BY KAREN BOSSICK

“Nobody Dies in Art Class,” Elida Field contends.

And you can test that theory for yourself when the Hailey Public Library hosts a Read, Paint and Sip with Elida Field.

Field, a professional artist and author, will read from her newest book, “Nobody Dies in Art Class,” from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, at Hailey Town Center West. She will follow the reading up with a guided lesson in watercolor painting accompanied by wine and non-alcoholic drinks.

Field will also sign copies of her book, which will be available onsite.

The book offers art class as a prescription for living your best life. Taking art lessons can help those who feel stuck or unmotivated, feel like they’re just going through the motions or are unsure of what their next step should be, it contends.

Field learned the value of trying something new, whether it be traveling the world or salsa dancing, when she found herself newly divorced with three kids and no plan for how to provide for them. Against conventional wisdom, she started an art studio. And, soon, she realized that every art lesson was applicable to life.

Field teaches a monthly segment on Portland’s KATU Channel 2 called “Getting Artsy with Elida.” She also has led 27 European tours encompassing art instruction and is the owner of Elida Art Studio & Gallery in Camas, Wash.

Her mixed media and acrylic works have been featured in the White House, in commercial and private collections and on the cover of magazines.

Participants must be 16 or older. To sign up, email Alison.foudy@haileypubliclibrary.org.