Santa Clarita’s Painting with a Twist has new ownership. Long-time residents and art collectors Bobette Laureano and Joe Visconti have purchased the paint-and-sip studio, hoping to reenergize it as a must-visit destination for creative locals. The two took over operations in early February and officially closed on escrow proceedings in the beginning of May. They currently run between seven and nine wine and paint classes each week, Wednesday through Sunday. The Painting with a Twist franchise has served Santa Clarita since May 2017. Where previous owners focused solely on 16×20 inch canvas art, Laureano said she plans to include other sizes and mediums, including 12×12, 10×30, 24×36 and 16×20, as well as wood panels. “I think it helps us compete in a growing market. The (do-it-yourself) industry is really growing,” she said. “Just in our valley alone there are eight to 10 DIY franchises. Having different surfaces will give us the opportunity to grow our business and reach (new) demographics.” Another distinguishing factor is that Painting with a Twist has two studio rooms: one is licensed as a full bar for patrons ages 21 and up, while the other is an all-ages room for toddlers or infants. “That’s a huge benefit to us that a lot of other locations don’t have. We can do kids’ birthday parties, camps and different things that reach the entire community,” Laureano said. Beyond her appreciation for fine art, Laureano has a personal connection to Painting with a Twist’s business model of productive, creative entertainment. She’s currently working towards her Ph.D. in industrial and organizational psychology at Grand Canyon University and is writing her dissertation on “what makes people happy and relaxed.” She has found considerable overlap between her studies and her new business venture. “Entertainment value is a big part of it,” she said. “Life is hectic. There has to be a way for people to relax, unwind and create memories that they wouldn’t by just going to a bar and having drinks. People want to put something in that time to make it meaningful.”
