Cork & Chroma Is Melbourne's New BYO Art Studio

Aspiring artists and functioning alcoholics will both feel right at home in this brand new BYO art studio in Collingwood. Located on Smith Street, Cork & Chroma is a 'paint and sip' studio that embraces one of life's universal truths: everyone is more creative when they've had a little bit to drink.

Open evenings Wednesdays through Saturdays as well as Sunday afternoon, the studio is run by artist Hillary Wall along with her husband B.J. A visit costs $60 for a three-hour session, during which time an artist will run you through the basics of acrylics on canvas, before you're let lose to create a masterpiece of your own. Each class is themed — Parisian strolls, the faces of Frida Kahlo, and Vincent van Gogh's The Starry Night are some of the sessions already on offer — and they also host private functions and parties, if you're looking to make a mess with your friends.

Cork & Chroma started out in Brisbane, then made the jump to Sydney in 2016. Melbourne attendees can look forward to "a place where you can savour a wine and play with paint," explains Hillary. "We know that creativity and fun go hand in hand. And we think that the more fun you're having, the more creative you'll allow yourself to be."

Canvas, paints, brushes, easels and glassware all come provided, while they also have a selection of nibbles for purchase, including cheese, olives, chilli spiced nuts and chocolate brownies. All you need to bring is the liquid inspiration.

Find Cork and Chroma at 36 Smith Street, Collingwood from late October. Bookings are now available for classes from October 25 onwards — for more information. visit www.corkandchroma.com.au.

By Tom Clift and Sarah Ward.