Project Human X holds paint and sip class at Blue Sky Vineyard, looks ahead to paint class at Bald Knob Cross

MAKANDA, Ill. (KBSI) – “Another beautiful Sunday in the books.” 

And this one at Blue Sky Vineyard in Makanda, where more than three dozen people created their own masterpiece during Project Human X’s Paint and Sip. 

Class leader and Project Human X Co-Founder Marquez Scoggin said the choice of painting was very intentional. 

“Every time you look at beaches right, they bring that relaxing, calm, fun feeling, right, so we’re at Blue Sky, we’ve got a nice blue sky in the painting, and some palm trees, so yeah, we’re painting some happy little trees tonight. It was perfect for this summer,” he said.

And there was plenty of that relaxing, calm, fun feeling in the room.

“I love the art that they have in this space, so it’s such a great place to come and create, but yeah, it’s been a beautiful evening, a lot of great energy in the room, and I love creating with this community,” Scoggin said. 

Bria Beckenbach has been working at Blue Sky for about a year and a half, and while she hasn’t been able to participate in the class, she said having these sorts of events benefits the community, Blue Sky and other wineries in the area. 

“It’s very nice. I love seeing everyone’s artistic abilities and being able to just freely have a get-together with their friends and family and paint and enjoy some good wine,” she said.

Next Saturday, Project Human X will return to Bald Knob Cross in Alto Pass for a paint class. 

“It’s a symbol of peace and love,” Scoggin said of the cross. “It’s all about bringing people together, and that’s exactly what the cross does.” 

The paint class at the cross will run from noon to 3 p.m., and all ages are welcome.