Arts Around Redmond: Event Company Explores Art's Social Side

The very notion of creating art is intimidating to many people, but a glass of wine, some appetizers and a social atmosphere can be great motivators.

That’s the philosophy behind Art & Aperitifs, an initiative created by Gwen Maxwell-Williams and Sharon Benton that provides group classes in mixed media art. They hold events across the Eastside at wineries and private homes, where food and beverages co-mingle with an art project.

Arts & Apertifs, which began in January, caters to novices who may have never explored their artistic side or haven’t picked it up since high school, Maxwell-Williams said.

“(Some) have kind of just gotten away from it,” she said.

The mood at Art & Aperitifs events is both festive and relaxed, and that helps people open up to the idea of creating something, Maxwell-Williams said.

“People come into it knowing they don’t have to create a masterpiece,” she said.

For each event, Maxwell-Williams and Benton lead a group project that incorporates both paint and textiles, but participants are free to choose their own path, with instructors there to guide. Maxwell-Williams got into the craft initially through quilting 15 years ago, and has explored mixed media for the last decade.

“It’s a real passion and love for me,” she said. “It’s amazing when you add to the fabrics in different ways.”

Art & Aperitifs is best geared to a group of about six people, and each group can decide to provide its own food and beverages or leave it up to the instructors to host the party completely. The event often proves to be a bonding experience for family members or close friends, Maxwell-Williams said.

Plus, chances are good you’ll learn something.

“I think there’s so much to learn in art,” Maxwell-Williams said. “(Mixed media) makes a marriage of math, science and language. It’s all incorporated into the art process.”

Those interested in signing up for an Art & Aperitifs class can get in touch with Maxwell-Williams at art@artandaperitifs.com.