Painting with a Twist to Open New Location in Kennesaw

Painting with a Twist will have its grand opening on Aug. 12, and owner Laura Alford can hardly wait.

Located at 1635 Old Highway 41 in the Barrett Commons Shopping Center, the 1,700-square-foot space can accommodate 60 people and will house four artists.

“That’s what makes our studio different from others,” Alford said of the artists." She added that they also copyright all artwork used, and creations change daily.

Paint, canvas, and brushes are provided, as is an experienced and enthusiastic local artist, who leads step by step through the process of re-creating the featured artwork. At the end of the evening, participants have a one-of-a-kind creation and a newfound talent, Alford said. Prices are $35 for a two-hour session and $45 for three hours.

Would-be Picassos can bring their own drinks and snacks and make a party of it, said Alford, who left her job as a paralegal to start the business.

“I loved it the first time I did it, and I wanted to be in a business to uplift women,” said Alford, adding her target market is women between the ages of 22 and 70. “They spend their lives working and raising children, and art is a fabulous catalyst to reconnecting.”

There are currently 57 franchises across the U.S., said Alford, including one in LaGrange. They also offer kids’ classes on Saturdays and a family day once a month. Birthdays, bachelorette parties and girls’ nights out are popular, as is the ability to take the art to assisted living centers for seniors in the area.

Amy Casserly, studio manager, said they also have “painting with a purpose”–where the studio gives 50 percent back to a non-profit each month. They will host a fundraiser for the Susan Komen Foundation on Aug. 21, followed by one in September for the March of Dimes and in October for the Homeless Pet Foundation.

A calendar of events, classes and art themes can be found on their website, www.paintingwithatwist.com/kennesaw, or by calling 770-528-9998.