The spirit behind the Portside Arts Center always has been to strengthen the relationship between the arts and the community.

By providing art instruction and classes for children, teens and adults in mediums ranging from drawing and painting to mosaics and screen printing, founder Kim Creighton, her staff and volunteers have helped contribute positively to the neighborhood.

Whether it's after-school programs or a large event like the Lehigh Avenue Arts Festival, Portside has proven to be a leader in shaping and nurturing the community's growing arts scene. Now, Portside Arts Center will be taking that mission one step further with a new take on their Ladies Wine and Art Night, held each Friday.

The Ladies Wine and Art Night is no new endeavor for Portside. In fact, it was among the first initiatives to reach out to the neighborhood that Creighton took when she started the arts center almost two years ago. Previously held at the arts center's building at Lehigh Avenue and Belgrade Street, the event drew a crowd of friends, mothers who have children in art classes at Portside, and anyone else with an interest in meeting new people and doing something creative.

Creighton's new plan is to team up with local businesses by hosting the event in their spaces.

For the month of November, O'Reilly's Pub, Lehigh and Frankford avenues, will be hosting the Friday night events. Last Friday, the ladies were joined by local artist Andrew Christman, who provided instruction on Chinese brush painting techniques, while O'Reilly's provided an array of appetizers and drink specials.

Starting in December, Creighton will move the weekly event to a different local business each Friday. Portside will bring the crowd and art supplies, while the venue will stand by with snacks and other goodies.

"For the businesses that participate with us," Creighton said, "they're helping us help them. We'll be bringing new people into their area and into a restaurant they might not usually go to."

So far, a few businesses have expressed interest. The first event in December will likely be held at Port Richmond's Cassizzi's Pizzeria and Ristorante at Belgrade and Clearfield streets. No word yet on what the art project will be that night, but Creighton is urging community input and suggestions, whether you're an experienced artist that wants to lend a hand teaching a technique or a budding artist who would like to learn something new.

"We play it by ear and see what people want. We don't just make this stuff up," Creighton said.

One recent suggestion has been to extend the invitation to men. Creighton is gathering ideas for art projects that serve both sexes, such as cooking workshops and wine tasting. While the event will remain a female-focused event, a place for women to come spend time with other women who have similar interests, the occasional co-ed night might be scheduled.

This Friday, a singing instructor will be on hand at O'Reilly's Pub to teach art night attendees a few voice tricks before they get behind the karaoke mike. On Nov. 20, Creighton and the Portside ladies will be making holiday cards using stamping techniques. Each of the classes requires a RSVP by at least 4 p.m. on the day of the event and usually a small fee for supplies.

Creighton personally looks forward to the event as a way to spend time with her friends and meet new ones: "When the ladies get together, they form friendships. Someone would bring a pie and someone else would bring a cheese tray. It's always really nice and relaxing."

So rather than staying cooped up at home while the weather takes a cold turn, get your friends together and learn valuable art skills for gift making, home decorating, or just for fun.

See Portside Arts Center's Web site, portsideartscenter.com, for details on upcoming Ladies Wine and Art nights.**