Bethlehem, PA Painting with a Twist Artists

Khadijah, aka Kali, is an artist from New York City who was just relocated to Pennsylvania in hopes of escaping the mundane "9-to-5" life that she has become so accustomed. She has always dreamed of helping people discover their inner artist and having fun while doing so. At a very young age, she and her twin brother, whom she is older by 2 minutes, discovered that they could both draw and that their gift would have to be utilize is some way in their lives. They both continued on throughout their education immersed in the arts, learning different techniques in drawing as well as trying new mediums. During her time at CUNY of Staten Island, Khadijah fell in love with painting, as she found it relaxing and enjoyable. She, alongside her twin and 2 college buddies, decided to create an art club at the college. They put together shows to display all of the members' work in the college gallery. The club existed for almost 4 years. After graduating she worked alongside a young lady in a shop where she focused on personalizing children's furniture and party favors. She continues to work on this on the side as well as developing her digital art skills. Khadijah hold 2 certificates in 2-D animation from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. In her spare time she enjoys cooking, listening to music, and traveling to new places!

Paige Pearsall graduated from Temple University with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Painting. She had fallen in love with the arts since a young age and has always found unique ways to express herself through her art…or by being that girl with bright blue or flaming red hair depending on the week. Painting quickly became Paige’s passion because it allows anything imaginable to be created. When she’s not covered in paint, she enjoys, tacos, ice cream, dancing and running to burn off the wine.

Alec is a Montgomery County Community College graduate, where he received his Associates Degree in Fine Art. He plans to continue his education within the field. Growing up Alec always had a creative side, but it wasn’t until high school that he became immersed in the world of art. He became so motivated by his work that he began skipping lunch to use the computer lab just so he could use the programs that he lacked at home to edit photos and create digital prints. By the end of his junior year, every paper he completed in math class was riddled with doodles. Alec classifies himself as a mixed media artist. “Why only master one aspect, when art is so much more?” To Alec art is a lifestyle, and everyone is an artist in their own way. In his free time he is an avid skateboarder, rollerblader and snowboarder. He also very much enjoys going to shows with friends and exploring the great outdoors.

Kelsey graduated with her Associates in Fine Arts from Northampton Community College and her Bachelors in Fine Arts with an Art Education K-12 Certification from Long Island University. She became interested in art as a sophomore in high school when she was asked on her first day of visual arts to simply “take off your shoe and draw it” on the day she decided to wear her checkered vans. Although drawing with charcoal, pencils, and pastels are her mediums of choice; Kelsey quickly picked up on painting, ceramics, and other art forms during her time away at college. In her spare time, she enjoys knitting, listening to audio books, and eating large amounts of tacos. She is a fan of all visual and performing arts, and is excited to be part of Painting with a Twist, Bethlehem!

Peggy has always loved art, so it was only natural for her to go to school for Art. Peggy received her Bachelors of Fine Arts from Arcadia University in 2003 and minored in Education, and studied abroad at the Glasgow School of Art in Scotland. Peggy told us that her "concentration was in ceramics only because you have to choose something, but honestly I really just enjoy making all kinds of art" In addition to working at PWAT, Peggy teaches the non-credit ceramic class at Northampton Community College, and children's art classes there as well. When Peggy is not teaching art, or paddle boarding, she is working at her full time job at a non-profit that provides mental health services. Peggy is excited to be at Painting with a Twist so that she can help everyone unlock their inner artist, and hopes to help others love art as much as she does!

Tammy (aka Gypsy) graduated from Cedar Crest College with a Bachelor Degree in Art Therapy. Making art has always been a way of life for her. Tammy relocated here to the Lehigh Valley from Fort Walton Beach, Florida where she worked for Painting with a Twist as an Art Instructor. She is thrilled to be back in the Lehigh Valley after being gone for nearly a decade. When she is not making art you can usually find her outside in nature or going to museums. Those are the things that most influence her art making. Tammy is super excited for you to get creative with her!

Tracy is a stay-at-home mom and a Girl Scout Leader. She’s from New York, and has been in the Lehigh Valley for over a decade. She attends Northampton Community College whenever her busy children’s schedule allows her to. Growing up, you’d find her reading, painting, or sketching characters in her notebook. Having young children has given her the opportunity to expand her creative side. She enjoys painting, arts and crafts, pottery, and sketching with them. On her free time, she enjoys to paints rock, color with her children, watch movies, and travel with her family. Tracy recovered her love of painting as a frequent customer at PWAT. What started as one of her favorite places to spend time with family and friends, is now a place she can share her love for PWAT and help you create fun memories!

Victor is a junior at Montclair State University. He is pursuing his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Product/Industrial Design, a competitive program that requires an extensive art portfolio. Product/Industrial Design is the aesthetic side of Design and a perfect combination of his skills and talents. Growing up with a family of artists, he fell in love with art and design at an early age, taking any and all art classes that came up in the Lehigh Valley. While at Freedom HS he really developed his artistic talents taking advanced art classes and being involved in the Art Club. His work still hangs in the High School and at the Education Center! In both high school and college, he has gained invaluable experience in many different mediums. He is passionate about Art and Design and he’s excited to join the PWAT team to teach his passion to everyone!