What was a dance studio, and most recently a Christian bookstore, will soon become Renton's newest hub for art and wine lovers alike.

Bev Horn's new has rented the 1,900 square foot space at 913 S. Third St. for her new business venture, Arts-n-Carafes, billed as a "painting and sipping venue." Opening day is set for April 1. While the idea is new to Renton, it's already big on the east coast, Texas and throughout the south.

Formerly an advertising representative for Living Social, Horn got turned onto the idea of owning an art and wine venue after spotting a similar deal on the online coupon site. The whole idea of painting with friends and wine was right up her alley. She bought the deal, attended the class and decided that it might be time for a career change. "It was so fun," she said of the class, which she took back in January. "I decided to do what I love, and hopefully the money will come."

Horn has been in ad sales most of her life and owned a tanning salon/gift shop when she lived in Nebraska. She also remembers when her dad owned a bar from the time she was 14 through her adulthood, so she knows how important it is to start off a new business with a set plan. To prepare for her new career as a business owner, Horn Googled 'painting and drinking' to find other similar venues, contacted the owners and asked, "What do you wish you knew when you opened your business that you know now?"

"Some of (the business owners) were a wealth of knowledge," she said of the over-the-phone interviews.

Each class includes the first glass of wine (or other non-alcoholic beverage), snacks, canvass, painting supplies and instruction. Classes cost $40, and are $10 off through the month of April. Participants must be 21 and over. Arts-n-Carafes also offers private parties for groups of 10 or more.

Horn moved to Washington in 2006 and currently lives on Renton Hill. When asked why she chose downtown Renton to open her new venture, Horn noted the convenience, the central location between Tacoma and Seattle, the competitive lease rate and had heard that other downtown Renton business owners are welcoming and supportive of their neighbors. The only downside, she said, if lack of nearby parking and the one-way streets; however, her studio has one unique perk: there are two entrances: one on S. Third Street and one on Houser Way that backs up to the parking lot of the former Sticks and Stones restaurant.