By James Feichtner
Plenty of painting classes offer an opportunity for individuals to learn how to paint works of art, but how many of those places let you do it while enjoying a glass of wine in the process? Opening soon in Carmel, Painting with a Twist is a unique painting franchise that allows people with little to no artistic background to paint a piece of art that they can be proud to hang in their homes.
“The bottom line is, we want you to like your painting,” Carmel’s Painting with a Twist co-owner Jeanne Shirley said. “We want you to go home and hang [your painting]up. We want you to have a great time and we want you to enjoy doing art again. I have never seen anybody sit there without a smile at some point.”
The idea of the business is to make fine art “fun” art, leaving participants loving their works of art while also enjoying the creative process over a drink.
Participants will be guided by one of five artists step by step to paint various pictures using acrylic paint. Classes are open to the public and include family and children’s classes, as well as 18 and older evening classes. Private classes can also be arranged, with two rooms to accommodate up to 24 and 46 people.
Another unique feature of the franchise is its devotion to charitable events. Each month, every PWAT location participates in an event called Painting with a Purpose where a local charity or nonprofit benefits from 50 percent of each location’s event earnings. With more than 190 franchises, the funds raised add up.
“Every franchise owner is required to do an event, once a month,” said Shirley. “And I can’t wait to do my first one (in Carmel). That is huge. I think we’ve surpassed a million dollars.”
Aside from wine, the location will offer beer, soda, coffee and small food items for purchase. The location is expected to be at 301 E. Carmel Drive, Building A – 500, right next McNamara Florist.
For more information on Painting With a Twist, visit http://paintingwithatwist.com/
