A Rarotonga art class aimed at nurturing creative skills over a chilled glass of wine is expanding into Aitutaki, with plans of ‘casting our net further afield’ to other Pa Enua in the coming year.

Coco Brush director Juanita-Louisa Karora said the business, which launched about six months ago in Rarotonga with weekly painting and wine classes in Rarotonga, will be taking its classes to Aitutaki for the first time from July 31 to August 11.

“Aitutaki is very special to us, being the place that our Mama is from,” Karora, who runs the business with her sisters, said.

“There is no reason for us to stop there. We have had others from the Pa Enua desire to try our classes and bring it to the outer islands, so we will be casting out net further afield in the coming year.”

The Aitutaki visit came about after Karora spread the word about wanting to take the art classes to the island, and got “some really encouraging feedback” from Tamanu Beach Resort and Air Rarotonga in return.

“[They] were happy to get on board and support our idea and we thought, ‘Yay, let’s run with it!’”

Karora said the two-week visit would include four free children’s classes as a way of “encouraging budding Cook Islands artists to express themselves through painting and drawing”, an opportunity not typically available to young people outside Rarotonga or overseas.

The adult classes added a “creative twist” to the dining scene, Karora said.

“The classes offer a relaxed atmosphere, where participants can enjoy painting while being surrounded by tropical-based images and inspired by vibrant island landscapes,” she said.

“In these two-hour fun-filled experiences, people come together to paint, dine, and connect in a unique artistic adventure.”

The business began in February with weekly classes at the Anchorage Restaurant and Bar, and the Waterline Restaurant.

“We have had so much fun doing what we love in the breathtaking backdrop of our island home, and we aspire to support the creativity of our younger generation,” Karora said.

“We have greatly appreciated the support for our creative venture. Local and tourist interest has been growing over the year.

“We have been trialling and testing to improve our services, and look at how best we can continue to provide our classes on the island."

The classes were well-received even by people who had never painted before, Karora said.

“[They] really enjoy the relaxed environment. It gives them an opportunity to try a new activity on the island if they aren’t too keen on the water.”

Those interested in taking part in the classes, either in Rarotonga or Aitutaki, could contact the business via email at cocobrushco.gmail.com or via social media at cocobrush on Facebook and cocobrushco on Instagram.