Small Business Spotlight: Painting with a Twist of Scarsdale

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this exciting series — to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

• Business: Painting with a Twist of Scarsdale
• Owners: Lauren Weixeldorfer
• Address: 365 Central Park Ave.
• Website: Painting with a Twist of Scarsdale

How did you come up with name?

It is part of a fast-growing national franchise that provides guests a unique ‘getaway’ through art. A Painting with a Twist class includes friends, paint and the option to BYOB.

What business are you In?

It’s a paint and sip studio, a new place where friends can come together to paint, drink wine and discover their inner artist. Led by local art instructors, guests paint on bare 16” by 20” canvases using paint and brushes provided by the studio. The artwork ranges from landscapes, abstracts and cityscapes, to creative renderings of animals, iconic buildings and florals. Friends gather for an evening of laughs, creativity and camaraderie as they create one-of-a-kind pieces of art to take home and, often, discover a newfound talent.

Why start a business in this town?

Painting with a Twist of Scarsdale is owned and operated by Westchester County native, Lauren Weixeldorfer and Painting with a Twist Co-Founders, Cathy Deano and Renee Maloney. Prior to opening her own studio in Scarsdale, Lauren worked in the franchise development department at the Painting with a Twist corporate office in Mandeville, La. Opening her own studio was the perfect opportunity for Lauren to bring the concept and the company culture she came to love and admire back to her Westchester County roots. Aspiring to bring an entertainment option that offers a new creative outlet to Westchester County, Painting with a Twist is set to open in Scarsdale on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2015. A place where friends come together to paint, drink wine and discover their inner artist, Painting with a Twist of Scarsdale is located at 365 Central Park Ave. in the Archway Plaza next to California Pizza Kitchen.

What has been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?

We open on Nov. 12.

How does your business give back to the community?

In keeping with the founders’ fundraising roots, Painting with a Twist of Scarsdale is passionate about supporting the local community. With the Painting with a Purpose program, Painting with a Twist of Scarsdale donates 50 percent of proceeds to local organizations and charities each month. The studio will hold its first Painting with a Purpose event prior to the grand opening on Sunday, Nov. 8 from 4 – 6 p.m. As part of a national Painting with a Purpose event to honor veterans throughout November, Painting with a Twist of Scarsdale will donate 50 percent of the event’s proceeds to Special Operations Warrior Foundation.

In addition to supporting the local community, Painting with a Twist of Scarsdale offers private parties for corporate team building outings, bachelorette parties, sorority functions, date nights and special events. The studio has one large room that can hold up to 30 people and a party room that seats up to 18 – making painting accessible for a few friends or a private party.

Would you like to see your small business showcased in this series? Email wendy.mitchell@patch.com.