The Social Canvas Opens Thursday in Waukee

If you ask Linda and Terry Laughery, everyone needs a creative outlet.

It's why they decided to bring The Social Canvas, a paint-it-yourself art studio, to Waukee. It opens for business Thursday at 720 Alice's Road. 

Here's how it works: first, you choose a class. The Social Canvas is open Thursday through Sunday and each class time features a different painting. During the two-hour class session, an instructor teaches you step-by-step how to duplicate the day's featured work of art. 

You can take the class alone or bring a friend (or maybe a group of friends, your family, co-workers, etc.) and everything - the 16 x 20 canvas, paint, smock and instruction - is provided for you. And, if you're so inclined, there's beer and wine to help you get past your inhibitions and find your inner Van Gogh.

"It's cheaper than therapy," says co-owner Linda Laughery. "It's decpetive but it's very, very easy to do. Anyone can do it, really."

Laughery said the inspiration to open The Social Canvas came to her after a birthday outing to a similar hot spot in Colorado.

"I called my husband and said, 'We have to do this,' and here we are," she said.

Laughery said The Social Canvas feeds into her creative side, as well.

"I've always been artistic and creative and I have always loved doing things like this," she said. "Just creating, for me, is a thrill."

The Laugherys want to emphasize that The Social Canvas is a place anyone can go. Whatever your skill level, age or interest, you too can walk out of there with an original work of art.

"Even my husband can do it," joked Linda Laughery.

"It looks better the more you drink," said Terry Laughery.

The Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon-cutting Thursday at 5 p.m. to welcome The Social Canvas to Waukee. Attendees are asked to RSVP at www.waukeechamber.com/registration.

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The Social Canvas

Where: 720 Alice's Road, Waukee

Phone: (515) 480-2298

For more information: Find The Social Canvas at www.thesocialcanvas.com, on Facebook or on Twitter @socialcanvasart.