In early October, painters created their own “Harvest Blue” pumpkins. Photo by Tonya Gonzales

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - Frosty the Snowman might be a “fairy tale” they say, but if you pick up an artist’s brush and paint him onto an 11x14 blank canvas, he might magically come to life, just in time for you to take him home.

That’s the idea behind “Snow Much Joy,” a fun paint party hosted by local artist Tonya Gonzales from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Dec. 10 at the Citrus Heights Café and Grill, 6215 Sunrise Blvd., Citrus Heights where first-time, watercolor artists can get into the holiday spirit. 

First-time watercolor artists can get into the holiday spirit at “Snow Much Joy.” Photo courtesy of Tonya Gonzales

Painted “with a corncob pipe and a button nose and two eyes made out of coal,” you too might begin to dance around like Frosty once your own snowman is done.

This is the third painting party that Gonzales has hosted in the open banquet seating area of the Citrus Heights Café and Grill. Her first was in early October where painters created “Harvest Blue” pumpkins. She’s hoping to continue to build on that success, attracting both new and returning registrants.

Seating for the December painting party is limited to 20. Participants are seated along both sides of a long table that is designed to encourage active conversation, Gonzales said.

Participants are seated along both sides of a long table, which is designed to encourage active conversation. Photo by Tonya Gonzales

Typically, the open banquet area of the Citrus Heights Café is set aside for community group meetings.

Small pots of colorful watercolor paints and a blank canvas are placed before the artists so they are quickly able to begin.

While the colorful design of the snowman is suggested in a sample painting, each artist is generally free to interpret the project in their own distinctive way, Gonzales said. 

“I love to see what they create,” Gonzales said. “There’s plenty of conversation and collaboration taking place. Along the way, they form new friendships and share ideas.”

Tonya Gonzales, a fitness and health and wellness coach now in her 60s, continues to follow her passion as a painter. Photo courtesy of Tonya Gonzales

Complimentary coffee and tea are provided.

Gonzales, a fitness and health and wellness coach now in her 60s, continues to follow her passion as a painter and is taking art classes at Sierra College.

She provides easy to follow step-by-step instructions to each painter when they check in at a registration table. Individual sequenced steps describe how to paint a background, blend colors and add details.

This is the third painting party that Tonya Gonzales has hosted in the open banquet seating area of the Citrus Heights Café and Grill. Photo by Thomas J. Sullivan

“The party’s theme, ‘So Much Joy,’ provides an opportunity for people this holiday season to come together, be creative and just have fun,” Gonzales said.

No previous artistic experience is necessary, “just bring your enthusiasm, creativity and imagination,” she said. 

Take a moment and catch Frosty while you can. Participants are urged to pre-pay Gonzales in advance through a Venmo account. Call Gonzales at 530-613-9007 or email [email protected] to RSVP.