ARTini, a new business on Noble Street, offers a place to take painting classes with local artists, with an added bonus — attendees can bring wine or beer to sip on while they paint.

In recent months similar businesses have popped up in Oxford (The Community Canvas) and on the square in Jacksonville (Art on the Rocks), making it something of a trend in Calhoun County these days.

ARTini, which opened in May, offers separate classes for adults and kids and is also available for group events and parties.

"We supply all the supplies, paints, brushes," said owner Heather Ray, 23. "The artist will walk the class through how to make the painting."

At the end of the class visitors will have their own painting to take home. It's open to all, Ray said, even those with little or no artistic experience. "Anyone who comes in could make a painting," she said.

For Ray, ARTini offers her the chance to combine two passions — her love of art and her desire to help downtown Anniston thrive.

"I love Noble Street, love it down here," she said.

Ray, a business student at Jacksonville State University, said she feels the heart of downtown Anniston offers the "perfect location," for her business and she wants to be a part of "drawing people to downtown," and revitalizing the area.

That fits well with her other job too, as she's also the manager of the Zinn Park Farmers Market for the Spirit of Anniston.

In the future Ray hopes ARTini will offer an advanced painting class and host a teen night once a month. The business is also able to host company parties and birthday parties, which can be catered by downtown restaurants.

Supporting local artists is also important to Ray — the storefront features a variety of local artists' work which is for sale on consignment. Ray sees it as a way to "help out the struggling artist.".

The business also sells blank canvases and other art supplies and comes equipped with a record player which can offer musical accompaniment to classes.

Anyone with fond memories of school art class should enjoy a night at ARTini, she said.

Ray said she thinks the aspect of "bring your own," alcohol adds to the fun.

"This is entertainment," she said. A night at ARTini can be more fun than going out to a nightclub or bar, partly because aspiring artists "get to take something home," at the end of the night, she said, adding it's "perfect for a first date."

The business will post a monthly calendar on its Web site and myspace page of the paintings that will be featured in class.

Want to go?

ARTini is at 1111 Noble St. and is open from 5 p.m.-10 p.m., Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Class begins at 7 p.m. Children's class is Saturday, 2-4 p.m. The regular cost for a class is $25 for adults and $15 for kids. Tuesday and Thursday classes in June are $15. Reservations are encouraged but not required

For more information:

• www.artinionnoble.com

• www.myspace.com/artinionnoble

• Call Heather Ray at (256) 282-3154.