Local Entrepreneurial Team to Launch Brooklyn's First Art Studio...with a 'Twist'

Aspiring to bring an entertainment option that offers a new creative outlet to New York City, sisters-in-law Suzette and Felicia Riley will open Painting with a Twist, a place where friends come together to paint, drink wine and discover their inner artist, on Monday, September 14, 2015.

Painting with a Twist of Brooklyn – Cobble Hill is part of a fast-growing national franchise that provides guests a unique ‘getaway’ through art. Led by local art instructors, guests paint on bare 16” by 20” canvases using paint and brushes provided by the studio. At Painting with a Twist, guests are able to disconnect from everyday life, enjoy good music, wine or beer, and create unique, personal masterpieces they can take to their homes or gift to others. The artwork ranges from landscapes, abstracts and cityscapes, to creative renderings of animals, iconic buildings and florals. Friends gather for an evening of laughs, creativity and camaraderie as they create one-of-a-kind pieces of art to take home and, often, discover a newfound talent.

After the Riley’s tried their first Painting with a Twist class, they both fell in love with the business concept. The duo opened their first location in Suzette’s hometown of Lawrenceville, Georgia in late 2012. After experiencing extreme success in Lawrenceville, they decided to open Painting with a Twist’s first New York City location in Brooklyn, where Felicia currently resides. The pair is thrilled to introduce the city’s most populous borough to the therapeutic and social studio.

“The new studio is designed to provide guests with a fun night out and a chance to escape from reality,” said Felicia. “We are offering lighthearted entertainment that merges creativity and a social gathering where friends come together to create memorable pieces of artwork.”

Although the concept of paint-and-sip has been around for years, Painting with a Twist founders Cathy Deano and Renee Maloney have perfected it into a successful business formula. As the art and wine trend continues to pick up steam, Painting with a Twist, the pioneer in the Paint and Sip segment, has both guests and franchisees alike lining up at the doors.

In keeping with the founders’ fundraising roots, Painting with a Twist of Brooklyn is passionate about supporting the local community. With the Painting with a Purpose program, Painting with a Twist of Brooklyn donates 50 percent of their proceeds to local organizations and charities.

In addition to supporting the local community, Painting with a Twist of Brooklyn offers private parties for corporate outings, bachelorette parties, sorority functions, date nights and special events. The studio is able to accommodate up to 40 people per gathering with one large room that can hold 25, and a private room that seats 15 – making painting accessible for a few friends or a private party.

Painting with a Twist of Brooklyn – Cobble Hill, located at 228 Smith St. in Brooklyn, is open during scheduled class times and holds office hours 1:00 – 6:00 p.m. The studio can be reached at (347) 987-3178. For more information, please visit www.paintingwithatwist.com/brooklyn.