Gwinnett Daily Post

LAWRENCEVILLE -- If you thought downtown Lawrenceville had it all, you were wrong -- until now.

Today, Painting with a Twist of Lawrenceville celebrates its grand opening to the public.

Two sister-in-laws Suzette and Felicia Riley wanted to open a new place "where friends come together to paint, enjoy their favorite beverage, snacks and to discover their inner artist in a lively fun atmosphere."

"The studio is designed to provide guests with a fun night out -- a chance to escape from reality while stimulating their creativity, combined with laughing, singing and dancing during the process," Suzette Riley said. "We are offering lighthearted entertainment that merges creativity and a social gathering where friends come together to create memorable pieces of artwork."

Patrons pay for an art lesson, complete with an art teacher, paint, brushes, canvases and aprons, plus they are allowed to bring in alcohol to drink during the session.

Painting with a Twist will donate 50 percent of its proceeds to a local nonprofit each month.

The store is located at 178 E. Crogan St., Suite 230, in Lawrenceville and is open daily from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. For more information, call 678-226-4970 or visit www.paintingwithatwist.com/Lawrenceville.

Painting with a Twist is based in Mandeville, La., with more than 70 locations throughout the United States.