Help children enroll in arts camps at the Port Moody Arts Centre by picking up a paint brush - and by raising a glass of wine - at Paint It Forward.
The first session of the new philanthropic and social series starts on Saturday night under the tutelage of PMAC acrylics instructor Agata Teodorowicz.
"It will be a fun and wonderful meeting of art," said Teodorowicz, who aims to unleash the creative skills of the "shy" as well as the "confident" painters.
For her Aug. 9 workshop, Teodorowicz has prepared some samples to guide rookie artists through the process. She will offer demonstrations "and help people along the way. If you've never done any painting before, I guarantee you will have a very satisfying experience because I can teach anybody to paint."
Participants at the 19-plus event will be given a 12 x 16 canvas (plus an alcoholic or soda drink and appetizers) to make an image that they can take home.
Sandra Niven, PMAC's program and volunteer co-ordinator, hopes to see couples and groups of friends relaxing and having a night out.
She also hopes they'll remember where their money is going: bursaries to help children get into arts camps.
Niven cited a recent example of a young singer who couldn't afford to sign up for a five-day camp. "I think that's a huge shame that we don't have those funds available for our very talented kids," she said, adding, "Paint It Forward is our version of 'Pay It Forward' and we believe we have a great community that is very supportive."
Paint It Forward runs on Aug. 9 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. The cost is $40.50 per person or $75 per couple. Teodorowicz also hosts the second session on Sept. 27 while ceramics teacher Pauline Doyle leads a class on Oct. 18, painting instructor Kimberly Blackstock on Nov. 22 and wheelthrower Clive Tucker on Dec. 6. For tickets, call 604-931-2008.
