Parking is limited downtown Bloomington.  We do not have a parking lot; it is public street parking. Please utilize the parking garage located on Center St. between Monroe and Market - plan accordingly.  Street parking MON-FRI prior to 6pm is only 90 min.   PLEASE PLAN TO ARRIVE 15MIN PRIOR TO THE START OF CLASS; as painting begins promptly at class start time!  The studio will be open 30min prior to the start of class. Thank you!!

 

How It Works

Frequently Asked Questions

 

How do I sign up for a paint & sip class?

Signing up is easy. Visit the Calendar to view our upcoming paintings. Click on any painting for more details and use the BOOK NOW link to register. Contact us if you have trouble completing your order and we will walk you through the process.

 

Where do I park?

We DO NOT have a parking lot, and are located downtown Bloomington, IL.  Although parking is available in front of the studio, the time limit is 90 minutes prior to 6pm and the spots are routinely occupied.  Many of our downtown restaurants are utilizing their outdoor dining. It’s our recommendation that you use the Market Street Parking Garage, just one block west of the studio. (map)  There is also a secondary parking garage on Front St. Next to the court house.  

 

Is there an age limit for class?

You MUST BE 21YRS OLD TO CONSUME ALCOHOL - and will be asked to provide id.  

We recommend atleast 7yrs old.  Younger kids tend to not have the focus to complete a 2hr painting. Most of our paintings are aimed for adults.  Friday Night Class and Saturday evening class are NOT recommended for under 18yrs old.  We do host specific YOUTH events; please see Summer/Winter Kids Art Camp.  

 

 

What days are classes held?

Classes are held Monday – Friday, one class an evening. On Saturdays, we offer three classes to choose from. We offer one class on Sunday as well.   Visit our calendar for class times and featured paintings. For more info on Private Parties, see our Private Parties page.  We do sometimes have the ability to host a private party outisde of our normal hours but completey based on artist availabilty

 

What does a class cost?

All classes are 2 hours and classes starting before 4 PM are $38 per person and classes starting at 4 PM or after are $43 per person.  Specialty classes have their own fee.  All classes have the option to upgrade from painting on canvas to a wood pallet for an additional charge. Taxes and fees apply at checkout. 

 

When do I need to arrive for a painting class?

We recommend you arrive 15-20 minutes before class starts to allow time for you to get settled in and mingle before the painting starts.  FOR PICK YOUR OWN PAINTING CLASS we recommended you arrive 20-30 minutes early to allow yourself time to walk the studio and choose one of our over 200+ paintings to do!  

 

Is there reserved seating?

Great question! Although walk-ins are accepted, it is HIGHLY recommended to pre-register for class. Our online cut-off for registering is 2 hours prior to the start of class. There is no minimum required to hold a public class.  If on the rare occasions we do not have anyone signed up for a class - the class is closed 2hrs prior

What is the cancellation policy

A full refund can occur if notification of cancellation occurs at least 48 hours before the class begins. You can also have the option to have a store credit in the form of a gift card to use for a reservation to another class.  Terms and Fees apply.  

Loss of payment will occur if no notification of cancellation occurs or if notification occurs less than 24 hours prior to class start.

There are NO REFUNDS OR STORE CREDIT given for a NO-SHOW to class.  
 

What do I need to bring to the painting class?

We provide the canvas, easel, brushes, paints, and aprons for the class. All you need to bring are any beverages (either alcoholic or non) and/or appetizers you might want during the class. We also provide the wine glasses, corkscrews, ice buckets & we have plates, napkins, and plasticware.  YOU MUST BE 21 OR OLDER TO DRINK ALCOHOL AND WILL BE REQUIRED TO SHOW PROOF OF IDENTIFICATION.

 

I don’t have any artistic talent, will I be able to complete the painting?

Absolutely! Our artist will guide you step-by-step through the featured painting and will ensure that you stay on track to completing your masterpiece by the end of class. Acrylic paint dries quickly making mistakes easy to fix. You can always put your own creative spin on any painting created—after all, you are the artist!

 

When does the next calendar get posted?

Next month’s calendar will post by the 15th of the current month.

 

What should I wear to class?

There is no dress code, but there is a possibility that you might get paint on your clothing. We will provide you with an apron but painters have been known to get involved in their work of art.

 

Can I bring something other than wine? Will there be something cold to put white wine in?

You can bring wine, beer, or liquor to Merlot and A Masterpiece. There will be a large ice bucket to put white wine in during the class. We do expect all painters to be responsible with alcohol on and off the premises.

 

Anything else I should know about Merlot And A Masterpiece?

In registering for classes, you agree to our Terms & Conditions.

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