By EMILY REED / Special to the Reporter

CHELSEA – Painting can be soothing for both the mind and soul, and Chelsea art instructor Chris Cruz hopes to inspire creativity in others with her weekly art classes.

“I moved to Alabama from south Florida about three months ago where I had been teaching art for more than 25 years,” Cruz said. “I enjoy giving women the sense of community and the ability to take time out of their busy lives to do something enjoyable and fun. When I came to Birmingham, I went to the Chelsea Community Center and inquired about how I could go about renting a space to offer art classes.”

Cruz has been teaching classes every Tuesday beginning at 10 a.m. until noon for the last month, and looks forward to continuing the classes for the community.

Those interested pay $25, and Cruz provides brushes, canvases, paint, and instructions and techniques for creating a work of art.

“The goal is for people to come and have a good time, while also being able to take something beautiful home to hang on their wall,” Cruz said.

While most of the class members are currently women, Cruz said men are also welcome to attend.

“The idea behind creating an outlet for women to come together and spend two hours painting was due to the fact that I feel women sometimes are always last on the list to take care of themselves. This is a way for them to come together with other women, and enjoy creating something.”

The classes are also open to any age group, and any level artist or painter.

“I specialize in teaching people technique,” Cruz said. “When they go to a class, even though everyone does the same project, I am actually holding the person’s hand teaching them how to brush, so that each week they get a little bit better.”

Class members also cover a variety of mediums such as watercolors, acrylics, and mixed media.

Cruz also offers options for private groups that might be interested in hosting a paint party for businesses, women’s groups, or friends.

For more information about the classes, visit www.chriscruzdesigns.com, by emailing at chriscruzdesigns@gmail.com or by calling (954) 608-7220.