EASLEY — With a paint brush in one hand and a glass of wine in the other, Chardonnay ‘N Canvas studio is helping to raise money for breast cancer awareness — one painting at a time.
Caroline Willems, owner of the art studio and a two-year breast cancer survivor herself, knows first hand just how important raising money and awareness for breast cancer research is.
“This is my ribbon,” said Willems standing next to the original pink ribbon vase painting. “My daughter painted it for me and you can see all the signatures? Those are all the doctors and nurses who treated me. It made sense to do this painting this month.”
October was National Breast Cancer Awareness month.
The pink ribbon class was instructed by artist Tracy Jones. All of the classes are designed to help even the most hopeless of painters to create a work of art they’d be proud to hang in their home. A portion of the proceeds were donated to Easley Baptist Hospital’s Mammography Fund.
“For those of you drinking, if you are right handed, put your wine glass on the left side of your painting. You do not want to mix up your wine glass with your water cup for the brushes,” laughed Jones. “Yes, it has happened and a big acrylic blue mustache was the result. We’re not going to name names …”
Chardonnay ‘N Canvas opened in downtown Easley on South Pendleton Street in May and the community response has been encouraging.
“Art is something that anyone can do,” said Willems. “You don’t have to be classically trained to produce something you’re proud of. We have a whole holiday series coming up with Santa paintings and holiday scenes. Giving a painting class — or a finished piece itself — is a fun and unique gift.”
In the spirit of giving back, Willems also has plans involving the area’s senior citizens.
“What I would like to do is find a local church or other organization to team up with to paint for local nursing homes,” said Willems. “The finished works could be donated to brighten up the halls and rooms for the residents.”
For more information on Chardonnay ‘N Canvas or to reserve a spot for a painting class visit www.chardonnay-n-canvas.myshopify.com.
