Creole Canvas in Picayune is providing a venue for children and adults to build on their creative and artistic nature through structured and fun classes.

Co-owners Joanie and Travis Thomas opened the business in late October of last year, holding their first official class on Halloween.

Joanie said she and her husband decided to open the business in Picayune because they saw a need for a place where people can enjoy creating art. Classes focus on attendees following along with one of the businesses instructors as they create a piece of art, either in the form of a painting on canvas or painting a cutout piece of wood or aluminum.

While Travis has a background in art, Joanie’s background in event planning and nursing have helped the business come together. Because both of them have full time jobs, the business is currently only open during booked events, but Joanie said that she has some friends who help run the business when her schedule is booked.

“This is something kind of like our love child,” Joanie said.

One of those friends used to run a similar business in a nearby town.

“We all came together and decided to offer something fun to do,” Joanie said.

She described the classes as simple art programs at affordable prices.

Starting last week, the business began offering weekly open sessions where people interested in painting could just walk in from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and engage in one of the programs. Joanie said open sessions will be offered each Thursday between those hours. Their primary business is providing private parties to groups of six or more. She hopes to be able to offer open sessions during the day on the weekends, but details are still in the works. The evening hours on the weekends will be reserved for private party bookings.

While she does require a minimum of 6 people to attend a private event, Creole Canvas can accommodate up to 35 people. If the customer wishes, she can provide wine for the adult events. And instead of a canvas painting, customers can request custom wood or aluminum cutouts or door hangers to paint during their session. However, Joanie said she needs about four days prior notice so the cutouts can be made.

Creole Canvas also offers painting events for children’s parties, and soon the owners plan to offer date nights.