Joey and Kelly Bass saw an opportunity to give something special to the people of Monroe, so they took it. Painting with a Twist was opened in August of last year.

Originally created by two women after Hurricane Katrina, its purpose was to help take peoples’ minds off of the problems around them brought on by the storm.

At Painting with a Twist you can bring your friends or come alone for a painting session. There are over 2,500 paintings to choose from. An artist will instruct you on how to paint the pre-drawn canvas. When you’re finished, you’ll have a piece of artwork you created yourself.

This unique business is a franchise with about 70 locations nationwide.

Joey Bass and his wife, Kelly, were a young couple who noticed that there was not a lot for young adults to do in the area.

Originally from Shreveport, the couple now lives in Monroe.

Not being big into the party or drinking scene, the couple found that going out to eat was pretty much the only thing to really do in Monroe.

Joey Bass always wanted to own his own business.

He started seeing Facebook posts about Painting with a Twist from girls and how much they loved it.

The couple decided to try to bring Painting with a Twist to Monroe.

“It almost didn’t happen,” said Joey Bass.

The thing that always remained in the back of his mind was that he knew if they didn’t do it, someone else would.

After a lot of persistence and being turned down by five banks, the couple finally succeeded.

Now over a year of being in business, Painting with a Twist is a popular Monroe pastime.

“The atmosphere is really relaxed, and it’s a great way to relieve stress,” said Katey Lara, a senior marketing major. Lara also said the staff was super friendly and they make you feel like the best artist.

According to Joey Bass, the most common thing people say about their own artistic abilities is that they can only draw stick figures.

His usual response is, “There’s no stick figures in this painting so you’re good.” Painting with a Twist has over 2,500 paintings to choose from.

They do a lot of girls’ nights, birthday parties and even a few company parties.

A two hour session is $35 a person. A three hour session is $45 a person.

You are allowed to bring anything you want to eat or drink into the session. People have even ordered pizza while painting.

They also do private parties, which cost the same as regular sessions, but you get to pick the painting you want to do. There is a minimum of 10 people to have a private party.