Andrea is the owner of the Urbandale studio. Most of Andrea's professional career has involved editing for various magazines and marketing agencies ... and she dabbled in painting instruction as a fun side gig. Now she's happily replaced her red pen with a paintbrush, and leads the Painting with a Twist charge in the Des Moines Metro. She has degrees in journalism and art, and has traveled extensively to immerse herself in the art and cultures of many destinations.
Hi, I'm Carisa! Art has always been a part of my life. My passion is inspiring and encouraging others to be creative, so I am excited to do that at Painting with a Twist! I grew up in Swea City, Iowa, and graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Art Education. I was a middle school art teacher for 24 years. I love to paint with watercolor and acrylics, and enjoy creating illustrations. When I'm not teaching, I love to go on long walks while listening to podcasts, reading, and watching Star Wars and Marvel movies. I also enjoy spending time with my husband, two sons, and cat named Sheldon Cooper.
I am Emma. I live in Waukee with my husband and dog, Apollo. I have a Bachelor’s degree in English but art (and anything creative) has been in my heart and soul all my life. I’ve dabbled in numerous mediums, but my favorites have been drawing, painting, pyrography/wood-burning, and calligraphy. I also enjoy sculpting, jewelry creations, candle-making, some crochet, yarn work, and photography. In general, I enjoy teaching others to grow and develop — with art, everyone can learn. When I’m not stimulating my mind with art, I can be found reading and/or creative writing while rocking out to music. Let’s have a class together. Come join the fun at Painting with a Twist with me!
My name is Hannah, spelled the same way forwards and backwards. It's a palindrome! :D I am from Des Moines and I like to create just about everything: mosaics, paintings, candles, things with a 3d pen, tattoos, snow sculptures, diamond art, soap-making then carving, and everything in between. I like teaching art to others because I get to do what I love while helping others have a good time and enjoy the experience of making something themselves. I get to have that experience with them! When I'm not at home doing some sort of arts and crafts, I enjoy bowling (even though I'm not very good at it. lol) or spending time with my two amazing and beautiful little girls and our doggie, Jackson.
Hi, I'm Leah! I'm a local artist from Norwalk, and I love painting people, animals, and nature! What I love about teaching others how to paint is that 'aha' moment when someone discovers that they actually CAN paint! That's what makes teaching at Painting with a Twist so fun! My other hobbies (no surprise here) include art: I paint commercial and residential murals, window paintings, and canvas commissions! I also have a very supportive husband and two loving cats. I can't wait to see you in class!
Hi, I'm Rachel. I enjoy art in many forms and grew up in Newton, Iowa, playing in band and orchestra. I have always enjoyed drawing and painting. I am an oil painter who mostly paints flowers and bouquets, and I go to craft shows to sell my art. I believe everyone has an artistic style, whether it is musically, with paint, crafts, games, or writing. In my free time, I like to hang out with my husband and our beautiful dog. I am excited to share in the art community through Painting with a Twist!
Hello! I’m Rebecca. I graduated from Northwest Missouri State University with a BSED in K-12 Art Education and have been teaching junior high and high school art for the last 20 years. I love creating art, exploring a range of materials, and working with all kinds of people. Some of my favorite media include ceramics, pyrography, jewelry, and watercolor. When I am not teaching art, I also like to spend time with my husband and kids. Other things I enjoy are gardening, swimming, taking road trips with the family, and riding motorcycles with my husband. I believe art is great therapy and everyone has the ability to develop their skills. Let’s have fun and create together!
Hello! My name is Stephanie. I am originally from Portland, Oregon, but I live in Ankeny now. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Art Therapy from Concordia University in Nebraska. I love to paint almost anything. Painting has always been one of my favorite hobbies and I love that it can be a part of my job now! I love teaching art to others because I love showing everyone that they are capable of doing some form of art, no matter their experience! Working at Painting with a Twist is so fun because I get to meet so many different people and we’re all here to have a fun time! I love to crochet and embroider as well.