Leah Maguire, Owner of Painting with a Twist Oklahoma City
Q: What’s the most rewarding part of owning a Painting with a Twist studio and creating a space for people to express themselves through art?
A: The most rewarding part is definitely seeing people proud of what they’ve created or trying something new. I always say we’re about FUN art, not FINE art, and it’s great to make art accessible and not intimidating! I also love that we’re able to employ local artists. As an artist myself, I know how challenging it can be to make a living doing what you love, so I’m really proud to provide that opportunity. On top of that, we host monthly fundraising events called Painting with a Purpose, where we donate the proceeds of a class to a local nonprofit. It’s so fulfilling to combine art, community, and giving back!
Q: What’s the most memorable or unexpected moment you’ve had during a class that made you smile?
A: We have had the honor of facilitating many marriage proposals over the years! I love adding personal touches to make those moments extra special. It’s always heartwarming when guests share their life milestones with us.
Q: Why did you choose to open your Painting with a Twist studio?
A: I actually started working at the Oklahoma City studio as an artist assistant in 2014 and fell in love with the concept of making art accessible to everyone. After managing the studio for the out-of-state owner for four years, I had the opportunity to buy the location in 2020—right in the middle of COVID!
Q: When did you officially take over the studio?
A: I became the owner in 2020, during the peak of the pandemic. It was definitely a challenging time, but it also pushed us to be creative and adapt to the circumstances. I’m proud of what we’ve built and how we’ve come together through it all!
Q: How many paintings do you think are painted in the studio each week (or month)?
A: We probably paint over 50 paintings a month—not counting private events or our other creative offerings like DIY candle making, "Paint Your Pet" classes, and chunky knit blanket workshops!
Q: Do you have a favorite song or playlist that always gets the studio buzzing during classes?
A: Yes! Oldies and 80s music always get the studio singing along. But I love tailoring my playlist to the class! I always ask for song requests.
Fun Facts about Leah:
- I was born and raised in Southern California. I love the people in Oklahoma, but I miss the mountains and beaches!
- I’ve been a professional face painter for 10+ years and used to dress up as Elsa for birthday parties.
- I’m a huge fan of The Office and can pull out an Office quote for almost any situation.