Alex

My driving force in life is art, in all its forms and I wear many hats as an artist. I am a painter, a photographer, certified art therapist, and most recently a soap maker! I live and breathe art. I've been a workshop style- teacher for over 14 years, and I love sharing my knowledge with others. I have been working at Painting With a Twist for over 7 years and absolutely love what I do! In my spare time I like to bake, hang out with my boyfriend and our dogs, go rocking climbing and watch movies. I can't wait to see you in one of my classes!

Artist Website

Andrea

Andrea is the owner of the Urbandale studio. Most of Andrea's professional career has involved editing for various magazines and marketing agencies ... and she dabbled in painting instruction as a fun side gig. Now she's happily replaced her red pen with a paintbrush, and leads the Painting with a Twist charge in the Des Moines Metro. She has degrees in journalism and art, and has traveled extensively to immerse herself in the art and cultures of many destinations. Her goals include providing central Iowa with the best painting experience in town and learning how to not get so much paint in her hair. Andrea lives in Des Moines with her giant dog, Zeus.

Carisa

Hi, I'm Carisa! Art has always been a part of my life. My passion is inspiring and encouraging others to be creative, so I am excited to do that at Painting with a Twist! I grew up in Swea City, Iowa, and graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Art Education. I was a middle school art teacher for 24 years. I love to paint with watercolor and acrylics, and enjoy creating illustrations. When I'm not teaching, I love to go on long walks while listening to podcasts, reading, and watching Star Wars and Marvel movies. I also enjoy spending time with my husband, two sons, and cat named Sheldon Cooper.

Jennifer

Hello, I'm Jenn! I am so excited to be a part of the Painting With a Twist family. I have my associates degree in fine arts as well as two years of art instruction at the University of Alabama where painting was my focus. We moved to Iowa a year ago after living in Alabama for 24 years and love it! My world is my hubby, four children and our dog and cat. I love to spend my time with family and friends. Painting is my passion and I am definitely in my happy place!

Justine

Hi, my name is Justine! My life has been full of the arts. From musicals, choir, band, jazz band and now we’re taking on painting! I’m a self-taught painter who really has fallen in love with creating. I graduated from UNI with a communications degree, and here we are teaching people how to paint and have fun. In my free time I love to play with makeup! Halloween is my favorite time of the year, because we all can play and be creative! I also am a psychic who loves to spend my time reading tarot and reiki healing!

Kortney

Hello, I am Kortney! I am from La Porte City, Iowa. I love to create with all mediums, but painting is my favorite. I am also a public school art teacher. I like to roller skate and spend time with my family, my dog Mya, and my cat Bailey.