Corks And Canvases

I want to first note that Corks and Canvases has two locations, one in Murrysville and one on Main Street in Irwin. This review is of the Irwin location… and is long past due!
My sister-​in-​law has been wanting to try one of these painting classes and I saw that they had just opened a new place in Irwin. So, we decided to check it out. The class was on a Friday night in June and was supposed to be from 7−9pm.
The class was nearly full… since there were several small groups of ladies, as well as a bridal party of about 10. Luckily, we got there before most people and were able to get seats up front. This is a BYOB event, and it appeared mostly everyone (including us) brought a bottle of wine (or several) and snacks.
The instructor was very nice. At the beginning, she gave us her credentials so we knew she was an actual painter with experience and not just someone they pulled off the street. She reviewed what we were going to paint and went at a nice pace. Actually, probably a little slow for me but it’s better than her rushing through. She also gave us free reign and «artistic liberties», so the paintings didn’t all have to look exactly alike.
It was a fun event and I would love to go again. Biggest pro… the class was only $ 20! And I’ve seen other places as high as $ 35 or $ 40.
The only reason I didn’t give this event 5 stars is the following: It was waaayyy too long. Supposed to be over at 9pm; we didn’t leave until well after 10:30. The biggest cause for this was when we got there at around ten minutes til seven, the instructor was just starting to set up. She did state that she had everything set up, but then a last-​minute birthday party booked, so they had torn all of her things down, and she had to get them all back out. Not very professional of the company. We didn’t really get started until about 7:35-ish. Plus, with a big class and people asking her questions, I think it just took longer than anticipated.
Also, it was a bit unorganized, which I do give leniency to since it’s a new gig. I signed the two of us up online and also paid online. But, really, how was the instructor to know? We could have just strolled in from the street and said we paid. The site offered no receipt or confirmation number to take with you to the event. I asked the instructor if she received our payment, and she stated that she gets paid from the company, and frankly has no idea who paid and who didn’t.
Overall, a fun night out. Would go again!

My girlfriend has attended 3 different painting classes here and has had a blast each time. She enjoys the painting portion of it but you don’t have to be artistic to go.
There is a BYOB option and if you plan to drink you are required to sign a form that says they didn’t give you the alcohol. Most people bring wine, however you can bring beer, mixed drinks, or non-​alcoholic beverages. They provide cork screws and plastic cups in addition to everything that you need to paint.
Food is also allowed, however space is limited and there is not a lot of table space after canvases, paint brushes, and paint are all laid out.
The reason that they received a 4 out of 5 rather than a 5 is because the instructors are really a hit or miss. While all of them do display artistic abilities, some are just better teachers than others are. If you find an instructor that you like, try to stick with them when you sign up for classes online.