Ayla has always loved art. With a B.A. in Fine Arts, Ayla is well versed in painting, drawing, sculpting and multimedia. After completing college she still continues to create and currently runs her own Life casting studio. Ayla has worked for Painting with a Twist since 2018 and loves what she does. Her favorite paintings to teach are girlfriend art and loves to get the class laughing. Friendly, funny, and patient.
Jake believes that everyone is an artist, some people just practice more than others. His art education started, like everyone’s, in his highchair with fistfuls of pureed peas and carrots. He later studied Art and Music Education at Rowan University in his homeland of New Jersey. He has dabbled in a multitude of traditional and unconventional media and hopes to never stop finding new ways to produce art. Jake delights in empowering others' creativity and loves that at PWAT the power to create is just a brush stroke (and maybe a beverage or two) away. He strives to have every twister leave the studio with a creation they are proud of, a fresh dose of confidence, and a chuckle on their lips.
Jenn was born in Pennsylvania, but has lived in Middletown most of her life, so she considers herself a local. Arts and crafts have always been part of her life. She is a UD alum with a Bachelor's in Fine Arts and has participated in three shows. Jenn considers herself a history buff and draws her inspiration from her favorite artists, Edward Hopper and Claude Monet. Along with painting, she also favors photography and sewing/needlecraft. A fun fact, Jenn's favorite things to draw are chickens, ever since her family got them as pets. She is excited to be part of the PWAT Team, to be able extend the artist' experience to everyone who wants to get in touch with their creative side.
Lina is an artist, born in Lithuania, and has lived and worked in the Greater Philadelphia area since coming to United States in 2001. She came to the U.S. as a student attending West Chester University, and has come to make her home in the Greater Philadelphia area with her husband and two children. Her recent artwork has been inspired by portraits, pop culture, her surrounding community, and her children's interests. She uses both acrylic and oil paints to create pieces that include people, places, movie themes, Philadelphia sports teams, and other local interests. As a young artist growing up in her native Lithuania, Lina was often called upon to use her unique skills in school projects that range from party invitations to prop design for school plays. Still one of her proudest accomplishments and largest projects thus far is when she painted a mural roughly 8’x10’ of characters from her childhood story books. These types of opportunities early in life gave her the freedom to express herself and develop her skills that show in her work today. Fun Fact. Lina loves cross-country skiing and taking care of my gardens and plants. She hopes to share her passion and love for art with others, and help guide our Twisters through a positive/memorable experience that they will continue to enjoy and participate in for years to come.
Melissa is from Elkton, MD. She has some college art training. She hopes to give our Twisters a journey into their creative heart!
Initially, some of us feel nervous to try something new. The courage and dedication devoted to mastering our talents is certainly a huge part of Sarah's art. This self-taught artist comes to us from Edgewood, Maryland. Her love for fantasy art has led her to paint in large scales, often depicting dragons in scenic environments. For Sarah, the Painting with a Twist experience is an escape in which people find it easy to have fun and connect with each other.
Steph is a Delaware transplant, originally from Rochester, NY and a previously self-proclaimed non-artist. After a 25 year career in Corporate America, she is now a co-owner, with husband Bill, and a firm believer that anyone can find their inner artist, all it takes is great instructor and a stress-free, fun environment! When not in the studio, she loves spending time with family, including son Jake, family and friends & the beach or on the water is her happy place! Steph loves getting to know our Twisters and bringing PWAT art to the community! There is nothing better than the smiles at the end of an event, when our guests leave with a masterpiece they love!
Wysteria is a self taught artist from Pennsylvania and comes from a family of fellow artists and creatives. She specializes in multimedia dolls and acrylic painting. Wysteria adores adding an air of whimsy or cuteness to her work, though she has fallen into the wonderful world of horror. So if you are a horror fan, you may recognize her face in a random indi horror film or two! Wysteria is a variable Alice in Wonderland so to speak. Painting and creating provides Wysteria a feeling of enjoyment that she is unable to find elsewhere. She feels peaceful, connected and capable. Wysteria feels a sense of freedom, with the opportunity to paint anything. She believes that an artist isn't measured by their skills, background or abilities, but by sitting down and doing it. Whatever it is, do the thing, make the art. Then you ARE an artist. She wants to share that feeling of joy with others, and at PWAT she can!