Painting with a Twist a hit in Lewes
A little paint, a little wine and a whole lot of fun.
That's the goal of Lewes' newest business, Painting with a Twist.
The business is part of a New Orleans-based franchise with more than 200 locations nationwide, offering step-by-step painting classes paired with complementary beer and wine.
"Painting with a Twist has a wonderful way of helping you just... let go of everything," said Lania Peterson, who co-owns the Lewes studio with her husband John.
"When you're here, you aren't thinking about work, or paying bills or what your kids are up to. You are living in the moment and creating something with your hands. It's incredibly rewarding."
The couple recently moved to the Cape Region from Pennsylvania, after visiting the area for a number of years. Their daughter is a teacher in the Indian River School District and their son-in-law used to work at the Dover Air Force Base, she said.
They had no prior experience before attending a Painting with a Twist event in Pittsburgh, but one night was enough to change their lives.
"We just thought it was a blast," John Peterson said. "And the more we talked about it, the more we thought, 'why not open our own studio?' "
Painting with a Twist in Lewes is located on the northbound side of Route 1 in Ocean One Plaza. The 2,400-square-foot space features two painting areas — a large open room that accommodates nearly 50 people and a private room that can hold up to 24 people.
In addition to offering an artistic outlet to the community, Painting with a Twist in Lewes has provided steady work for a number of local artists as instructors.
"That's something we are really pleased about," she said.
The studio offers public and private classes for office parties, birthdays, date nights, corporate team building opportunities, bridal showers, bachelorette parties and more. There are two large televisions on opposite sides of the studio so every painter can easily see what the teacher is doing in the front of the class.
Two hour classes are $40, three hour classes are $50 and kids pay $25, Lania said. Complementary beer and wine are provided for adults, and guests are encouraged to bring prepared snack foods.
Classes are offered during the day, on nights and weekends. The schedule is posted and updated regularly on Painting with a Twist Lewes' website and Facebook page.
Painting with a Twist will also offer several "Painting with a Purpose" classes, benefiting local charities. Half of the proceeds from the upcoming April 28 class will benefit Spring for SIDS.
Opening such a place was a no-brainer, John said.
"It's everything we could ever want," he said. "It's rewarding, relaxing work and it gives us a chance to be with family, friends and bring something of value to the community.”
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