’s really a wide range of participants.”

The cost for a class, including paint supplies, is $45 per person, but for a limited time Paint Nite Okanagan is offering a $20 discount to help spread the word.

For more information on Paint Nite, you can visit their Facebook page.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Adam Proskiw at aproskiw@infonews.ca or call 250-718-0428. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.

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