Our Artists

Nichole Jefferyes (Owner and Artist) is from Clinton Iowa, and recently relocated to Lafayette, LA. She has a teaching degree from Mount St. Claire University. Nichole taught school for 11 years and decided to further her education by completing a degree in Home Interior Design. Nichole also studied art and theater. Painting being her true love, she opened her own art business in the Mid West area "Colors By Nicholetta" where she showcased her work at local businesses and did home interior design work along with commission pieces. Painting for causes is very important to Nichole she has painted for breast cancer awareness, heart health (Red Dress campaign), suicide awareness and child abuse. Hoping to bring awareness for these causes is truly in her heart and bringing a smile to someone's face is even better. Her other passion is acting. Nichole was involved in theater for many years! Performing in over 30 dinner theater productions, helping write, design and direct. Moving to Louisiana was very thrilling giving her an opportunity to meet new people and embrace the culture of this beautiful city. Nichole has been working at Painting with a Twist since March 2017 . Having the opportunity to own and work at Painting with a Twist has been very exciting, she loves the fun high energy and positivity that comes out of each class. Nichole also feels so honored to work with such a dynamic and talented staff.

?Abbigail Wilson is a lifetime resident of Lafayette, Louisiana. She is currently attending the University of Louisiana at Lafayette studying visual arts, with hopes of working in the field of animation after graduation. She started working at Painting with a Twist as a floor artist in November of 2016. She enjoys life drawing and experimental photography. Outside of the visual art realm, she plays piano and ukulele and is an active member of the local amateur radio community in Lafayette. Her favorite thing about working at Painting with a Twist is being able to share her lame puns with people and dancing (badly) around the studio during class. She hopes those who come to PWAT nervous about tackling a painting learn the freedom of creative art and walk away feeling like true artists.

Dawn was born and raised in New Iberia, LA and graduated from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a Bachelor's Degree in Visual Arts, Painting. She knew she wanted to work with art when she would attend PWAT classes once a month for almost 2 years and fell in love with painting. She loves to paint because it is relaxing and calming. Dawn joined our team February 2016. Her favorite thing about being an artist is helping others find their hidden talent and feel confident about their painting that they could do it and make it look great. Dawn is also a hairstylist at Jagged Edge Hair Studio in Broussard. She has one child, graduating high school soon and a pet dog. In her spare time, she enjoys making jewelry, reading historical romances and participates in local arts and craft shows.

Hey there, I'm Ginger Kelly and I live in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. I'm a glass artist, yes blown glass, mosaics and more. I always loved painting, in fact before I started working with glass, I painted during my college years and more. I am not a native of Louisiana, but I feel like one. Originally from Northern California, then living in Seattle for 20 years, I relocated to Louisiana in 2005 and Katrina did not chase me away. I show my glass work in galleries and at art shows in the south.

Sydney is originally from Cecilia, Louisiana. Sydney first knew she wanted to work with art when she took her first art class in high school. She is a student at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, majoring in Graphic Design and a member of Alpha Delta Pi. Sydney joined our staff in December 2015 as a floor artist. In her spare time, she enjoys drawing/painting, spending time with her friends, family and her dog. Her favorite things about being a part of Painting with a Twist are the wonderful customers, the fun free atmosphere, her co-workers, and of course her bosses.

Born and raised in New Iberia, Ashley is currently majoring in Visual Arts at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. She views art as not just a passion nor hobby, but rather a "living and breathing" lifestyle. Ashley enjoys everything 90's, RedBox movie nights, blaring music in her car and taking long strolls down trails in silence. Her love for Bob Ross' words, "Everyday is a good day when you paint," and "[painting] will bring a lot of good thoughts to your heart," come into play with her at Painting with a Twist, She has faith in all of Painting with a Twist's customers, and firmly believe that anyone can paint great things starting with patience and a good heart.

I was born and raised in beautiful South Louisiana where inspiration is found in every day landscape. Only here, do you find the richness of creole culture that is centered around warmth, family and good food. I am the youngest of three siblings with too many nieces and nephews to list, the wife of a wonderful husband and mother of two beautiful sons. Three months after our first child was born he left his earthly body to be with our heavenly father. During that short period of time that he spent with us, forever changed my heart. Throughout my life's journey I have experienced good and difficult seasons that have inspired my work. For as long as I can remember, art has been apart of my life. My formal training began in High School at Arts Academy and attending New Orleans Center for Creative Arts during the summer. My education continued in Colorado at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design. My life long goal is to inspire, continue to create and share my love of art.

Elyse started working at Painting with a Twist in May 2019. She has always been creative at heart. She started taking art classes when she was in second grade and continued doing so all throughout high school. She is currently studying Architecture at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. While Architecture isn't what most people picture when they think about art, Elyse decided that is what she wanted to major in because her other favorite subject is math. Going into college, she couldn't decide if she'd rather study art or math, so she chose what she thought would be the perfect balance of the two. Elyse enjoys spending time with her family and friends, volunteering for various events at school and in her community, and even making jewelry when time allows.

Hi there! I’m Erin. Born and raised in Patterson, I just recently relocated to the small town Delcambre. Art has kind of been my thing for longer than it hasn’t. I’ve had a love and appreciation for art since I was a kid, first with music where I played the saxophone for 7 years. Then, one day, I put down my instrument and picked up a paint brush…and I knew instantly that I loved to paint. I enjoy painting because it’s a creative outlet for me and allows me to unwind from the stresses of everyday life. I’ve been with my PWAT family since May of 2018 and have loved every second of it. My favorite thing about being an artist is being able to get to meet really awesome people and being an encourager to anyone that might think they are incapable of making beautiful artwork. When I’m not at PWAT, I am a payroll clerk for a construction company in Delcambre. Some of my hobbies (aside from painting) are: adventuring, crafting, cross-stitching, cooking, baking and taking bike rides around town. I’m excited that you’re here and hope to meet you soon! ?

Hey y'all! My name is Mary. I'm a lifetime resident of Broussard,La that recently relocated to St. Martinville, La . Since an early age I have been interested in art and doing some sort of painting. I grew up watching my Grandmother and Mother be successful oil painters. I enjoy art, it is something that can be shared with & connects all people in some shape or form. Art is merely an expression of who we are at our core. It's a freeing thing and extremely therapeutic. Belonging to the art community is an honor and fulfilling. Becoming a part of PWAT was just the icing on the cake. I have been apart of the team since March 2018 and look forward to many more years with PWAT. When I'm not at PWAT I'm at my office working on helping the lives of mentally and physically disabled population. On my off time I'm usually spending time with family, friends ,and my four legged kids. My life is simple yet beautiful

Rebecca has lived in Lafayette, Louisiana her whole life and grew up with an appreciation for painting. Her grandfather is a talented painter, and he introduced Rebecca to her love for watercolor before she even realized that painting would be her passion. Upon taking her first art class in high school, Rebecca soon learned that she had a knack for visual arts and began taking honors and AP art courses. She is currently attending the University of Louisiana at Lafayette to pursue a degree in Visual Arts while concentrating in painting. She is also minoring in psychology and hopes to achieve a master’s degree in Art Therapy. When she’s not in school, Rebecca enjoys drawing and painting in her free time as well as spending time with friends and family. Her favorite color is blue, and she’s mostly a dog person.