By Lindsay Starr Platt, Harker Heights Evening Star

Karin Wilson opened her own business on May 31, 2012 when she bought her own franchise of Painting with a Twist® and opened the studio in Harker Heights.

“I fell in love with the concept when I discovered Painting with a Twist® in Austin.  While unemployed and looking for new opportunities I researched opening a franchise closer to my home.” said Wilson. “I was unhappy in the corporate world.”

With the ongoing success of her first business, Wilson opened a second location on August 15, 2013 in Temple, Texas.

“Not your average Art Classes – It’s Fun art, not fine art.” remarked Wilson. “Painting with a Twist® is the answer! Bring your favorite bottle of wine or beverage, invite your friends, and enjoy step-by-step instruction with our experienced and enthusiastic local artist. You’ll leave with a one-of-a-kind creation and a new found talent you’ll want to explore.”

Painting with a Twist® allows people a different venue to have some fun, get together with friends and family as well as explore their own creative side.

Wilson said. “For cost of $35 or $45, a person can have an evening of relaxing fun and leave with a painting to hang on their wall or give as a gift. More than that, they will leave feeling better about themselves than when they arrived. It’s a hands-on therapeutic activity when customers mix together “a little bit of paint, a little bit of wine, and a whole lot of fun in the right atmosphere!”

Painting with a Twist offers a variety of images to appeal to the varied audience in Central Texas.  It is a relaxing environment with fun music, awesome artists and a wonderful place to get together with friends and family as well as meet new people.

“We have wonderful customers who enjoy themselves and bring friends to share the experience.  We provide private party opportunities, couples nights, ladies nights, and children’s classes.  Truly there is something for everyone.” Wilson said. “Whether it’s our weekday coffee & canvas classes, our kid’s classes and private parties, or our signature evening events, our customers are leaving with a smile, a painting, and having made great memories.”

Not only does Painting with a Twist® provide a creative and fun outlet for you to have a good time. They also give back to the community with monthly fundraisers designated as Painting with a Purpose (PWAP).  If you see an event that has PWAP in the title, they donate 50% of each seat sold to that charity.  They have given to local charities such as Scott and White Foundation, Junior League, Santa’s Workshop, Team RWB, Fort Hood Area Habitat for Humanity as well as national charities including Wounded Warrior Project, Vera Bradley Foundation, American Cancer Society and Susan G Komen Foundation.

“All of my artist employees have truly been blessings.  Each artist brings a special something to their classes.  Without them I couldn’t have been successful.  Jane, Kirstin, Andii, Shelbylee, Miriah, Megan, Rocky and Brad, you are the best!” commented Wilson.

“ A little bit of Paint, A little bit of Wine and a whole lot of FUN!!!” Painting with a Twist®, motto.

“With the success of the Harker Heights studio, I was looking to expand and the next area that I thought would enjoy such an awesome concept was Temple.”

The Temple studio, located at 7348 West Adams Avenue will be celebrating their two year anniversary this Saturday.

“We are in a developing area and are located in the Westfield Market Place (Temple),” commented Wilson. “While this has been an exciting three plus years, I am currently focuses on making these two studios the best the can be before considering any future expansions.”

Phone: (254) 393-0182 / (254) 228-5548

Hours of operation: Office hours are Monday through Friday 1 – 5 p.m., please visit the website for class times.

Website: www.paintingwithatwist.com/harker-heights or www.paintingwithatwist.com/temple