BYOB art studio opening in Arlington Heights

A new BYOB art studio is opening soon in downtown Arlington Heights.

Bottle & Bottega will open at 10 W. Campbell St. early next month, and owner Chris Bonk said he plans to hold painting classes every day of the week. The concept is one that has become popular of late - get a group of friends or co-workers together, bring some food and a bottle of wine, and walk away with a painting, the design of which changes from night to night.

A three-hour time slot starts with about an hour of socializing followed by two hours of painting. Bottle & Bottega provides the paint, brushes, aprons and professional instructors, Bonk said.

"It's like a night out as opposed to an official art instruction," Bonk said. "It is becoming something that's a trend."

Bonk said they will also do corporate team-building events at a company's building or in the new studio.

A public class will cost about $35 per person, while private events may be more, depending on the date and time.

The new Bottle & Bottega is located next to Vanessa's Modern Bride, 12 W. Campbell St., which Bonk said will help for cross-promotion because the painting nights are often popular for bachelorette or bridal parties.

While similar studios primarily attract a female demographic, Bonk said he wants to have theme nights such as sports or superheros to bring in more men.

As a longtime suburban resident, Bonk said he is looking forward to being a part of the local business community.

"Arlington Heights has been very welcoming," said Bonk, a Prospect High School graduate who now lives in Palatine. "I think it's a great area. It's a vibrant downtown that's getting better every year. I wanted to be a part of that scene and give back to my community, too."

After spending 32 years working in advertising in Chicago, Bonk said he wanted to get back to his fine arts roots and try something new.

"At my age, I also wanted to be my own boss," he said.

Bonk has done significant renovations to the space, which used to be a clothes boutique, including adding a fireplace and a lounge along with the painting tables.

"We want you to feel like you're in an artists's loft, that's the vibe we're trying for," he said.

Bottle & Bottega is a national franchise that also has studios in Chicago, Evanston, Glen Ellyn and LaGrange.