New Business for the New Year: For the Love of Art

The notion that anyone, no matter how talented can create a work of art is one of the driving factors behind the sip n' paint industry, the other is that adding a little bit of alcohol to group art lessons for adults makes for an interesting evening.

Megann Alcorn and Carrie Miles, co-owners of the newest sip n' paint business in West Ashley — For the Love of Art, hope their new business will be a little more than just a good time, though. Both are working artists who have taught sip n' paint style classes at other area businesses in the past, and in addition to the group lessons and private parties typical of the sip n' paint industry, they are offering open studio space during daytime hours before the classes start in the evenings.

"We really want this to be a center for arts," Alcorn said. "I think the other businesses are concentrating on the sip n' paint part, and because we're focusing on other things like the open studio space, private lessons and crafting activities too we'll have something different to offer."

The new business is located in a home on Ashley River Road near Magwood Drive that has been rezoned for commercial uses. Miles said the space felt perfect for what they envisioned because it a converted house.

"We really like that it is a home," Miles said. "We want it to feel like you are coming home when you come in."

Evening class sizes will vary depending on the painting project scheduled for each evening. All supplies, and an apron, are included in the $45 per person fee for the evening sip n' paint classes. Miles suggests wearing clothes you don't mind getting paint on though.

"It is paint, so you shouldn't wear your Sunday best," she said.

Customers 21 or older are welcome to bring their own beer or wine and food to classes.

Open studio rentals will run $10 for the first hour and $5 an hour for each additional hour. Customers can reserve space for private parties for anywhere from $150 - $450. Children's classes and craft classes will range from $10 - $30 per participant depending on the cost of supplies required for each project.

Currently customers need to call For the Love of Art at 843-974-4472 to schedule a class or studio time, but soon online sign-ups will be available through its website.

The business also offers use of its own arts library free of charge. Miles and Alcorn have collected numerous art books over the years and plan to continue adding to the collection at the business to help customers find inspiration for projects.

Alcorn and Miles opened their doors for the first time Wednesday. For now they are the only instructors on staff, but said they plan to bring in additional instructors to help with specialties such as jewelry making as customer demand for those classes dictates.

"We'll see what our customers want and get the artists in here to teach it," Alcorn said.