Fort Worth Date Night: The Art of Date Night

by Michael Bloomberg
October 6, 2010

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" is often used to describe that no one can truly define what is beautiful. It is a definition that only lies within ourselves. This term is most widely familiar with art.

Unless you are an artist, the thought of creating a masterpiece might seem unattainable. Picture a canvas marked up only by the tip of your brush hanging on your wall like it belonged in a gallery. It might even seem laughable that a house guest would ask when looking at said artwork, "Who is the artist of that piece?" Such joy you'll have in replying, "That would be ME!"

A stone's throw off of Camp Bowie at 5714 Locke Ave. lies a Date Night locale that is sure to inspire you both. It recently opened and is appropriately called, "A Piece of Work." To give you an idea, they say it's "where Merlot meets Masterpiece." You two will be creating the art. What makes it "datey?" Wine, of course.

Actually, you bring the beverage of your choice. Food or snacks are even allowed. They will supply wine openers, ice buckets and cups. Complimentary water and soft drinks are always available. Do remember you must be 21 years old to consume alcoholic beverages.

The obvious "datey" part is the actual creation of your work of art. When you register, you will know beforehand what you will be creating. Their website has a picture which correlates to a particular day on the calendar. However, no artistic experience is required. A local artist will guide you step-by-step to create your own masterpiece to take home at the end of class.

This would make a great first date. Equally impressive would be for an anniversary. Here are the pros: Quality time together, meeting new and other fun couples like yourselves, having something to show for your time and energy, laughing, creating and just being. The cons: There are none. You might think getting paint on your clothes might be one. They've got you covered. Literally. Aprons are provided. So, get online and check out A Piece of Work. If you think you can't do this or won't be very good, think about what Ralph Waldo Emersonsaid, "Every artist was first an amateur."

For complete details on A Piece of Work, please visit: www.apieceofworkonline.com

Fort Worth Date Night: Don't Brush off Date Night

by Michael Bloomberg
August 19, 2010

When you were a young child, did you ever get to take a Crayola to a coloring book? Were you a "stay-in-the-lines" kind of a person? Or, did your parents know you were going to be a rebel when you drew outside the lines?

Jules Feiffer once wrote, "Artists can color the sky red because they know it's blue. Those of us who aren't artists must color things the way they really are or people might think we're stupid." This week's Date Night will put you in with a group of "want-to-be" artists (read "ar-teests") and, under the instruction of your fearless leader, stupid will be the last thing you feel. You will leave feeling inspired, artistic and, since adult beverages are allowed, perhaps, carefree.

Have you heard of a Brush and a Beverage? This is the brainchild of Stacey L. King, photographer/artist who owns Shutter Muse Studio in Burleson. Almost every Friday evening, Stacey opens up her studio for a weekly series she has dubbed, "A Brush and a Beverage." It's actually quite brilliant.

So, what is this Date Night all about? Starting about 7pm, you will show with only one important element. Wait. If it's a date night, you will show up with two important elements. The first being your date. The second is what Stacey refers to as "your creative juice." On the streets, this would be referred to as wine, beer or whatever libation might inspire you.

When you register, you will already know what you will be painting that evening. And, based on the pics on the website from previous participants, people might not believe it when you tell them you created this masterpiece hanging on your wall. The real beauty of the evening is that you just have to show up.

King has covered all of the bases. She says, "we'll supply brushes, paint, canvas, AND step-by-step instruction, so that at the end of the evening, you'll take home an original piece of art, a tremendous sense of accomplishment, and a huge smile. We'll do a different painting in each class, and NO ARTISTIC TALENT IS REQUIRED."

I used to subscribe to the theory that famed author, Fran Lebowitz, often proclaimed. "Very few people possess true artistic ability. It is therefore both unseemly and unproductive to irritate the situation by making an effort. If you have a burning, restless urge to write or paint, simply eat something sweet and the feeling will pass." Very soon, I am going to trade my Tiramisu in for a bottle of Pinot Noir and head to Shutter Muse Studio in Burleson for a night of sipping, painting and laughing. And, don't fret, I will continue to canvas the Fort Worth area for more perfect Date Nights. Pun intended.

For complete info on A Brush and a Beverage, please visit:

http://www.abrushandabeverage.com/