Whether you consider yourself an artist or not, everyone needs a creative outlet from time to time.  Write, paint, dance, bake- the options are endless, especially in a place like the Bay Area.  If you’re looking for something to spark your artistic side, here are some of my favorite creative activities in the Bay Area.

1. Canvas and Cabernet

I was a little hesitant when I signed up for the ‘paint and sip’ workshop at Canvas and Cabernet.  The paintings on the online calendar looked detailed- and way beyond my skill set.  My painting experience has been limited to watercolors as a kid in kindergarten.  I was skeptical that my painting would even resemble the example, but I figured, why the hell not?  There would be wine and at the very least, KT and I would get a good laugh out of it.

Turns out the class format is super easy to follow along with- or I’m an artistic genius.  Since I’m pretty sure I’m not Picasso, you’ll be able to do it too.  With staff to lead you through each of the steps, before you know it an image starts forming in front of you.  And if you’re not one for following directions, I saw several people freestyling on color choices and improvising their way through the design.

Fellas, this is a solid cute date opportunity.  If you’re in the dog house or want to score some brownie points, grab your lady and head to the nearest paint and sip event.  If you don’t believe me, I’ve got proof.  Midway through the class, a young couple walked by the studio.  The girl said, “Baaaaaabe!?!  This looks sooo fun!”  His response- “Umm, yea baaaaabe???  There’s no guys in there!!?!”  I’d bet good money she dragged him back to that class at some point.  As KT and I walked to the car, freshly painted canvases in hand, we passed another two couples on the street.   Both times, the women nudged their guys and said how much they wanted to try the class.  The first guy was young- he looked traumatized by the thought.  The second was an old man; he sighed, looked resigned and shrugged.   Clearly he knew this was a battle he’d lose.  Happy wife, happy life.

2. Petroglyph

TK invited a group of the ladies to Petroglyph Ceramic Lounge for her birthday, for a painting party.  A low key art studio space, you can pick from hundreds of ceramics to paint.  I collect tea pots, so that was an easy choice for me.  If you reserve space, they’ll prepare a table for you and your guests.  They also allow you to bring in food and wine, so you can make a party of it.

3. Rhythm and Motion

My favorite dance studio in the Bay Area, Rhythm and Motion has something for everyone.  Whether you want to learn modern, ballet, salsa or Afro Caribbean- this is the spot.  I have been going to the Afro Brazilian class at Rhythm and Motion off and on for more than a decade.  Taught by Tania, a tiny Brazilian powerhouse, set to live drumming- you will get your full and entire life in this class.   When I was going three days a week, I dropped twenty pounds in this class.   I’ve also taken great salsa, Afro Cuban, and workout classes there.  Rhythm and Motion is a come-as-you-are studio.  Whether you’re a trained dancer or have two left feet, you can simply do you.   Don’t be intimidated if you drop in on a Saturday and people seem to magically know the routines- many are regulars, they’ve had practice! 😉

4. Rachel Dunn Chocolate

I loved Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as a kid.  Chocolate rivers, treats that never lose flavor, gum that tastes like a three-course meal; a magical place with more candy than you could imagine.  What’s not to love??   Stumbling across a chocolate making class at Rachel Dunn Chocolate (an actual chocolate factory!?), I knew I needed to make the trip to Concord to check it out.

If you know me or have been following my growing list of food and wine posts, it shouldn’t be a surprise that I managed to sneak both wine and chocolate into my artistic activities.  Consider it a bonus 😉  Turns out the class we took was more of a chocolate decorating class, as the chocolate is already made.  We learned how to dip and decorate various types of chocolate and left with plates we created.

I’d say this is another potential cute date opportunity- as long as you’re not embarrassed to let your date see you looking like the cafeteria lady.  Hair nets, smocks and gloves are required for this workshop.  If that sounds like too much for a date, grab a couple of your girls and go be cute cafeteria ladies with them.

5. Circus Center

If you’re a thrill seeker, have an adventurous spirit or ever dreamed about running away to join the circus- this one is for you.  I signed up for the Flying Trapeze class at Circus Center in San Francisco.   For some reason, I couldn’t find a friend to sign up with me (can’t imagine why).  Undeterred, I woke up bright and early, dressed in workout clothes and headed for my class.  As a gymnast from age six to fourteen, I suppose the idea of flying through the air has never really left me.  I wasn’t sure what to expect but I was excited all the same.

We got a quick lesson on the basics: how to hold the bar, how to hook our knees on the bar and hang upside down.  When it was time to climb the ladder, it got real.  If you’re scared of heights, this probably isn’t for you.  One person tapped out after the climb up the ladder to the trapeze platform.

I’ll say this, when you grab that bar and jump off the platform, wind whips past your face and you move fast.  It was equal parts terrifying and exhilarating.

I’ve never jumped out of a plane or gone bungee jumping (and don’t plan to) but I imagine it’s a similar adrenaline rush.  I doubt I’ll do it again, but it was all types of awesome.

So that’s it for my list.  At least for now- I’ve got cooking, aerial yoga and photography classes on my list of things to try next…

Okay fam, what are your favorite creative outlets??