What wine pairs well with art? New business puts creative twist on painting

Does pinot pair with painting? How does a cab set with candle making?

Creative types and those who would like to try their hands at artistic endeavors will have a chance to find out since a national franchise opened its first Idaho location.

Painting with a Twist bills itself as a paint-and-sip business and the latest location opened at 9931 W. Cable Car, Ste. 160, in Boise by Heather Montgomery. Based in New Orleans, the business has 230 other locations either opened or in development in 37 states.

According to its website, Painting with a Twist describes itself as a fun destination for things like girls’ night out, date nights, Mother’s Day events, family days, team building or other events. “No creative or artistic skills are needed. Painting with a Twist is all about connecting with friends over a glass of wine, your favorite snacks and a night of laughs.”

Montgomery, a Treasure Valley-based graphic designer with experience teaching at North Idaho College, will run the business with her fiancé. The two also own a trophy store, Boise Full Moon Bike Ride and have roles with SkiCulture.org.

“We’re excited and honored to bring Painting with a Twist to Idaho for the first time,” Montgomery said. “We’re passionate about creating a fun, social space where people of all ages and skills ― whether they’re seasoned artists or not ― can come together and express themselves. We do a lot in the community already, and this felt like the natural extension of that. We really want this to be a place where everyone feels comfortable and safe exploring their creativity, even if they’ve never picked up a paintbrush before.”

A grand opening ceremony is scheduled to be held on May 7 along with an open house from 5:30-7 p.m. After the ceremony, the studio will hold its first painting event. The business is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. More information can be found at the location’s website.