Creve Coeur Natives Launch Social Art Shop

The last time you went out for a night on the town, you might have returned home with a doggy bag of leftovers, but not much else. A pair of graduates are hoping the next time you go out, you'll come home with a painting.

Sisters Patty Donaldson and Mary Schnure are co-owners of Painting With A Twist. It's the first Missouri franchise for the Louisiana based firm, which now has locations in 16 states. The Creve Coeur studio opens Thursday night at 12623 Olive Boulevard.

The premise: you bring your own drinks and snacks, spend a few hours with friends and an art instructor, and leave with a painting. Franchise owners have 1600 designs to choose from when building their calendar, although private parties can select their own.

Schnure comes to the concept with a managerial background in retail, while Donaldson is taking the year off as a middle school teacher after spending 15 years as a social studies, math and language arts teacher.

They don't describe themselves as necessarily "artistic", but did take some classes prior to the opening. They're quick to point out this is not Paint By Numbers.

Donaldson is looking forward to the company's "Paint With A Purpose" program, which will work with local non-profits on events at the studio which will see some proceeds donated to charity.

Schnure said they hope the idea of giving customers something tangible to take away from a night with friends catches on.“It’s an alternative to sitting in a bar. Its more a party than it is really a lesson, but you do leave with some really nice art,” she said.