National chain Painting with a Twist and its art classes arrives in Rocklin
A national paint and sip franchise has arrived in Rocklin, opening its first studio in the Sacramento region.
Painting with a Twist at 4441 Granite Drive offers artist-instructed painting classes, private parties, and DIY projects, according to Benjamin Truitt, the Rocklin studio’s owner. The Rocklin location is the first in the Sacramento region.
Truitt, who is an Air Force veteran of 25 years, first stumbled across a Painting with a Twist location in Colorado. An artist himself, he said opening a franchise in Rocklin was a great way to spread his love of art.
“Art is a vehicle for people to connect with each other, their past and with things that they are passionate about,” Truitt said. “You feel that when you come and do art with people. Even if you’re not a great painter, you can come in and have a great time.”
The 2,4000 square foot studio has a main painting room with a teaching stage, tables, and a party room sectioned off for private events, Truitt said. Because the business allows customers to bring their own wine, those who sign up for a class must be 21 or older. However, Truitt said he and his staff host off-site painting events for children.
Artist-led sessions range from $37 to $59 per person, depending on the class, and private sessions have the same price range. Art supplies are provided and attendees don’t need to have any artistic experience in order to register for a class. If you prefer a drop-by DYI experience, you can pop in the studio or make a reservation. Hours vary by studio.
Spreading art throughout Rocklin
Truitt’s passion for art began in childhood when his older cousin drew comic book characters for him and his brother. Captivated by the comic book art style, he began drawing.
He didn’t pick up painting until later in life, and had some difficulty because of his color blindness.
Although he studied art at Butte College, he said it “wasn’t really what (he) was looking for” and it didn’t spark his passion. So, during his 20s, Truitt joined the Air Force.
But his love for art remained. He even enrolled in the San Francisco Art Institute, but struggled to see how being an artist could provide enough financial support. There was also family pressure, Truitt was known as the one who wanted to grow up to be a “starving artist.”
“It was always ingrained in me that there was no money in it,” Truitt said. “When I started looking at this opportunity...(I saw) a chance to find other artists, who like me when I was younger, had a passion for art but may have not figured out how to make money at it.”
Painting with a Twist in Rocklin employs five artists, including Truitt, according to its website.
The studio is open Tuesdays and Fridays from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 8 p.m. The chain has 300 studios nationwide, according to its website.
