Dear Twist Family,
The past few weeks have stretched us in ways we didn’t expect, in the best possible sense. Between running the studio, building something new, and tackling projects that felt just out of reach, we were reminded how much it matters when people step in at the right moment.
Recently, my dad stepped in to help us with a project we simply did not have the time or resources to take on ourselves. It was one of those moments where help showed up exactly when it was needed, and it made a real difference. I’m incredibly thankful for that support.
But what stood out to me is that this sense of gratitude hasn’t only come from family. It’s also come from the people who have found their way to Painting with a Twist.
As many of you know, we put on large scale murder mystery events. They are immersive, fun, and honestly a little wild, but they also take an enormous amount of work. We write the full storyline, design and build all the clues, many of which are truly escape room level, create original artwork for the night, and manage countless details you would never think about until you are hosting an event like this.
To be completely honest, I’m not sure I could keep up with creating these evenings on my own.
That’s where this community stepped in.
A group of five or six people who attended a previous event, loved it, and shared the vision of making it even better offered to help. This includes Brooke Eisen, a local indie author who has been helping write and shape the story behind the murder mystery. I’ve been genuinely overwhelmed by how incredible they have been. Their attention to detail, their care, and the thought they have put into every aspect has been amazing. They will be attending the upcoming event as the Night Court and helping ensure the night runs smoothly.
They agreed to help in exchange for services at Painting with a Twist, but what they have given has gone far beyond that.
Just last night, three of them were at the studio. The meeting itself lasted a couple of hours, but afterward I got to watch them sit, talk, laugh, and enjoy each other’s company all the way until close. I don’t think they realize how much that meant to us.
My wife and I aren’t from Pennsylvania. We don’t have family here, and if you’re from PA, you know that most free time is spent with family, which can leave newcomers feeling isolated. We have wonderful friends, but I’ve had to admit that friendship isn’t always the same as community.
Watching these people show up not because they had to, but because they love this place, love being together, and believe in the idea made me realize something important.
This is a community forming.
It may be small right now, but it’s real. And in a world that often feels chaotic and disconnected, it’s a reminder that we can still choose to gather, to build something together, and to show up for one another across different backgrounds and walks of life.
I can honestly say I’ve found that here. And that feels especially meaningful because it’s exactly how Painting with a Twist began. After a hurricane devastated New Orleans, the founders hosted painting classes for their community, sometimes using car headlights to light the space, because even when everything else was gone, people still had art and each other.
That spirit is still here.
We would love for you to be part of it.
If you made it this far, use SAPPYOWNERS for five dollars off your next booking.
P.S. If you haven’t signed up for the murder mystery yet, registration will be closing soon so we can finalize roles. Even if you haven’t read the books, come hang out. It’s open bar, food, and a really great night.
Jason and Dea Propst
Owners