Our Columbia, SC Painting with a Twist Artists

Kat

Co-Owner of Painting with a Twist Columbia with her darling husband of 39 years, Ron! As an Air Force brat, she's travelled all over, moving 8 times before she was 15. Her grandmother was, and mother is an artist, so she was surrounded by art at a young age and grew to love painting, ceramics, knitting, collage and even playing guitar. She worked in radio for 10 years in Montgomery, Alabama as a morning and evening DJ and ended up on talk radio hosting her own call-in show. She co-hosted a cable TV show called, "Rise and Shine" and did TV and radio commercials as well as voice-over work for an agency that did "talking houses". She spent seven years in banking, starting off as a teller and ending up as V.P. in charge of sales. One of her favorite jobs though, was as Music Director for a church preschool. She directed 2 musicals a year and led 3 - 5 year olds in dancing and singing! It was a fun time and she never knew what they would do once on stage! She loves working with kids and knows how quickly they learn, especially when things are presented in a fun and interesting way! She has painted murals for school libraries, churches and nurse's offices. Teachers told her that their students would "fake" being sick just so they could watch her paint! She paints on pretty much everything she can get her hands on like walls, windows, car windows, bricks, pottery, rocks, wood and fabric. If you stand still too long, she might paint on you as well! Since 2000, she has been painting Retablos (folks art depictions of Saints on wood) and sells them in New Mexico. She has been in galleries in Taos, Chimayo, Rancho De Taos, and currently sells her work in Arroyo Seco, at "Santos Y Mas". Featured in "Retablos -From the Heart and Soul" exhibit at Martinez Hacienda-part of the Taos Museum Registry: December 9, 2018 - January 7, 2019 Kathy has 9 original paintings in the Painting with a Twist Art Library. "There is great joy in creating art. To be able to help people unlock their creative talents and remove the fear of a blank canvas is so much fun! I can't wait to meet you and help you find your inner artist!"

Kellie

Kellie was born & bred right here in the midlands. Art became a light for her in 7th grade when she was introduced to photography & a darkroom. Through school she learned to love drawing and later painting. Kellie is a DIY girl at heart and loves to share her passion for art with others. She has been teaching elementary art for 23 years and enjoys the excitement children have as they learn. When she isn’t making art or teaching she loves to shop, nap, watch movies, listen to music and spend time with friends. She loves having game nights and traveling to the beach with her family. Kellie has been married for 11 years to Jamie and they have a 7 year old son named Wyatt. They also have a 14 year old lab named Sophie and a 4 year old dachshund named Hank. She is super excited to begin her next journey here at PWAT and looks forward to sharing her love of art with you! One of her favorite movie quotes is something she feels could be applied to many things, especially art…”Beginnings are scary. Endings are sad, but it’s the middle that counts the most!” -Sandra Bullock

Gillian

Our Studio Manager, Gillian, is a graduate from Newberry College class of 2021 with a Bachelor's of Art and a minor in Business. Her work focuses on the people in her life who inspire her. The portraits are a type of love letter to the subjects, a way to show how beautiful they are to her. She also incorporates her love for films, history, and nostalgia in her artworks. She has been painting her whole life and always says the paintbrush is an extension of her hand. Gillian also has 9 original paintings in the Painting with a Twist Library! Message her Instagram art page if interested in a commission piece from her: @gillianpainting

Ruby Red

Texan Native, Fur Mom, U.S. Army Veteran, Firefighter Wife, and Entrepreneur. Ruby possesses a bachelor's degree in business administration and completed Graphic Design coursework through Savannah College of Art and Design. After moving to the midlands in 2017, Ruby became a business owner of two small businesses, RubyRed's Pet Care, LLC, offering professional pet care in the Irmo/Chapin areas, and Foxy Raven Creative Studio, LLC, focusing on mixed media art, graphic design, and canvas paintings. Ruby is also a member of the Artists of Irmo, bringing more art to the Irmo community, an Irmo Chamber Diplomat and Chapin Chamber Ambassador, liaising with chamber partners and helping other small businesses grow in their local communities. "Life is my teacher, and I've made many happy mistakes! Art and beauty are all around us; we can feel it if we open our hearts."