Painted Cork has been a hit with locals who want to unleash their inner artist with the help of a glass of wine or two.

Opened in June, owner Kimberly Godinho originally planned to open a paint studio for both kids and adults, but when she received a liquor license for her business, she decided to make it strictly for adults.

“I’m thrilled to have brought this to Sacramento,” Godinho said. “It’s a lot of fun and it’s affordable.”

Senior communications major Brittany Mastin was referred by her mother to try a class.

“I have never been artistic in any way, and I thought it would be interesting to see what the outcome would be,” Mastin said. “The website made it even more appealing with its promises of no needed experience and a guaranteed finished painting that looks like the original.”

Mastin said she found the class to be both fun and challenging at the same time.

“The instructor tells you what to do step-by-step and by the end you have actually painted a piece of art all by yourself,” Mastin said. “It gives you such a sense of pride. They mean it when they say ‘No experience needed.’ I would highly recommend this to anyone.”

Customers attending the classes, which sell out quickly, are welcome to bring their own beverage of choice and snacks to enjoy.

During which, instructors take students through the process of painting and participate with them. These instructors are working, educated and professional artists who teach the class the right types of paint, strokes and brushes to use when painting.

“Every person has their own style; how heavy they want the paint, how they blend the paints, having bright colors compared to darker colors,” Godinho said. “When looking at the finished pieces, everyone’s style pops out.”

Godinho said customers can paint anything from flowers to landscapes to Vincent Van Gogh’s famous “Starry Night” painting.

All selected paintings taught in class are presented and hung up on the wall of the studio. Some are original pieces created by Godinho, while the others are well known paintings by professional artists.

Godinho said that private parties are popular for groups to reserve. The studio has enough room for up to 45 people to paint. Groups range anywhere from a ladies’ night out, team building exercises for companies, birthday parties, bridal showers and bachelorette parties.

Class prices range from $35 a person for a two hour class to $45 a person for a three hour class. For themed nights, it’s $25 a class.

Godinho says these prices are reasonable and a great deal, because it’s a lot cheaper than going out to buy all the products you would need to paint.

Sac State alumna Bri McGee attended the class with Mastin at The Painted Cork and said it was one of the best experiences she’s had.

“It was the perfect atmosphere— wine, music and art,” McGee said. “I actually think it would make a great couples activity because it’s a different way to spend time together.”

The Painted Cork offers classes for couples and date nights, where couples create two paintings that merge to form one big landscape portrait.

Godinho said she opened The Painted Cork to witness the enjoyment customers have with their completed painting.

“I have so much joy when I’m watching people who have never picked up a paint brush in their lives and walk out with an awesome masterpiece,” Godinho said. “Some of these people don’t realize how much talent they really have. Wine is just the cherry on top of the cake, but their artwork is what really makes me happy.”

Sammie Moreno can be reached at [email protected]