A Co Tyrone artist has recently launched a quirky new business where she teaches groups to paint while enjoying a glass of wine.
Ellen Donohue from the Moy has set up shop at Clonoe Business Park and caters for groups, hen parties, team bonding sessions and more with her business, Design & Wine NI.
Following a successful launch night where 40 people gained an insight into the classes that she offers, Ellen told MyTyrone she is hoping to offer an alternative type of night out for people in the area.
She said: “I went on to do Art after school in Newcastle University, doing one year there and one year in Belfast.
“I always loved the idea of having an art class in the evening with a wee glass of wine.
“It’s a big thing for people to do over in America and Australia and places like that, so I thought why can’t I do that?
“I have my own art business and I specialise in murals for commercial and domestic, mostly for the hospitality industry.
“I was working in recruitment last year actually and had planned to go to New Zealand but the pandemic happened obviously and so I decided to go back to my art."
Ellen will also be using the studio as a gallery for other local artists to sell their art or products to people coming through.
She added that those who have attended so far have been surprised at how far their creative talents can go.
“Launch night was two Fridays ago and there were 40 people coming in and out and we had a good wee night.
“It was just about getting my name out there really and to give people an idea of what the classes are all about.
“It’s more about the night’s craic to be honest with you.
“The class itself lasts about two hours and I think everybody has been pretty pleased with themselves so far.
“People have come in and started off with stick men and walked out with their own wee masterpieces.”
