Cork & Chroma | St Leonards

The Verdict

After the huge success of their Surry Hills paint and sip studio, Cork & Chroma has added a second location over the bridge in St Leonards, because Sydney’s art scene just won’t quit.

Originally hailing from Brisbane, Cork & Chroma run guided painting sessions where you are encouraged to bring all of your mates and a bottle of wine (it’s BYO) to sip as you paint. We know, it’s pure genius. 

This unique why-didn’t-we-think-of-it-first idea is the brainchild of Chicago-born Hillary Wall who spotted a gap in the market for a super fun way for people to socialise, share a drink (we’re good at that) and do something creative (we can learn).

Equipped with a glass of wine in one hand and a paintbrush in the other, you’ll learn the basic techniques of painting with acrylics on canvas, and you’ll get to take your unique artwork home afterwards. We know you just can’t wait to hang yours up in your living room so you can smugly tell every visitor, “Oh this? I just painted that myself, no biggie.”

If you don’t consider yourself a creative, that’ll all change the moment you pop on your paint-splattered apron, settle in with a glass of vino and accept the fact that you’ll probably make three thousand ‘mistakes’ throughout the session. As far as they’re concerned, there’s no such thing as a mistake, just "happy little accidents" (thanks, Bob Ross), which is why all levels of talent (even the non-existent) are welcome. Just soak up the glory of Cork & Chroma's playlist and let those creative juices flow. 

To get among the action, take a look at their calendar and choose a painting that best fits with your creative soul. We quite fancy the plant, mandala and Bondi artworks, but you can also paint a glass of wine while sipping wine if you want to get really meta.

Each class will only set you back $60, with all equipment (aside from the vino) included. Plus, you get to walk away with your very own canvas.

On top of their regular sessions, Cork & Chroma has added a myriad of special events including ArtJam where you can paint freestyle to live music, Paint Your Inner Queen featuring a local drag queen, Clay Play for a switch to sculpture and Paint A Portrait in Picasso or pop art style. Keep an eye on their Facebook page to find out the latest and greatest events they have going. 

A session at Cork & Chroma is the perfect date night, hens party or team building activity, but it's also just as good for those occasions when you have no plans and don't want to stay in. Seats are always limited, so round up the troops and get booking, stat.

Image credit: Yasmin Mund

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