Painting With A Twist Creates Art in Murfreesboro

By Dillon Henderson

Motlow Buzz Contributing Writer

            MURFREESBORO, Tenn.—The Painting with a Twist art studio in Murfreesboro offers a creative place for emerging painters in the community to learn the art of painting from professional artists.

According to Assistant Manager Nicole Martin, painters provide the tools and advice necessary for individuals to create a painting. She was interviewed on Nov. 17 during an event in the studio at 2615 Medical Center Parkway.

Martin said that Painting with a Twist offers a wide range of painting classes for customers who want to create their own artwork. Aspiring artists cans sign up at https://www.paintingwithatwist.com/studio/murfreesboro/.

“The store provides a step-by-step process to help every individual create his or her dream painting,” martin added. “It typically takes two hours for a painting to be created.”

She and her staff work with customers till 12 a.m. on busy weekends and till 10 p.m. on weekdays. PWAT offers a unique and guided experience for its guests.

"Glass Flower Vase" by Dillon Henderson

Upcoming classes and/or workshops at PWAT’s Murfreesboro studio include

* A “For Unto Us” painting class for artists age 15 and over from 6-8 p.m. on Dec. 13.

* A “Tri-Star Ornament” painting class for artists age 15 and over from 7-9 p.m. on Dec. 14.

* A “Holiday Tree of Life” painting class for artists age 7 and over from 3:30-5:30 p.m. on Dec. 15.

* A “Rustic Santa” class for artists age 15 and over from 7-9 p.m. on Dec. 19.

Martin noted that PWAT opened its first studio in Mandeville, Louisiana, after Hurricane Katrina hit that state as a way to provide relief and relaxation. Funds raised by PWAT have been used in the community. The founders, Cathy Deano and Renee Maloney, did not realize they were about to start a national franchise from a self-made local establishment.

Painting with a Twist opened in Rutherford County seven years ago because Murfreesboro franchisee Teresa Johnson loves art and wanted to help artists that she loves and supports. Customers, both young and old, are able to visit PWAT to create something for the Murfreesboro community. PWAT provides a welcoming environment for self-expression and getting to know others.

Martin said that art lovers “can participate in corporate training to learn how to run a successful franchise.” This additional training takes place in New Orleans at Painting with a Twist’s home office. She noted that one key to a successful location is effectively marketing painting classes on social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook.

Martin said future developments for the arts studio will be slow since it is self-made and a non-profit organization, but it will continue to offer more artwork choices. The owners plan to develop more stores around the United States to bring in more revenue and spread their unique concept.

PWAT is locally owned, and customers receive small business perks like knowing staff members who care about artists’ work in the community. The studio holds high standards for customer service and prides itself on showcasing art by local artists for Middle Tennesseans to enjoy.

“The store will be doing holiday paintings all throughout December, and in January we will be going back to moderate paintings our artists have made,” Martin said.

For more information about painting with a Twist in Murfreesboro, visit https://www.paintingwithatwist.com/studio/murfreesboro/faq/. 

50 Karen Refugee Families from Burma Live and Adapt in Smyrna

By Thaw Bwe

Motlow Buzz Reporter

SMYRNA, Tenn. -- There are 50 families of Karen ethnicity starting new lives in Smyrna at 111 Joyner Drive, after fleeing their homeland from Burma and crossing the border of Thailand to become refugees.

 

 The 50 Karen refugee families who started new lives in Smyrna are having a difficult struggle because of language, new culture, laws and jobs. They are thankful to have a Community Center located in their area represented by Teresa Johnson, who is a leader of Community Connections at Chalet Apartments, which started in November 2011.

 

According to Johnson, Community Connections serves all ages, helping students with homework every afternoon. Tutors offer ESL, sewing and Bible study, and they have Karen family meetings to give parents important information about education, laws regarding children, DUI's, and drug and alcohol abuse. Johnson’s hope and prayer is that Karen people will not be in need of help from Community Connections in five years because Karen teenagers will have enough information and language to care for their parents. This may be true as Karen children pick up English quicker than adults and usually have the responsibility to translate for their parents.

 

              The Karen people live in Burma. After World War II, when the Burmese gained independence from the British, the dictatorship of Burma attacked other ethnic groups in its country, including the Karen people, because it wanted more land. It practiced genocide to gain land. Many Karen families lost their homeland, and some were tortured, killed and raped by the dictatorship’s soldiers who gained control from their leader with drugs. Some Karen people crossed the border of Thailand and became refugees. Many are still there today. In 2007, many of them immigrated to other countries, including Australia, England, Canada and America, according to a Karen girl, Shee Ku.

 

            A few Karen teenagers who go to Motlow Community College in Smyrna may be the people who can inspire or be emulated by their young fellow Karen. Shee Ku is the first Karen girl who attended Motlow College. She thought it might be easier for her with less people and a smaller school. According to Ku, college is difficult because English is her second language, but she has the self-confidence to succeed.

         “I will encourage my young Karen students to study hard, never give up, and that everything will be easier for them,” Ku said.

          Johnson explained that she serves the Karen people because of her “love for God the Father and Jesus.” Johnson noted that even though she was born in this land of great opportunity and has never known poverty or oppression of any kind, the “Lord tells us to serve the least of these.” These ethnic Karen have lost their land and possibly a lot of their history. They have chosen a difficult path so their children will have better lives. They are hardworking, kind and gracious people. She feels privileged to serve them.

          “According to Matthew, ‘The King will reply, I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’” Johnson said. “'Give a man a fish, and he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish, and he eats for a lifetime.'”

             For more information about Karen families or how you can volunteer, call (615) 973-0966 or visit http://www.communityservants.org/index.php?p=1_26_Community-Connections .

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