Sip and paint, crochet a blanket or just have lunch.
Crush It on Canvas in Carrollton invites folks to unleash their inner artist whether by painting an octopus, creating a wooden flower succulent or making a candle with the kids or pup.
Crush It has sold more than 350 tickets to classes and events since opening in early January as a brick-and-mortar business.
“Human connection is our foundation,” said owner Darsey Whitlow, a former art teacher for Norfolk Public Schools with a fine arts degree from Old Dominion University. “We really care. That means helping our participants feel safe.”
Perhaps the most unique aspect of the business is its location. The 2,400-square-foot building with ample patio space is just east of Jeb the Butcher and across the street from Cone Slingers on Route 17.
The bedroom community is the fastest growing in Isle of Wight County, said Kristi Sutphin, director of the Department of Economic Development. Recent commercial development includes a Publix, Royal Farms and Langley Federal Credit Union branch.
Sutphin said small businesses such as Whitlow’s, which used to be a mobile business, are equally important. Whitlow considered downtown or Northern Suffolk but feels at home in Carrollton.
“Some people still think of this area as country bumpkins, but they don’t know until they come out here,” she said.
Smithfield resident Debbie Sivertson never considered herself an artist but one paint-and-sip class introduced her to an addictive hobby.
“Darsey can meet you where you are,” she said. “She sets the tone for positivity.”
As for the food, Sivertson will grab something to eat, “whether I’m hungry or not.”
Whitlow sources much of the cuisine locally, including country ham biscuits from Surry’s Creekside Smokehouse. Almost all the recipes come from her father, Nicholas Renz, a longtime area chef whose meatloaf earned acclaim on an episode of “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.” Fresh chicken salad on a homemade butter biscuit topped with pickled onions is a favorite. Chef Mary Taylor’s kitchen boasts a convection oven but no fryer. The chocolate chip cookie recipe is hers.
Whitlow’s dream to open an arts organization began a little more than a year ago.
The Norfolk native changed career paths four years ago after her son, Rowen, was born with hip dysplasia. He spent his first 10 months wearing a harness and brace and Whitlow left teaching to care for him. When she was ready to return two years later, her husband, Brandon, urged her to set up a shop.
The storefront allows Whitlow to have art classes for home-schooled children and formal drawing and painting classes. Coffee with Creatives is one community class that encourages participants at all levels to work together. It even has a group chat going.
“We’re like a family,” Whitlow said.
She’s planning to expand the outdoor space, host cornhole tournaments and incorporate more wine tastings and food pairings. She’d like to expand along the East Coast.
“Coming here is about using a different part of your brain and experimenting and using your hands. It doesn’t have to be something you’re going to hang on the wall forever.”
