Have you ever desired to allow your inner Van Gogh loose on canvas—if only for one night? What if you could bring along a fine merlot and a dozen of your favorite friends? That is the basic business concept at Corks N Canvas: deceptively simple—and fantastically successful.

While the concept of instructional art is hardly new, the process of surrounding the art experience with friends, wine and a lively instructor is rather novel. And this brainchild of Cathy Deano and Renee Malony has received rave reviews from art aficionados and novices alike. They founded the conceptual art experience following Katrina. In less than two years, their initial studio in Old Mandeville has blossomed into three locations within metro New Orleans and another in Baton Rouge. Better yet, they have begun franchising their turn-key art academy and sold two franchises last month. Several more franchisees are under review… per chance a national art explosion is now originating from right here on the northshore!

THE...

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It is an interesting question: are we drawn to the land by our heritage as farmers? Is the idea of picking our own fruit simply a romantic notion… or just an easy means for local farmers to cut back on their labor costs? Perhaps it works both ways.

 

Many northshore families have begun to sojourn to the “parish” in search of perfect berries. A picking excursion is a sure-fire way to build family memories and encourage our children to experience the land. Oh, and fresh strawberries are pretty great as well.

 

Since the early 1990s, Americans have been slowly increasing our consumption of fruit with slightly more than half being processed fruit and approximately 45% being fresh fruit. USDA reports that half of all Americans eat a fruit serving every day; but that we generally get only about half the fruit volume recommended by the friendly food pyramid that our school counselors once taught us. Most fruit is consumed by those under 5 or over 70. Except of course if you happen...

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