Local Entrepreneurs Launch Art Studio—With a ‘Twist’

Aspiring to bring a new kind of art to Pittsburgh, local entrepreneurs Nicole and Jamie Orlando are about to open a Painting with a Twist of Pittsburgh West, a new place where friends come together to paint, drink wine and discover their inner artist.

A pioneer in the Paint and Sip industry, Painting with a Twist, located at 5994 Steubenville Pike, Suite G, in Chiodo’s Plaza in Robinson Township, is part of a fast-growing national franchise that provides guests a unique "getaway" through art.

A Painting with a Twist class includes friends, paint and the option to BYOB. Led by local art instructors, guests paint on bare 16-by-20-inch canvases using paint and brushes provided by the studio. 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.

All it took was one trip to a Painting with a Twist location for Nicole to fall in love with the concept. Captivated by the unique concept and strong charitable arm, Painting with a Purpose, Nicole, along with her husband Jamie, made it their mission to bring the creative concept to Pittsburgh.

“Our new studio is designed to provide guests with a fun night out—a chance to escape from reality,” said Orlando. “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 Pittsburgh is passionate about supporting their local community.

With the Painting with a Purpose program, Painting with a Twist of Pittsburgh donates at least 50 percent of their proceeds to local non-profit organizations every month. The first Painting with a Purpose event is scheduled for May 19, to benefit the local non-profit Animal Friends, a no-kill animal shelter based in Pittsburgh.

In addition to supporting the local community, Painting with a Twist of Pittsburgh also offers private parties for corporate outings, bachelorette parties, sorority functions, date nights and special events. The studio is able to accommodate up to 85 people—50 people in the main room and 35 people in the party room —per gathering, making painting accessible for a few friends or a private party.

Painting with a Twist of Pittsburgh is open Tuesday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m. and during scheduled class times, and can be reached at 412-787-PWAT (7928). For more information, click here. 

Information for this provided by Amy Heredia, Fishman Public Relations

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