New Business Eyes Strongsville: Wine and Canvas

An Indianapolis-based business that brings people together to paint while enjoying food and drink is seeking to open a studio in Strongsville.

Wine and Canvas would operate from a 2,400-square-foot studio, with seating for up to 104 people, at 14773 Pearl Rd., in the Strongsville Plaza, near Head over Heels Gymnastics.

The company offers everyday people a chance to get together to paint a picture while relaxing with a cocktails, said Joanne Rhodes, who owns the Cleveland/Akron franchise with Liz Coram.

"It's for anybody," Rhodes said. "It's not for artists -- it's for average people."

The franchise has been running here since last August, doing "away" shows -- private events and parties hosted by area businesses where guests are invited to don a smock and dab away at a canvas, trying to reproduce a specific picture.

With the studio, Wine and Canvas can add regular sessions. People could sign up on their own or with friends to spend an evening eating, drinking and painting.

Rhodes said the restaurant would serve simple fare like cheese platters, sandwiches and soups, but the business would have a liquor license. Food and beverages are purchased separately, she said.

She said the Strongsville studio would have two rooms, one of which would be used for a Cookies and Canvas kids' painting studio.

The business still needs to win several city approvals before it can proceed. Several other businesses that tried to open in the Strongsville Plaza recently -- including a Japanese buffet and a Chinese takeout restaurant -- could not overcome parking deficiencies. 

Also in the plaza are Bilo's, Old Carolina Barbecue and Elevated Fitness.