I grew up in Texas and Louisiana and have been doodling on stuff and playing with art supplies as long as I can remember. I received a Bachelor's Degree in Art Education with a concentration in Ceramics from McNeese State University in 2007. I went straight into teaching in the public school system and then hopped on the AWESOME crazy train that is PWAT-Lake Charles in August of 2012 as the Studio Manager. I love everything about art and Painting With a Twist's concept of making it accessible and enjoyable to anyone and everyone! Lake Charles is a great community and one of my favorite aspects about working at PWAT is our community involvement through our monthly Painting with a Purpose classes, and volunteering at local events like ArtsFest, Children's Fun Day, Rouge et Blanc, etc.

Hello, I'm Ryan, born and raised in the great city of New Orleans where I learned I had an obsession with art and culture. I have done many types of art over the past 25 years. I love spending all my free time with my kids and encouraging them to become creative individuals. I relocated to Lake Charles in 2008 to finish my Marketing degree and have been with PWAT since 2015. “The object of art is not to reproduce reality, but to create a reality of the same intensity.” Alberto Giacometti

Anna is a natural people person with a true passion for art, which means you leave her class not only with an incredible painting, but with memories filled with laughter and fun times as well! Her upbeat personality and positive energy is contagious, and you can't help but have a good time when you sign up for one of her classes! A Lake Charles downtown native, Anna has an Art degree with a concentration in printmaking from McNeese State University. Anna is a board member of the Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana. She has three years of experience working at Painting with a Twist! "Your smile is your logo, your personality is your business card, how you leave others feeling after having an experience with you becomes your trademark."

Born here in Lake Charles my small town roots run deep... Graduate of St. Loius High my focus was always in the arts which I continued while attending Sowela Technical College earning a diploma in Culinary Arts. Still immersed in sketching, painting, sculpting or crafting edible creations I've always loved art in every medium. With this new venture I have been given a job that joins a passion I've had for a lifetime with my community which I love. Included in that community are my family; my loving, supportive fiancé, my amazing son, my extended family & friends who have become family. I started out as a PWAT patron sharing the wonderful experience with friends & family; now I get to be part of the experience. I'm so very proud to be an addition to this amazingly, talented team at Painting with a Twist where you come to realize there is an artist in each & every one of us.

Hey guys! My name is Emily! I was born and raised in Savannah, Georgia and moved to Lake Charles for highschool. I'm an avid artist, dancer and writer! I love Kpop, costume and prop making, and writing horror stories. Some of the locals may know me from Lost Hollows, as I volunteer there during October as "Junior" I also adore animals, though I've a bias for cats, as I have two and they're spoiled babies. My mission is to create a fun and relaxed atmosphere, where people can create memories they'll remember for life, at Painting with a Twist, and help teach the world more about art and how fun it can be, even if you've never picked up a brush before!

Hello, my name is Jakoby Smith. I am a Lake Charles native recently returned after my venture at the University of Louisiana in Lafayette where I received my degree in Fine Arts! Geaux Cajuns! I’m big on the aspect of individuality and creativity and want to create an environment where you can utilize the unique abilities that God has blessed you with!

Hi, y'all, I'm Jobi Arceneaux! I'm a SWLA native who loves to draw inspiration from my southern roots and share it with others. I've studied art both at the University of Louisiana Monroe and McNeese State University. I also do private events and commissioned pieces trough Jobi Arceneaux Art and Design on Facebook! I have a whole lot of artsy sass that you'll enjoy passing a good time with while finding your inner artist!

Hey y’all, I am Lacey Ponder! I am a small town girl born and raised in Sulphur, Louisiana. After graduating high school I attended SOWELA Technical Community College and received my degree in Graphic Art. Since I was a little girl I have been in love with all forms of art such as dancing, painting, acting, sewing, and even singing! I absolutely love art and hope to never stop learning new ways to do art. My dream is to become a Disney Princess and live in the happiest place on earth but until then Painting with a Twist is the next best thing! Working at Painting with a Twist has helped me realize how much I love sharing my passion for art. Every time I am in the studio my goal is to empower people and create an atmosphere of fun!