2 weeks Ago
A former teacher is bringing a new type of night out to Ramsbottom next month. Emily Jackson, 32, set up Cork and Canvas "sip and paint" events four years ago, offering people the chance to enjoy a guided step-by-step painting class while socialising. She has since found massive success hosting across Manchester, however, she has now decided to expand to her hometown.
Emily said: “I’m so excited about coming back to Rammy. "We like to keep the classes fun and create a space where people can get to know each other. “Some come along in groups, some come alone and leave with new friends, which is ideal for those who maybe have just moved to the area.
It’s really heart-warming to see. “I know a group of people from my very first event who still go out and do things together.” Cork and Canvas began as a “side project” alongside her job as an art and design teacher working with young people at Hideout Youth Zone in Manchester.
Emily said: “As I got older, I got bored of just going out for drinks. My friends and I did try axe throwing and other things. “When it comes to art, most people I spoke to hadn’t picked up a paintbrush since they were in high school.
The two festive specials will be held in The Old Bank cafe bar (Image: supplied/Gary Brown) “I recognised that there was a gap in the market and used my background to set up the business . “It has been amazing and we host hen parties, baby showers and everything in between.” Emily’s work was soon recognised by Jenna Meeks, a Manchester-based entrepreneur and CEO of viral beauty brand, Refy and she pivoted to provide corporate teambuilding sessions alongside the classes.
She added: “I sent a message out to residents where I used to live in Manchester about the classes and got a reply from Jenna. “We met up and arranged for me to run an away day with her team. I was blown away.
She is an amazing woman and really champions other women in business. “I was in my 20s and just starting out but she believed in me and gave me a chance to do my first ever corporate event. “After that, it all moved so fast and my inbox was flooded with team building day requests.
Within three months, I’d quit my job to focus on the business.” She hosts regular sold-out events at Freight Island, Cutting Room Square and New Century in Manchester and will be bringing the popular classes to Ramsbottom. The two-hour festive specials will take place on Tuesday, December 10 and Wednesday, December 11 from 7pm at The Old Bank café and bar.
They are suitable for people from all skill levels, from beginners to experienced crafters. Each ticket includes materials and two complimentary drinks and can create a snowy festive scene with teachers on hand to offer support. Initially, Emily only intended to host one festive class in the town but tickets quickly sold out, so she added a second date to help meet the demand.
She added: “Since my mission has been to inspire those who haven't picked up a paintbrush in years to rediscover their artistic flair, what better way to do that than through a cosy winter painting session?” From January, she will continue to host the monthly "sip and paint" events in Ramsbottom and hopes to expand to Prestwich and Stockport in the future. Tickets range from £14.99 to £29.
99 per person and can be found at corkandcanvas.co.uk.
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