Get ten ladies from a women's Bible study together in a room with paint brushes, Valentine's Day snacks, wine and beverages, mix them together and what do you get? Well, a stinkin' good time, that's what!
I had always wondered exactly what was behind the idea and I was honestly scared for the place when it opened on West 9 Mile Road in Ferndale. I figured it would be gone in six months, but I was definitely wrong. The idea is simple: Get a group of people together, choose a painting to recreate, add snacks and "BYOB" wine and beverages, mix it all together, and voila! As evidenced by the photo at the top of the page, everyone has their own take on a painting.
The wine was "BYOW," but you can bring just about anything you like. They provide some tiny snacks and silverware. I brought some dessert to contribute. Others brought wine, non-alcohol beverages, cookies, cheeses, cured sausage, etc. I wouldn't eat a full-on meal, but I'm sure you could probably pull off a pot luck! The rule was if you took yourself too seriously, you're supposed to take another sip of wine and reevaluate. (Wink.) Nobody was getting "drunk," but a nip and sip made the evening fun.
Overall I really have to say that the Ferndale Painting With a Twist has their stuff together! I would absolutely book a private party (minimum 10, prepaid individually or as a group online or in person) or take a couple friends to an open paint session. For Michigan folks, there are two locations, Ferndale and Farmington. Across the country there are over 55 locations in Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas and Utah. If you have a Painting With a Twist in your area, I highly suggest it... Even if you don't have an "artistic bone in your body," you can still make a painting you'd be happy to hang in your house.
Photos by Carrie except top, courtesy of Painting With a Twist Ferndale.













