Learn to Paint While You Drink

What if you had the chance to savor the most delectable wines, while contemplating some of history's most famous classical artwork? Let me do you one better. What if you had the chance to hold the brush in your own hand, painting those renowned paintings while sipping local brands of Merlot?

Local artist group Van Gogh and Merlot are experts at holding these sorts of events. Their mission statement promises to help "individuals participate, share, and express themselves artistically"...all while holding a glass of vino in your hand and flourishing that little pinky. The idea was to help people understand that art is not reserved for those few blessed with true talent. Art is about expression, and Van Gogh and Merlot know just how to help you get those thoughts onto the canvas.

Classes are held in groups of 5-25 students, depending on day, price, and theme (some classes include live nude models, so parents beware). All artistic materials are provided, and drinks and snacks are typically up to the client (in other words, bring your own beer, my friends). Venues include Spokane's Luxe Coffee House, complete with a wine and beer bar; the Pasadena Ridge down in Spokane Valley; and pretty much anywhere with room for a canvas stand or two!

So! If you've a hankerin' for a drink, and you're feeling mighty da Vinci-ish, visit the Van Gogh and Merlot website, or take a look at the Facebook page to grab some inspiration.

Mobius Science Center

"Energy creates. Energy propels. Energy transforms. E=MSC."

Mobius Science Center (MSC), where free exploration of all things electronic, scientific, and wondrous is not only allowed, but encouraged. Expected to open for business on August 3, 2012, the official grand opening of this up-and-coming science museum is scheduled to happen sometime in early September. That's when the throngs of brooding high school students, science enthusiasts, and childlike parents will converge on Mobius. Why, you ask?

Uh, because of the Robotic Surgery station, of course. Complete with medical highlights, a one-a-kind interface, and role-play opportunities, this automaton creation will give even R2-D2 a run for his money. Not impressed yet? How about practicin' your jump shot at the Jump Time station. Show off your game, photograph that soon-to-be-famous action pose, and check out the scoreboard.

MSC will be featuring 75 various types of interactive exhibits, and more than 150 activity stations. Visitors of all ages can be sure that something will captivate their minds, exercise problem-solving skills, and create everlasting memories that will keep them coming back for more.

Located at 811 West Main Avenue in Spokane, Washington (right across from the Riverfront Mall), you can call 509.443.5669 for more information on Mobius Science Center, Mobius Kids Children's Museum, or Mobius Spokane in general. Sign up for memberships, summer camps, outreach programs, or learn about the scholarships offered.

4th of July Events

I can already see it: couples and families spread around the flowing waters at Riverfront Park. The delicious aroma of grilled meat, pastries, and and other edibles wafting its way enticingly past my nose. The sound of barking dogs, children's laughter, and park rides as they tilt and whirl with their trusting riders. And later on, of course, the sky will light up with the annual Larry H. Miller Fireworks Display in bedazzling colors that thunder through the air.

This is what the annual 4th of July Celebration at Riverfront Park can offer you. Wednesday, July 4 brings in the Spokane Jazz Orchestra beginning at 11am. The Numerica Credit Union Free Children's Meadow is a place for the kiddies to run crazy. Combine all of that with greasy, delicious foods, more great music, arts and crafts, park rides, and other family events, and you can be sure that Spokane will be celebrating the holiday in style. The aforementioned fireworks will light up around 10:30pm, so make sure to get some great seats. Admission and viewing of the fireworks are free, but for a couple of extra bucks ($8 to be exact), you can reserve a special place.

For more information on rides, events, or reserving a spot, ring up 509.625.6601, or visit the Riverfront Park official webpage.

The Blue Door Theatre

"Serving Spokane's Improv Needs Since 1996." This is the logo situated beneath the online banner of The Blue Door Theatre (BDT), the Inland Northwest's Premier Improv Company. Laying low in the heart of the Garland district, this tiny, intimate theater is bursting with ad lib talent and comical performances, all at the hands of local volunteers. Originally called Unexpected Productions: Spokane, it was founded in 1996 by Mark Robbins, who rented a variety of spaces to put on his shows every Friday night. Four years later, the company dropped into a more permanent residence in downtown Spokane and changed its name, so called because of the blue door entrance. 2002 saw another move happen, this time to its current location in the Garland district.

The BDT specializes in both long- and short-form improvisation. In addition to the evening productions, the company hosts adult and youth/teen improv classes that "introduce, emphasize, and reinforce the skills" that improvisation requires. Some students even transition to volunteers, helping around the theater, working admissions, and even performing on stage for both the general admission productions, and the Safari shows (fast-paced, wild, and not always suitable for all ages). Running $8 for general admission, and $7 for student, military, senior, and Safari shows, the shows are typically an hour long, perfect enough to grab a bite to eat after.

This month's special feature is called "Artsy Pants"; the audience draws little, unrelated caricatures before the show begins, and the players act them out, performing as historians sent to interpret the drawings. These shows happen every Friday night. If you plan on going, be sure to call ahead and schedule a reservation. Let the hilarity ensue!