Our Artists

Tennessee native, Momma of 3, foodie, and hobby artist, Amber has been finding ways to recreate the beauty of the world around her since before she could remember. Her passion for art led her to receive her art degree from Southern Virginia University, and pursue paths of teaching, marketing, and creating works of art. Amber's great love for color shows through her bubbly and charming artwork, as well as her and her children's names! Dabbling in all mediums, and always down for crafts, Amber believes there is always something new to be discovered and loves learning just as much as she loves teaching. Amber will be sure to put you at ease in front of the easel, make sure you have an unforgettably fun experience painting, and always leave having learned something new!

Amy Brauer is a Chattanooga native who loves making art, cooking, and throwing parties. An art teacher by day, she enjoys teaching at PWAT for fun, which is pretty much exactly like her day job, except with wine instead of grades. (So, in fact, not really like her day job at all. Close enough.) When she’s not teaching art somewhere, she’s probably hanging out in the backyard with her fella Corban and their kiddo, Briony.

Carig is a local artist living in Chattanooga. A lifetime lover and creator of art, he seeks to share in creativity and fun with people all over the world.

Picasso once said, "Every child is born an artist. The problem is how to remain one once we grow up." As a teacher of the gifted, this was a simple mantra of inspiration for Donnie’s students and for him as their teacher. Last year he retired from teaching but still relishes in inspiring others to nurture their creative spirit while “painting with a twist!” Born in West Palm Beach, he later grew up among the beautiful slopes of Western North Carolina. He never lost his connection with the ocean and feels equally in tune with the forests and streams of the Blue Ridge Mountains. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in general studio with an emphasis in drawing and sculpture from Berea College then later returned to school for a Master of Arts degree in education from Tusculum College. Retirement begins a new chapter in life that includes time to create art, laugh and sing, play and listen to music, tend garden, and spend time with his family. Paint with a Twist is a perfect fit for the young at heart, and he is so happy to share the love of creating art.

Emily went to art school at UTC and made it out with a Painting and Drawing Degree. Her studio practice revolves around painting out in the landscape, but she also spends time indoors making digital animations inspired by music she’s into. In her free time you can find her cookin’ up something new in the kitchen, messing around on her guitar or spending an extra hour (or three) in bed because her cat won’t get off of her.

Jim is new to Chattanooga and is enjoying all of the beauty and creativity of Scenic City. Having spent the first part of his life as a teacher Jim is currently working in construction as a Measure Tech and cabinet installer. Jim has always enjoyed drawing and illustration, “It all started with comic books for me, “ Jim says, “Creating new heroes, new worlds, allowing my imagination to let me take something I see in my mind, put it on paper, and share it with others.” Jim is also a writer. He majored in Communications and Writing. He worked for several years as a Journalist and Editor for a small town newspaper. Jim took a lot of the pictures and did some cartooning and graphic design work for the small town paper. On his bucket list is completing one or two of the many children’s illustrated books he has started. Spending more time painting is also on the list. His passion for teaching came from helping children and adults attempt “something they didn’t think they could do” and step by step overcome their fears and “do it”. Always fearful and anxious about mathematics Jim learned to enjoy it as he spent three years teaching elementary math to 5th graders. “Somehow it wasn’t so scary anymore,” said Jim, “As I helped a group of students enjoy learning about decimals, fractions, and percentages. He hopes to bring this joy of discovery to painting. Teaching is my passion, I love being in front of a group, and helping them try something new or learn something new. Of course, I enjoy having a good time. In cooking everything may be better with butter, but in life I find that most things are improved upon with laughter.” Jim hopes to bring this love of learning and laughter to our studio and join the party at Painting with a Twist.

Katie was born in Orlando, Florida and moved to Chattanooga when she was 9 years old. Her passion for creating art began in elementary school, drawing characters in her free time. She started painting in early high school, and is now a senior working towards a degree in Arts Education at UTC.

Born and raised in the Tennessee mountains, Tori’s passion for art started in elementary school arts and crafts. She loves painting and being involved with art projects. She attends two colleges, AVHA for her cosmetology license, and Chattanooga state for nursing. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her fiancé Cody, and their German Shepherd puppy, Hank. She also enjoys the outdoors, and being with her family. Tori is here to insure you have a great time here at painting with a twist and to give your blank canvas life!