Learning Bar, Chicago

Paint Sip Relax doesn't just want to bring people together; it also wants to expand their minds. In this spirit, the playful educational organization curates a set of different hands-on workshops for adults, as well as the occasional special event, throughout the year. In painting classes, for example, an expert art instructor helps participants complete a 16"x20" painting or a delicate wine glass, teaching color-blending and the uses of different tools along the way. In sushi-rolling workshops, a local chef explains where to find authentic Japanese cooking equipment and ingredients in order to craft elaborate rolls. Alternatively, the urban gardening class shows folks how to cultivate fruits, vegetables, and herbs in tight spaces, from a small backyard to a fire escape. Almost every class is BYOB, and all are held in an interactive, informal setting.