“What are you doing for lunch?” Ashlee Johnson asked.

“Art,” Lorrie Freeman and Denise Allgood answered.

“Can I go?”

Johnson knew nothing about the Lunch Hour Paint Class at Rustic Linen on the square in downtown Troy. But, an hour or so later, she had enjoyed the company of friends, a cup of hot chili on a cold March day and had an art creation of her own to take home.

The Lunch Hour Paint Class is offered monthly at Rustic Linen and is taught by Alicia Leverette.

“The class is planned so that those who work can come during their lunch hour,” Leverette said. “But, those who want to stay and work longer are welcome to do so.”

Leverette said the class is designed for those who want to do something crafty and something that they can “master” in a short time.

“No prior art experience is necessary,” Leverette said. “The art projects are designed to be completed in a short time and completed successfully.”

On Wednesday, the art project focused on the Easter season. With Easter Sunday on April 21 this year, there is plenty of time to enjoy a bunny in the house.

Leverette had cut bunny shapes from wood and the ladies learned how to use chalk paint and how to distress chalk paint without becoming distressed.

“The class is fun and everyone had a piece of art to take home that they have crafted,” Leverette said.

When the rabbits were painted and distress, they were ready to be decorated.

Leverette had boxes of ribbons and bows and flowers of all kinds and colors.

Each lady decorated her rabbit according to her taste. Some of the ladies preferred heirloom adornments while others preferred rustic, country or elegant accessories.

While it took more than a few minutes to select just the right accessories, no one was in a rush to leave. They had found a new or renewed interest in arts and crafts.

“I want the classes to be fun and for each member of the class to leave with an art project they can be proud of,” Leverette said.

Each class is different. In February, the participants took home a weathered tin heart. Wednesday’s class members said they wished “I had done that!”

There is a fee for each class that includes the materials for the project, a light lunch and the instruction.

For more information about the Lunch Hour Paint Class, email leverette.alicia@gmail.com.